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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.

As the federal government shutdown extends beyond a week, hundreds of thousands of furloughed workers face mounting anxiety over missed paychecks and growing debt. Employees from the National Labor Relations Board told several sources that the shutdown halts investigations into unfair labor practices and leaves both staff and the public without crucial services. Workers earning under $50,000 are especially vulnerable, with many considering credit cards or loans to get by. Others still on the job, like a Department of Veterans Affairs employee, described worsening morale and “moral injury” amid ongoing layoffs and political gridlock. Despite hardships, many federal workers say they remain committed to public service.

The British Columbia General Employees' Union has expanded its strike to include all unionized staff in the province's adult correctional facilities, increasing the number of affected sites to over 470 and involving 25,000 public workers. The union says this move reflects frustration over the government's slow response in contract negotiations. While the province insists essential services at jails remain unaffected, other programming may be reduced. The strike, now in its sixth week, follows rallies and demonstrations across British Columbia. Separately, the Professional Employees Association also intensified its job actions, calling for higher wage increases than the government’s current offer.

Two former commissioners of the Bureau of Labor Statistics expressed concern that recent criticism of the agency has contributed to a loss of trust and the departure of senior staff. At a Cato Institute event, they noted that 12 of 35 senior leaders have left and emphasized the need to modernize data collection methods. The remarks followed repeated public statements from President Trump questioning the accuracy of jobs data. The former officials argued that strong public confidence is essential for the agency’s mission.

The AFL-CIO is pushing back against the Senate’s proposed crypto legislation, warning it lacks worker safeguards and enables risky financial practices. In a letter to Senate Banking leaders, the union called the Responsible Financial Innovation Act a “facade of regulation” that could endanger pensions and reduce oversight. The bill would allow FDIC-insured banks to hold crypto and permit retirement plans to invest in it, raising fears of 2008-style financial risks.

Labor and community groups are calling for a boycott of Airbnb over its $120 million lawsuit against San Francisco. At a rally outside the company’s headquarters, city supervisors and union leaders argued the lawsuit diverts critical public funds. They urged travelers to choose unionized hotels or compliant rental platforms instead. A boycott website has been launched to build support.

A Pratt & Whitney worker in Middletown has filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board against leaders of the International Association of Machinists Local Lodge 700. Christopher Utley alleges union officials violated his rights by disciplining him after he resigned from the union and continued working during a May strike. He also claims leaders falsely told him Pratt & Whitney was a “closed shop” requiring union membership or termination. Utley is being represented for free by the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation.

A federal review into Australia’s welfare compliance system has come under fire after multiple errors were found in a $440,000 report partly generated using AI. The report, prepared for the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, included fabricated references and flawed citations. Deloitte, the consulting firm behind it, agreed to refund part of its fee but defended the report’s conclusions. Critics say the incident raises concerns about overreliance on AI and the quality control of outsourced government work.

No layoffs have occurred yet from the ongoing government shutdown, though the White House warned they may be imminent. Senate efforts to pass funding bills have stalled as Democrats insist on healthcare subsidy extensions. President Trump’s claim that layoffs were happening “right now” was later clarified to refer to furloughed workers. As the shutdown enters its seventh day, pressure is mounting with possible delays to military pay and air travel.

After speaking out about poor working conditions at the Kettle Chips plant in Salem, Alejandra Marcos was fired but later won a $35,000 labor dispute settlement. The company offered to reinstate her, but she declined, prioritizing justice over compensation. As part of the agreement, the employers had to train managers on labor rights and post notices affirming workers’ protections. Marcos says her fight was to prevent others from facing the same injustice.