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Artificial intelligence may push the U.S. into a period where unemployment remains higher even when the economy is functioning normally, according to outgoing Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic. In his interview, he explains that if companies permanently need fewer workers, the Fed cannot simply cut interest rates to force joblessness back down without risking inflation or policy mistakes. Bostic argues that structural labor shifts require policymakers to accept new economic realities rather than rely on traditional monetary tools. He also emphasizes that the Fed must continue examining how different demographic groups experience the labor market, even as political pressure around these issues intensifies.

Labor negotiations between the Oakland Education Association and the school district are intensifying as teachers prepare for a possible strike after months without a contract. Educators say low pay, high turnover, and inadequate classroom support are driving the dispute, while district officials face a massive structural deficit that has prompted a proposal for $102 million in cuts and more than 200 layoffs. County oversight leaders warn that OUSD is burning through reserves and cannot approve new compensation increases without offsetting reductions. District leadership maintains it is trying to reach an agreement that respects educators while staying within severe financial constraints.

A month‑long strike involving more than 30,000 Kaiser Permanente workers is set to conclude after the union announced a return to work while negotiations continue. Workers walked out in late January over what they described as inadequate staffing and insufficient contract proposals, while Kaiser argued its 21.5% wage‑increase offer was more than competitive. The union says the strike forced Kaiser back into serious bargaining, though key issues — particularly staffing levels — remain unresolved. Kaiser, meanwhile, emphasized that the union accepted its wage proposal and revealed that recent strikes have cost the organization more than $1 billion, prompting state regulators to monitor patient‑care access during the disruption.

Employees at New Seasons Market reported that a wave of layoffs disproportionately affected workers active in union organizing. Several of the dismissed employees had been publicly involved in bargaining committees or union communications, raising concerns about retaliation. The company maintains that the cuts were tied to financial pressures, but workers say the pattern suggests otherwise. The dispute has intensified tensions at stores where unionization efforts have been gaining traction.

Argentina’s major labor federations announced a nationwide strike to oppose President Milei’s proposed labor‑law overhaul, which they argue would erode job security and weaken collective bargaining. Union leaders say the reforms would make it easier for employers to fire workers and reduce protections that have existed for decades. The planned strike is expected to disrupt transportation, public services, and industrial operations. This confrontation marks one of the strongest organized responses to Milei’s economic agenda so far.

Union leaders representing VA employees filed a motion arguing that the agency improperly voided their negotiated contract and replaced it with terms imposed unilaterally. Their filing points out that the VA’s move came after years of bargaining and undermines statutory collective‑bargaining rights. The unions also emphasize that the imposed terms weaken grievance procedures and limit worker protections. The case now sits before a federal judge who will determine whether the original contract must be restored.

An investor coalition asked Starbucks shareholders to vote against several board members, citing the company’s handling of ongoing labor disputes with unionizing workers. The group argues that the board has not adequately overseen labor‑relations strategy or addressed legal risks tied to union complaints. Starbucks maintains that it is committed to bargaining in good faith and improving workplace conditions. The vote will take place at the company’s upcoming annual meeting.

UAW Local 4811 voted to authorize a potential unfair‑labor‑practice strike covering roughly 40,000 academic workers across the University of California system. The union says the UC administration has violated bargaining rules and failed to address concerns raised during previous negotiations. UC officials dispute the allegations and say they remain committed to following established labor processes. A strike has not been scheduled, but the vote gives union leadership the authority to call one if talks break down.

Employees at the Fayette County Detention Center raised concerns about staffing shortages after a detainee’s escape attempt left an officer injured. Workers say chronic understaffing has increased safety risks for both staff and inmates. Local officials acknowledge the challenges but say they are working to fill vacancies and improve conditions. The incident has renewed calls from employees for stronger staffing commitments.