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The National Labor Relations Board told U.S. lawmakers that proposed budget cuts would severely limit its ability to investigate unfair labor practices and process union‑election cases. NLRB officials said staffing levels are already at historic lows despite a surge in organizing activity nationwide. During the hearing, Democratic lawmakers accused Republicans of undermining the agency’s independence by pressuring it over high‑profile cases involving major employers. Republican members countered that the NLRB has overreached in recent decisions and needs stronger oversight.

A major entertainment‑industry union filed suit against several record labels, alleging they violated collective‑bargaining agreements by signing AI‑related deals without union approval. The complaint argues that the companies’ agreements with AI‑music firms undermine job security for human performers and sidestep required bargaining over new technology. Union leaders say the labels are attempting to reshape production workflows without addressing copyright, compensation, or displacement risks. The companies have not publicly commented on the lawsuit.

A Kenyan outsourcing firm contracted by Meta abruptly fired dozens of content‑moderation workers shortly after they organized for better pay and mental‑health protections. Workers say they were targeted for union activity and for raising concerns about exposure to graphic and traumatic content. The company denies retaliation and claims the dismissals were part of restructuring. Labor advocates say the case highlights how global tech companies rely on outsourced labor while distancing themselves from accountability for working conditions.

A new discussion has emerged around President Trump's proposal to use tariffs against countries accused of failing to address forced labor practices. Labor advocates generally support stronger action against forced labor, but experts argue tariffs alone may not effectively improve conditions for workers and could create unintended consequences for global supply chains. The debate highlights the intersection of trade policy, human rights, and labor standards in the global economy.

The world's largest union representing instrumental musicians filed a lawsuit against major record labels including Warner Music and Universal Music over AI licensing practices. Union leaders argue that companies are using or licensing musicians' performances for AI-related purposes without sufficient consent, compensation, or protections. The case highlights growing labor concerns about how artificial intelligence could affect creative workers and reshape compensation systems in the entertainment industry.

Norwegian oil companies and labor unions reached a wage agreement just before nearly 8% of the country's offshore oil workforce was prepared to strike. Workers had demanded raises exceeding inflation and threatened work stoppages that could have disrupted energy production. The settlement demonstrates the continued bargaining power of unions in strategic industries and prevented potential impacts on European energy markets.

The main union at Colombia's state-owned oil company, Ecopetrol, launched a 24-hour strike after nearly a month of contract negotiations failed to produce meaningful progress. Workers are demanding substantial wage increases, shorter work schedules, and improved healthcare and education benefits. The union argues management has delayed negotiations, while the company says it remains committed to reaching an agreement. The dispute affects thousands of direct employees and contractors across Colombia's energy sector.

Teachers represented by the CNTE union are continuing large-scale protests in Mexico City and warning they could disrupt World Cup-related activities if their demands are not addressed. Workers are seeking significant salary increases and the repeal of pension reforms they say have harmed educators. The dispute highlights the political influence of organized labor in Mexico and demonstrates how unions can leverage major international events to amplify their demands.

With a nationwide general strike, Portugal is experiencing shut down trains, disrupted flights, closed schools, and delayed hospital services. Unions are protesting a government proposal that would make it easier for employers to increase working hours, use temporary contracts, and dismiss workers. Labor leaders argue the reforms would weaken worker protections and collective bargaining rights, while the government says they are necessary to improve economic competitiveness. The strike is one of the country's largest labor actions in years.

Train drivers represented by the RMT union will proceed with planned strikes after last-minute negotiations with Transport for London failed to reach a resolution. Workers argue that proposed scheduling changes and a new four-day workweek model could increase fatigue and create safety concerns. Transit officials expect significant service disruptions across parts of the Underground network this week. The dispute highlights continuing tensions between employers seeking scheduling flexibility and unions focused on workload and worker safety.