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A union drive led by the United Auto Workers has begun at a large electric-vehicle battery manufacturing complex in Kentucky, signaling the union’s push into the growing EV supply chain. The effort reflects broader labor momentum in key sectors as workers seek to organize and improve conditions in rapidly expanding industries.

The U.S. reported a drop in initial jobless claims, but continuing claims—those out of work for longer—rose, signalling persistent labor-market weakness. The figures arrive amid broader concerns about hiring demand and job market dynamics.

Emerging from bankruptcy, Spirit has reached deals with its pilots’ and flight attendants’ unions to implement pay and benefits reductions starting in 2026. Pilots will see an 8 % hourly pay cut and their retirement contribution halved, with phased restorations expected in 2028-29. The flight attendants’ agreement includes maintained base pay and health benefits but eliminates some overtime and ground holding pay.

Starbucks baristas in more than 40 U.S. cities have launched an open-ended strike after contract negotiations with the company collapsed, marking one of the largest coordinated actions in the chain’s history. The union, Starbucks Workers United, represents 11,000 workers and accuses the company of bargaining in bad faith while pushing for better wages, staffing, and protections. As the strike escalates, political leaders including mayor-elects in New York City and Seattle have publicly backed workers and called for customers to boycott Starbucks until a fair contract is reached.

A Senate committee postponed the confirmation hearing for Charlton Allen, Trump’s nominee for general counsel of the Federal Labor Relations Authority, citing paperwork issues. The FLRA general counsel plays a crucial role in prosecuting federal labor law violations, and the delay leaves the agency’s enforcement capacity in continued uncertainty. Allen, previously nominated for another federal role, has a political consulting background and hosts a podcast titled “The Modern Federalist.”

A federal judge halted the Trump administration’s attempt to cancel collective bargaining rights for Voice of America and U.S. Agency for Global Media employees, ruling that Trump wrongly invoked “national security” to justify stripping unions. Judge Paul Friedman found the order retaliatory, pointing to Trump’s months-long push to dismantle VOA and prior attempts already blocked by the courts. Without the injunction, unions warned that employees could lose representation entirely and face imminent layoffs.

Boeing defense workers in the St. Louis region voted to approve a new labor agreement, formally ending a strike that lasted more than three months. The contract includes wage increases, bonuses, and improved benefits for the 3,200 members of IAM District 837, who had previously rejected multiple company offers. With the strike concluded, Boeing can resume delayed production of key military aircraft such as the F-15EX.

The Transport Workers Union Local 234, representing about 5,000 workers at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), has voted to authorize a strike if contract negotiations fail. Key issues include unequal sick-pay policies and wages. Contract expiration is noted as November 7.

Tens of thousands of workers at the University of California system — including custodians, food-service staff and patient-care technicians represented by AFSCME Local 3299 — began a two-day strike on Nov 17. The union says offered wage increases (5% in 2025, then 4% and 3% in subsequent years) fall far short of the 8.5% now demanded, especially given surging healthcare and housing costs.

The Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee will vote on November 19 on the nomination of Scott Mayer, a Boeing-company lawyer, to fill a seat on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The appointment could affect the federal board’s capacity to act on labor disputes, especially as it currently lacks a quorum.