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A tentative labor agreement has been reached between commercial producers and the union representing thousands of actors, dancers, and stage managers, bringing some relief to Broadway. However, musicians represented by AFM Local 802 remain in active negotiations and have authorized a strike. While actors await a ratification vote, the musicians’ union continues pushing for a deal, with both sides hoping to avoid a disruptive work stoppage.

Labor tensions at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Buffalo are heating up as union supporters call for guests and event organizers to avoid the hotel. Workers say the hotel’s ownership has refused to recognize their union and retaliated against organizers, including firing a front desk employee who helped lead the effort. With cases pending before the NLRB and stalled due to the government shutdown, union members say public pressure is their strongest remaining tool. The boycott is intended to push Douglas Development, the hotel’s owner, to come to the table.

Stacy Davis Gates, current president of the Chicago Teachers Union, has been unanimously elected to lead the Illinois Federation of Teachers, which represents over 100,000 educators and public employees statewide. This marks a major leadership shift for the IFT following Dan Montgomery’s 15-year tenure. While some critics question her combative approach, others believe her values-driven leadership and negotiation experience will bring strength to the role. Observers note that navigating the differing political landscapes between Chicago and the rest of the state will be a key challenge in her transition.

Several major labor unions, including the American Federation of Teachers, Communications Workers of America, and the United Auto Workers, have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s surveillance of immigrants’ social media activity. The suit, filed in New York, argues that monitoring and potentially deporting visa holders based on their online posts violates First Amendment protections and suppresses lawful speech. The unions claim that members have scaled back union-related expression out of fear of immigration consequences. The administration has defended its actions by citing national security concerns, while critics argue it's part of a broader campaign to silence political dissent.

Contract talks between Boeing and more than 3,200 striking aerospace workers are set to resume Monday with help from a federal mediator. The workers, based in the St. Louis area, have been on strike since August over disputes regarding wages and job security. Their absence has already delayed F-15EX fighter jet deliveries to the U.S. Air Force. The union recently filed an unfair labor practice charge, accusing Boeing of refusing to bargain in good faith. Lawmakers from both parties have criticized the company’s handling of the situation.

A group of major Starbucks shareholders — including the New York City Comptroller — is urging the company to return to the bargaining table with its workers’ union after over a year of stalled negotiations. In a public letter, they expressed concerns about the company’s strained labor relations, pointing to hundreds of unfair labor practice complaints and recent store closures, including a prominent unionized location in Seattle. While Starbucks has stated it’s willing to resume talks, union members remain critical of proposals that lack immediate economic benefits. More than 650 Starbucks stores across the U.S. are now unionized.

Ongoing contract negotiations between the University of Delaware and its campus police union have sparked growing concerns over pay, staffing, and safety. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 says officers are leaving for better-paying jobs at local police departments, citing a starting salary gap of nearly $20,000. Officers also report being overworked due to understaffing, with some pulling 17-hour shifts and frequent mandatory overtime for campus events. While the university says it’s working in good faith to reach an agreement, the union claims months of delay and misaligned salary comparisons are stalling progress. Talks may move into mediation if no deal is reached soon.

Thousands of workers marched through Athens on Tuesday during a 24-hour general strike—the second this month—called by labor unions to oppose a new labor law. The legislation would allow employers to extend shifts up to 13 hours, prompting concerns over exploitation and erosion of work-life balance. Transportation was disrupted nationwide, and unions are demanding the bill be withdrawn, along with broader reforms like a 35-hour work week and restored collective bargaining rights.

A full draft of the contract proposal offered to Chattanooga auto workers has been made public amid stalled negotiations between the United Auto Workers (UAW) and Volkswagen. The company’s offer features a 20% wage increase over four years, a $4,000 signing bonus, and cost-of-living adjustments, alongside reduced healthcare costs and temporary layoff protections. Union leaders, however, have raised concerns about the quality of healthcare benefits and lack of job security, with some accusing Volkswagen of violating federal labor laws. Although strike training has taken place, the UAW has not yet conducted a formal strike authorization vote.

Small business owners in San Joaquin County voiced strong opposition to a new labor agreement initiative that would prioritize unionized labor in construction projects. The county board voted 4-1 to begin drafting a Community Workforce Training Agreement (CWTA) with local building trades unions, aiming to boost local hiring and apprenticeship opportunities. Non-union contractors argue the agreement could shut them out of public contracts and stifle competition. Supporters, including union leaders and county officials, contend it would create well-paying, local jobs and reduce long commutes for residents. A draft agreement is expected within 90 days.