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A major Kenyan outsourcing firm contracted by Meta abruptly dismissed dozens of content‑moderation workers shortly after they attempted to organize for better pay and mental‑health protections. Employees say they were targeted for supporting unionization and for raising concerns about traumatic working conditions tied to reviewing violent and graphic content. The company denies retaliating and claims the layoffs were part of a restructuring process. Labor advocates argue the case highlights how global tech companies rely on precarious outsourced labor while avoiding accountability for working conditions.

Thousands of people marched through Lisbon to protest the Portuguese government’s proposed labor reforms, which unions say would weaken worker protections. Demonstrators criticized measures that would make it easier for employers to change schedules and reduce overtime pay. Union leaders argue the reforms shift power toward companies at a time when workers are already struggling with rising living costs. The government maintains the changes are necessary to modernize labor rules and improve competitiveness, but negotiations remain tense.

Argentina is preparing for a major overhaul of its labor laws under President Javier Milei, who argues the reforms will revive employment after hundreds of thousands of formal jobs were lost. The legislation would extend the maximum workday from eight to twelve hours, reduce severance protections, and weaken national collective bargaining structures. Critics say the plan will worsen job quality and undermine unions, especially as informal employment already affects more than 43% of workers. Supporters claim the changes will modernize the economy and reduce labor‑related costs for businesses.

Enel reached an agreement with national unions to hire 1,000 new workers at its power‑distribution arm, E‑Distribuzione, resolving a two‑year labor dispute. The deal addresses staffing shortages, shift organization, and operational issues that unions had long criticized. Workers must still vote to approve the agreement, which also commits Enel to reopening broader negotiations on network management, concessions, and investment plans. The hiring plan marks a significant concession after months of worker mobilization.

Illinois labor unions are urging Gov. JB Pritzker to oppose legislation that would authorize a pilot program for Waymo’s autonomous vehicles in Cook County and other large counties. Union leaders warn that self‑driving cars threaten transit and rideshare jobs and raise safety concerns, citing federal investigations into Waymo vehicles for traffic violations and incidents involving emergency vehicles and children. The bill, introduced by Rep. Kam Buckner, remains stalled in the House Rules Committee with no clear path forward. Waymo continues mapping Chicago streets as it pushes for eventual approval.

Disney is eliminating roughly 1,000 jobs as new CEO Josh D’Amaro begins a company‑wide restructuring aimed at streamlining operations. The cuts fall heavily on the marketing division, which was recently consolidated, but also affect studio, TV, ESPN, product, technology, and corporate roles. D’Amaro told employees the company must become more agile and technologically oriented amid declining TV revenues, shrinking box office returns, and intensified competition. The layoffs follow earlier rounds in 2023, when Disney cut 7,000 jobs to reduce costs.

Prosecutors say Chamel Abdulkarim intentionally set multiple fires inside a Kimberly‑Clark warehouse in Ontario, California, causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. Investigators allege he filmed himself igniting pallets and later bragged about the destruction, comparing himself to arsonist Luigi Mangione. Abdulkarim faces federal and state arson charges, including aggravated arson for damage exceeding $10 million. Authorities are still examining motive, though messages recovered from his phone referenced anger over workplace issues.

New U.S. unemployment claims rose to 219,000 in early April, a slight increase but still consistent with a strong labor market. Layoffs remain historically low, and continuing claims also fell, suggesting workers are finding new jobs quickly. Economists say the labor market shows no signs of weakening despite geopolitical tensions and rising energy prices. The data reinforces expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates steady until inflation cools further.

Harvard’s graduate student union set April 21 as its strike date after months of stalled negotiations with the university. Union leaders say Harvard has refused to move on wages, international‑student protections, and third‑party arbitration for harassment cases. A strike authorization vote passed with nearly 96% support, signaling strong member backing for escalation. Only one bargaining session remains before the deadline, and the union says a strike will proceed unless Harvard offers meaningful concessions.

Workers at the JBS‑owned Swift Beef plant in Greeley are temporarily halting their strike after the company agreed to resume negotiations. Thousands of employees had walked out in mid‑March over demands for higher wages, improved safety equipment policies, and lower healthcare premiums. The pause does not signal a settlement, as the union says it will continue pushing until JBS addresses what it calls unfair labor practices. The article notes that the strike has national implications because the plant processes roughly 5% of U.S. beef capacity, and prolonged disruption could influence beef prices.