Seneca County, PBA likely to go to impasse on contract with deputies
Contract talks between Seneca County officials and the Sheriff’s Police Benevolent Association appear to have stalled after more than a year of negotiations. The union filed an impasse notice with the New York State Public Employment Relations Board, which could lead to mediation and possibly arbitration if no deal is reached. Deputies have been working without a contract since December, and the union argues that low pay is driving recruitment and retention problems. County leaders, meanwhile, say they must balance fair wages with maintaining financial stability for taxpayers.
See "Seneca County, PBA likely to go to impasse on contract with deputies", Louise Broach, Finger Lake Times, October 22, 2025
Unions Urge Pension Funds to Downvote Musk’s Pay in New Campaign
A coalition of major labor unions and advocacy groups is urging pension funds and other large investors to reject Tesla’s proposed $1 trillion pay package for CEO Elon Musk. The campaign, announced Wednesday, comes ahead of a Nov. 6 shareholder vote on the deal, which could grant Musk the full payout over 10 years if Tesla meets certain performance goals. Union leaders argue the plan concentrates too much power in Musk’s hands and diverts value from workers whose retirement funds are tied to Tesla stock. The American Federation of Teachers and the Communications Workers of America are among those leading the effort, joining proxy advisors Glass Lewis and ISS in opposing the proposal.
See "Unions Urge Pension Funds to Downvote Musk’s Pay in New Campaign", Chris Marr, Bloomberg Law, October 22, 2025
Amazon Union Gets Court Approval to Help Defend NY Labor Law
A federal judge approved the Amazon Labor Union’s request to intervene in a lawsuit over New York’s new labor law that expands state authority in private-sector labor relations. The law, similar to one passed in California, is being challenged by Amazon and the NLRB as conflicting with federal labor statutes. If upheld, these state laws could reshape how union disputes are handled nationwide.
See "Amazon Union Gets Court Approval to Help Defend NY Labor Law", Chris Marr, Bloomberg Law News, October 22, 2025
Broadway Actors and Producers Reach Tentative Labor Deal, but Musicians Still Threaten A Strike
A tentative labor agreement has been reached between commercial producers and the union representing thousands of actors, dancers, and stage managers, bringing some relief to Broadway. However, musicians represented by AFM Local 802 remain in active negotiations and have authorized a strike. While actors await a ratification vote, the musicians’ union continues pushing for a deal, with both sides hoping to avoid a disruptive work stoppage.
See "Broadway Actors and Producers Reach Tentative Labor Deal, but Musicians Still Threaten A Strike", Mark Kennedy, Abc7, October 20, 2025
Calls to boycott Buffalo Hyatt Regency amid labor dispute
Labor tensions at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Buffalo are heating up as union supporters call for guests and event organizers to avoid the hotel. Workers say the hotel’s ownership has refused to recognize their union and retaliated against organizers, including firing a front desk employee who helped lead the effort. With cases pending before the NLRB and stalled due to the government shutdown, union members say public pressure is their strongest remaining tool. The boycott is intended to push Douglas Development, the hotel’s owner, to come to the table.
See "Calls to boycott Buffalo Hyatt Regency amid labor dispute", Rob Hackford, WGRZ, October 20, 2025
CTU President Stacy Davis Gates tabbed to lead state teachers union
Stacy Davis Gates, current president of the Chicago Teachers Union, has been unanimously elected to lead the Illinois Federation of Teachers, which represents over 100,000 educators and public employees statewide. This marks a major leadership shift for the IFT following Dan Montgomery’s 15-year tenure. While some critics question her combative approach, others believe her values-driven leadership and negotiation experience will bring strength to the role. Observers note that navigating the differing political landscapes between Chicago and the rest of the state will be a key challenge in her transition.
See "CTU President Stacy Davis Gates tabbed to lead state teachers union", Mary Ann Ahern, NBC Chicago, October 20, 2025
Labor groups sue Trump admin over social media surveillance of noncitizens
Several major labor unions, including the American Federation of Teachers, Communications Workers of America, and the United Auto Workers, have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s surveillance of immigrants’ social media activity. The suit, filed in New York, argues that monitoring and potentially deporting visa holders based on their online posts violates First Amendment protections and suppresses lawful speech. The unions claim that members have scaled back union-related expression out of fear of immigration consequences. The administration has defended its actions by citing national security concerns, while critics argue it's part of a broader campaign to silence political dissent.
See "Labor groups sue Trump admin over social media surveillance of noncitizens", Ja'Han Jones, MSNBC, October 17, 2025
Boeing, striking union to resume contract talks on Monday with federal mediator
Contract talks between Boeing and more than 3,200 striking aerospace workers are set to resume Monday with help from a federal mediator. The workers, based in the St. Louis area, have been on strike since August over disputes regarding wages and job security. Their absence has already delayed F-15EX fighter jet deliveries to the U.S. Air Force. The union recently filed an unfair labor practice charge, accusing Boeing of refusing to bargain in good faith. Lawmakers from both parties have criticized the company’s handling of the situation.
See "Boeing, striking union to resume contract talks on Monday with federal mediator", Dan Catchpole and Nathan Gomes, Reuters, October 17, 2025
NYC Comptroller and other investors urge Starbucks to restart union talks
A group of major Starbucks shareholders — including the New York City Comptroller — is urging the company to return to the bargaining table with its workers’ union after over a year of stalled negotiations. In a public letter, they expressed concerns about the company’s strained labor relations, pointing to hundreds of unfair labor practice complaints and recent store closures, including a prominent unionized location in Seattle. While Starbucks has stated it’s willing to resume talks, union members remain critical of proposals that lack immediate economic benefits. More than 650 Starbucks stores across the U.S. are now unionized.
See "NYC Comptroller and other investors urge Starbucks to restart union talks", Staff, Reuters, October 17, 2025
University police union cites safety and pay concerns amid continuing contract talks
Ongoing contract negotiations between the University of Delaware and its campus police union have sparked growing concerns over pay, staffing, and safety. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 says officers are leaving for better-paying jobs at local police departments, citing a starting salary gap of nearly $20,000. Officers also report being overworked due to understaffing, with some pulling 17-hour shifts and frequent mandatory overtime for campus events. While the university says it’s working in good faith to reach an agreement, the union claims months of delay and misaligned salary comparisons are stalling progress. Talks may move into mediation if no deal is reached soon.
See "University police union cites safety and pay concerns amid continuing contract talks ", Ethan Grandin, The Review, October 15, 2025
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