US Senate bill’s clean energy cuts draw backlash from labor, business
Labor leaders are warning that the Senate’s proposed clean energy cuts could trigger massive job losses. Sean McGarvey of North America’s Building Trades Unions called the bill “the biggest job-killing bill in the history of this country,” equating it to canceling over 1,000 Keystone XL pipeline projects. The legislation threatens construction jobs tied to renewable energy by slashing subsidies and imposing new taxes on wind and solar.
See "US Senate bill’s clean energy cuts draw backlash from labor, business", Valerie Volcovici, Reuters, June 30, 2025
Return-to-office order delayed for thousands of California state workers
Nearly 100,000 California state workers will not be required to return to the office four days a week until July 2026, thanks to a new agreement between the state and SEIU Local 1000 announced Sunday. Governor Gavin Newsom’s original mandate was set to take effect tomorrow, July 1, 2025, but this delay applies to employees represented by the state’s largest union. The deal also protects a 3% raise scheduled for this July and locks in another 3% for 2027. To help meet cost-saving goals, it introduces a two-year 3% personal leave program that reduces take-home pay but grants five hours of monthly leave. No additional furloughs or leave programs can be added during this period.
See "Return-to-office order delayed for thousands of California state workers", Richard Ramos, CBS News, June 30, 2025
District Council 33 union leaders walk out of negotiations with City of Philadelphia
With a strike deadline looming at midnight tonight, District Council 33 leaders—who represent around 9,000 of Philadelphia’s blue-collar city workers—walked out of contract talks with city officials earlier today. The union is demanding 8% annual raises over four years, while Mayor Cherelle Parker has proposed a total of 12% across that time. If no deal is reached by the end of the day, members say they’re prepared to walk off the job, threatening critical services like 911 dispatch, trash pickup, and airport operations just days before July 4th celebrations. A union rally is set for 5 p.m. this evening.
See "District Council 33 union leaders walk out of negotiations with City of Philadelphia", Corey Davis, 6abc, June 30, 2025
NHL, NHLPA reach terms on labor pact that goes through 2029-30 season
A new four-year extension to the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement will keep labor peace in place through the 2029-30 season. Reached ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft, the deal requires ratification by both team owners and the NHL Players’ Association. Reported changes include expanding the regular season to 84 games while trimming the preseason to four. Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh praised the cooperative tone of negotiations, marking a rare early agreement in a league that’s experienced three lockouts in 30 years.
See "NHL, NHLPA reach terms on labor pact that goes through 2029-30 season", Frank Pingue, Reuters, June 27, 2025
Two major NYC unions back Mamdani’s general election bid for mayor
Democratic nominee for NYC mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has secured endorsements from two major unions—32BJ SEIU and the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council—after defeating Andrew Cuomo in the primary. A third group, the New York State Nurses Association, also backed Mamdani. The endorsements, representing over 267,000 workers, signal growing institutional support for the democratic socialist candidate ahead of a potential general election battle with Cuomo, who may still run as an independent. Union leaders praised Mamdani’s focus on affordability, transit, and worker protections.
See "Two major NYC unions back Mamdani’s general election bid for mayor", Nick Reisman and Sally Goldenberg, Politico, June 27, 2025
Wall St Week Ahead Investors eye US jobs data as stocks hit record highs
With stocks hitting record highs, investors are turning their attention to next week’s U.S. jobs report and fiscal developments in Washington. Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reached new peaks Friday, boosted by hopes for interest-rate cuts, easing Middle East tensions, and trade optimism. Now, markets await Thursday’s employment data—expected to show a slowdown in job growth—and a possible July 4 vote on President Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill. Fed policy, inflation, and upcoming corporate earnings will also shape market sentiment as July begins, a historically strong month for equities.
See "Wall St Week Ahead Investors eye US jobs data as stocks hit record highs", Lewis Krauskopf, Reuters, June 27, 2025
Machinists File With Labor Board to Unionize West Virginia Pratt & Whitney Workers
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize 360 workers at a Pratt & Whitney engine repair plant in West Virginia. The move reflects broader union efforts to gain ground in southern states, where aerospace companies like Pratt, GE, Boeing, and Airbus are expanding. IAM officials say workers initiated the effort, citing the need for better pay and working conditions. Despite challenges posed by West Virginia’s anti-union laws, IAM sees potential for union momentum to grow in the region if the campaign succeeds.
See "Machinists File With Labor Board to Unionize West Virginia Pratt & Whitney Workers", Reuters Staff, US News, June 26, 2025
Blue States Combat Trump’s Migrant Crackdown Using Workplace Law
Several Democratic-led states are using workplace protections to push back against President Trump’s immigration crackdown. New laws in Washington, California, New Jersey, and Illinois aim to stop employers from using workers’ immigration status as a tool to silence complaints about labor violations. Washington’s new law, for example, bans threats related to immigration status in retaliation for speaking out. These measures respond to a rise in workplace raids and deportations, as well as reports of employers threatening to report workers to ICE. While federal law also bars retaliation, advocates say states are stepping in where federal enforcement has weakened.
See "Blue States Combat Trump’s Migrant Crackdown Using Workplace Law", Chris Marr, Bloomberg Law, June 26, 2025
Georgia Rep Introduces Bill To ‘Empower Workers’ Against Unions
Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA) introduced the 2025 Employee Rights Act, aiming to curb union power and reform the National Labor Relations Board. The bill would let workers opt out of union representation and political spending, limit what information unions can access, and ban DEI clauses in labor contracts. Allen says the legislation empowers workers and modernizes labor law for a "21st-century economy," while critics see it as part of a broader GOP effort to weaken unions under the current Republican-controlled government.
See "Georgia Rep Introduces Bill To ‘Empower Workers’ Against Unions", Sam Korkus, The Daily Wire, June 26, 2025
Lawmakers consider bills on self-driving cars while unions protest
Massachusetts lawmakers are considering bills that would allow self-driving vehicles to operate without human drivers, prompting strong opposition from labor unions. At a rally outside the State House, groups like the AFL-CIO and Teamsters argued the legislation threatens public safety and jobs. They support alternative proposals that require a human operator in autonomous vehicles, especially those transporting people or goods. The debate highlights tensions between technological advancement and labor protections.
See "Lawmakers consider bills on self-driving cars while unions protest", Boston 25 News Staff, Boston 25 News , June 25, 2025
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