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The White House announced that President Donald Trump has instructed the Department of Homeland Security to distribute back pay to all federal employees affected by the recent government shutdown. According to the report, the directive aims to ensure that workers receive compensation promptly after weeks of uncertainty. The administration framed the move as a step toward restoring stability following the shutdown’s operational disruptions. The article also notes that the order covers both essential and furloughed personnel.

The National Labor Relations Board has ruled that Amazon is legally required to bargain with the Amazon Labor Union representing workers at the JFK8 warehouse in Staten Island. This decision rejects Amazon’s long‑running challenge to the union’s 2022 election victory, which the company argued was tainted by misconduct. The ruling reinforces the union’s status despite years of litigation, though Amazon is expected to continue appealing. The article notes that the case is one of the most high‑profile labor disputes involving the company.

Malaysia has announced that federal civil servants will shift to working from home on certain days as part of a national effort to cut electricity consumption and reduce government spending. The policy is framed as a response to rising energy costs and the need for more efficient public‑sector operations. Officials emphasized that essential services will continue in person, but administrative roles can be performed remotely without disruption. The government also signaled that the measure may expand if it proves effective.

The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor is backing a potential strike by LAUSD teachers and school workers amid stalled contract negotiations. Unions are pushing for higher pay, better staffing, and improved working conditions in response to cost-of-living pressures. The support signals broader labor movement involvement, elevating the dispute beyond a single workplace.

Efforts are underway by UK Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski—a London Assembly member known for his pro-worker, left-wing platform—to persuade trade unions to shift political funding away from the Labour Party toward the Greens. The move reflects growing frustration among some union members who feel Labour has not gone far enough on workers’ rights and economic justice. While most major unions remain historically aligned with Labour, internal debates suggest some openness to diversifying political support. The situation highlights a potential shift in traditional labor-party alliances and increased competition for union backing in UK politics.

Rising fuel prices in Australia are straining workers across multiple sectors, particularly home-care workers who must cover travel costs and are effectively losing income. Unions warn this could worsen labor shortages as workers cut hours or leave jobs, especially in essential care services. Farmers, construction workers, and waste services are also facing higher operating costs, leading to reduced activity and delayed hiring.

Around 1,000 workers at Australia’s public broadcaster (ABC) went on strike for the first time in 20 years over pay and working conditions. Employees rejected a proposed wage increase, arguing it did not keep up with inflation and excluded some workers. The strike disrupted programming and highlights tensions over real wages and job security.

Lufthansa and the Verdi union reached a collective bargaining agreement covering over 20,000 ground workers after multiple negotiation rounds. The deal includes a 4.65% wage increase split into two phases, though some workers (in passenger services) will see delayed raises due to business challenges. While this agreement eases tensions with ground staff, ongoing disputes and strikes with pilots and flight attendants highlight continued labor conflict within the airline.

Germany’s chemical workers’ union (IGBCE) reached a collective bargaining agreement with employers to delay wage increases until 2027 due to a weak economic outlook and geopolitical pressures (including war-related energy costs). Instead of immediate raises, workers will receive gradual increases (2.1% in 2027 and 2.4% in 2028). The deal also includes employer contributions to a job security fund. This reflects a cooperative labor-management compromise prioritizing job stability over short-term wage gains.

Spanish airport ground‑handling unions suspended the first planned strike days for Easter weekend, even though additional stoppages are still scheduled in the days ahead. Workers at Groundforce and Menzies had planned walkouts over wage disputes tied to inflation adjustments and pay‑scale implementation. While the initial cancellations reduce immediate disruption, passengers are warned to expect delays, long queues, and baggage issues on the remaining strike dates. Authorities advised travelers to arrive early and monitor flight updates closely.