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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.

During a confirmation hearing for his nomination to the NLRB, Boeing’s labor attorney Scott Mayer faced tough questioning from Senators Josh Hawley and Bernie Sanders over the ongoing St. Louis strike. The senators criticized Boeing for underpaying its machinists while awarding multi-million-dollar exit packages to executives. Sanders called the union's proposal fair and modest, comparing it to a more generous contract Boeing signed in Washington. Mayer distanced himself from the dispute, claiming he wasn’t involved in negotiations.

Montreal’s second transit strike is ending with no deal reached between maintenance workers and the city’s transit agency. The work stoppage limited metro and bus service to rush hours for more than two weeks. Union leaders have warned a third strike could follow if negotiations remain stalled.

President Trump’s nominees to the National Labor Relations Board told a Senate panel they would remain independent in their decision-making, despite growing concerns over political influence following the firing of a Democratic board member. James Murphy and Scott Mayer, the two nominees, stressed their commitment to applying the law impartially, even as Trump asserts greater control over independent agencies. Lawmakers pressed them on labor disputes and the board’s mounting case backlog, which has grown since the NLRB lost its quorum. While supporters view the nominees as experienced and capable, critics worry that recent executive actions could erode the board’s autonomy. A full Senate vote will follow if the committee approves their appointments.

California has enacted a new law that allows the state to intervene in union elections and workplace disputes when federal regulators fail to act. Assembly Bill 288 gives the California Public Employment Relations Board authority to step in when the National Labor Relations Board lacks a quorum or delays action for over six months. Supporters say the measure protects workers’ rights amid federal dysfunction and sweeping staff cuts under the Trump administration. Business groups argue the law oversteps legal boundaries and could face constitutional challenges. The bill also establishes a state enforcement fund, supported by employer penalties, to finance the board’s expanded role.

Labor and employment investigations across federal agencies have largely paused due to the ongoing government shutdown, delaying case resolutions for both workers and employers. Agencies like the Department of Labor, NLRB, and EEOC are operating with minimal staff, halting enforcement of key laws related to discrimination, union rights, and wage violations. While essential safety inspections and imminent threats will still be addressed, routine investigations, hearings, and outreach have been suspended. Critics warn the shutdown could create long-term case backlogs and discourage workers from filing claims. The freeze also affects visa processing and labor certifications, leaving some foreign workers in limbo.

A labor dispute between Nigeria’s oil workers’ union and the Dangote Refinery has escalated, with the union ordering an immediate halt to gas and crude deliveries following mass layoffs. The union claims over 800 Nigerian workers were dismissed and replaced by foreign staff, calling the refinery’s actions unjustified. Dangote management argues the cuts were necessary for safety and efficiency, labeling the union’s move as unlawful interference. The standoff adds pressure to the $20 billion facility, already struggling with crude shortages and foreign exchange issues. A prolonged shutdown could disrupt fuel supplies and worsen economic instability in Nigeria.

Investor pressure and underperformance have led to a leadership shakeup at CSX railroad, with CEO Joe Hinrichs stepping down less than two months after calls for a merger or his removal. Steve Angel, a veteran executive with experience in industrial sectors, has been appointed as the new CEO. Proponents believe Angel’s background in mergers and acquisitions could help CSX navigate growing consolidation in the rail industry. Others caution that recent operational disruptions, not leadership alone, may have driven the company’s struggles. The change comes as competitors prepare for a major Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger.

South Korea’s proposal to implement a 4.5-day workweek is drawing sharp criticism from business groups concerned about rising costs and lagging productivity. The plan, a key initiative of President Lee Jae Myung, aims to boost work-life balance and address demographic challenges by cutting weekly hours without reducing pay. Supporters say shorter hours could improve quality of life and tackle low birth rates, while employers warn the move is premature given Korea’s labor productivity remains well below that of advanced economies. Small businesses and industry leaders argue that without gains in efficiency, the shift could widen the gap between wages and output. A new bill and task force are expected to shape the roadmap by year’s end.

After nearly two months of striking, Boeing Defense and the machinists’ union IAM 837 have agreed to resume contract negotiations with a federal mediator present. The union, representing over 3,200 workers across Missouri and Illinois, is pushing for better wages, retirement benefits, and a larger ratification bonus than Boeing’s previous offers. Tensions escalated after Boeing dismissed the union’s proposed contract as a publicity stunt, while union leaders insisted they’re ready to negotiate without restrictions. Political figures, including Senator Bernie Sanders and local Democratic congressmen, have voiced support for the workers. The renewed talks follow a week of public sparring and a planned rally to bolster union solidarity.