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An investor coalition asked Starbucks shareholders to vote against several board members, citing the company’s handling of ongoing labor disputes with unionizing workers. The group argues that the board has not adequately overseen labor‑relations strategy or addressed legal risks tied to union complaints. Starbucks maintains that it is committed to bargaining in good faith and improving workplace conditions. The vote will take place at the company’s upcoming annual meeting.

UAW Local 4811 voted to authorize a potential unfair‑labor‑practice strike covering roughly 40,000 academic workers across the University of California system. The union says the UC administration has violated bargaining rules and failed to address concerns raised during previous negotiations. UC officials dispute the allegations and say they remain committed to following established labor processes. A strike has not been scheduled, but the vote gives union leadership the authority to call one if talks break down.

Employees at the Fayette County Detention Center raised concerns about staffing shortages after a detainee’s escape attempt left an officer injured. Workers say chronic understaffing has increased safety risks for both staff and inmates. Local officials acknowledge the challenges but say they are working to fill vacancies and improve conditions. The incident has renewed calls from employees for stronger staffing commitments.

A new survey found that roughly one‑third of UK employers expect to reduce hiring because of upcoming labor reforms. Businesses say the changes—such as expanded worker protections and new employment rules—will raise costs and administrative burdens. Supporters of the reforms argue they will improve job security and workplace standards. The findings highlight ongoing tensions between employer groups and policymakers over labor regulation.

A labor dispute involving Kenya Airports Authority workers caused delays at Nairobi’s main international airport. Staff raised concerns about pay, job security, and working conditions, prompting slowdowns that disrupted passenger processing. Management said it was working to resolve the issues and restore normal operations. The government urged both sides to continue negotiations.

New federal data shows the U.S. added 130,000 jobs in January, far surpassing expectations and easing fears of a sharp labor‑market slowdown. Health care, social assistance, and construction drove most of the gains, while some white‑collar sectors continued to shed jobs. The unemployment rate dipped to 4.3%, suggesting continued resilience despite high‑profile layoffs. These numbers will likely influence upcoming labor‑policy debates, including wage standards and workforce‑training initiatives.

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ended its multi‑year case accusing SpaceX of firing engineers involved in an open letter critical of Elon Musk. The agency said a recent National Mediation Board opinion places SpaceX under the Railway Labor Act, not the National Labor Relations Act. This shift removes the NLRB’s authority over the company and effectively ends the complaint. The decision marks a major win for SpaceX and signals the NLRB will avoid future cases involving the firm.

A planned multi‑day rail strike in Spain was halted after unions reached an agreement with the government addressing safety and infrastructure concerns. The strike had been expected to disrupt travel nationwide, with operators already adjusting schedules and canceling services. Union leaders argued that deteriorating safety conditions and insufficient maintenance required urgent action. The last‑minute deal allowed train services to resume, easing pressure on commuters and travelers.

A breakdown in contract negotiations between educators and the San Francisco Unified School District led teachers to launch their first strike in decades. The union is seeking higher wages, better healthcare coverage, and staffing increases, particularly in special‑education roles. District officials cite a significant budget deficit and say they cannot meet the union’s full demands, offering a smaller raise instead. Talks are ongoing as schools remain closed and both sides work toward a compromise.