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A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction stopping New York’s labor board from enforcing a new state law that would let it handle private-sector labor disputes while the National Labor Relations Board lacks a quorum. The ruling sided with Amazon, which argued the law illegally intrudes on federal authority under long-standing labor precedent. The case stems from PERB’s attempt to hear a complaint involving the firing of a union leader at Amazon’s JFK8 warehouse, and the judge said allowing the state board to proceed risked conflicting rulings and irreparable harm.

A union which represents roughly 2 million workers at major Japanese manufacturers, announced plans to demand a base pay increase of about 12,000 yen (~US$77/month) in 2026 — the same target as last year. This push signals continued union pressure for wage growth in Japan’s industrial sector, at a time when inflation and economic stagnation have eroded real incomes. It may influence broader wage negotiations nationwide.

The telecom giant Telefonica plans to lay off 5,040 workers in Spain — roughly 20% of its workforce — as part of a cost-cutting strategy. Unions say the cuts would affect major divisions like Telefónica España and Telefónica Móviles, sparking fears of large-scale job losses and labor unrest. Such a large round of layoffs could trigger widespread industrial action and negotiations across Europe’s telecommunications sector. It also underscores growing pressure on companies to reduce costs amid uncertain macroeconomic conditions.

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.