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Grocery store workers at Safeway locations across Colorado have voted to authorize a strike if ongoing contract negotiations with management fall through. The vote does not mean a strike is imminent, as the union must provide 72 hours’ notice before any walkout. Supporters say the vote empowers workers to push for fairer contracts amid rising living costs. Critics caution that a strike could disrupt essential services and harm both employees and consumers in the short term.

Late-night hosts reacted to Elon Musk's departure from his role in the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency with a mix of humor and criticism. Musk, who had taken on the position with promises of sweeping budget cuts, exited with little to show for his efforts besides a symbolic “golden key” and a black eye he claims came from his son. Supporters argue Musk attempted to rein in government spending and disrupt bureaucracy. Critics, however, say his cuts were ineffective, his behavior erratic, and his time in office damaging to both public services and his own reputation.

Rhode Island lawmakers are advancing a set of labor-friendly bills, including one to increase the state’s minimum wage to $17 by 2027. Other bills propose protections for graduate student workers, reinstatement of longevity bonuses for state employees, mandatory rest breaks during extreme temperatures, and defining union rights at charter schools. Supporters argue these measures address stagnant wages and poor working conditions, while critics, particularly from business groups and the state administration, warn of increased costs and complications. Brown University graduate students are also pushing for a bill to secure their right to organize amid potential NLRB setbacks. The fate of these bills reflects the strong influence of organized labor in the current state Senate.

After a nearly month-long strike, Lockheed Martin workers in Orlando and Denver have returned to work following approval of a new five-year union contract. Represented by the UAW, the employees had walked off the job over claims that the company failed to negotiate in good faith. The new agreement, backed by a majority of voting union members, includes nearly 20% in wage increases, faster progression to top pay, and better retirement and parental leave benefits. Starting wages now range from $20 to $26 an hour, up from $15. The strike drew broad local political and union support before the deal was reached.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from canceling a union contract covering 50,000 TSA officers, saying the move likely violated federal law. The judge criticized Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for failing to justify her reversal of past policies that allowed TSA workers limited bargaining rights. The American Federation of Government Employees, which represents TSA officers, argued the decision was politically motivated and lacked proper explanation. While the case proceeds, the union contract remains in effect. This decision adds to broader legal battles over the administration’s rollback of federal employee union rights.

As federal support for labor mediation dwindles, state governments are stepping in to fill the void left by deep staffing cuts to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) under the Trump administration. A judge has ordered the reinstatement of laid-off mediators, but many remain uncertain about their future, especially as the federal government appeals the ruling. With only four mediators left from a previous 143, states like California and Michigan are hiring and adjusting laws to avoid disruption in labor negotiations. Advocates warn that without sufficient mediation resources, more public sector disputes could escalate into strikes or litigation.

A new report reveals that Nashville has one of the lowest labor union membership rates among large U.S. metro areas, with only 3% of workers unionized—second only to Charlotte, North Carolina. While union activity in the South has increased, particularly in auto manufacturing, overall participation remains low compared to Northeastern and Pacific regions. The study notes that union membership nationwide has declined from 24% in 1979 to about 10% today, despite union workers earning roughly 17.5% more on average. The decline is attributed to political, economic, and technological changes, with Southern states historically being less union-friendly.

Labor unions at Harvard are voicing alarm over the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict the university’s ability to enroll international students, calling it a major threat to thousands of unionized student workers. Although a judge recently extended an injunction blocking the policy, union leaders warn that the climate of fear and uncertainty has already caused significant damage. International students and scholars say they feel silenced and anxious about their future, with many reconsidering their academic plans in the U.S. Union representatives argue the administration’s actions are part of a broader attack on immigrant workers and academic freedom.

A federal judge in Oregon struck down the state’s law requiring cannabis businesses to sign labor peace agreements in order to obtain or renew licenses, ruling it violated federal labor law and the First Amendment. The court found that the law, passed by voters as Measure 119, improperly restricted employers’ speech and was preempted by the National Labor Relations Act. In response, Oregon’s liquor and cannabis authority announced it would stop enforcing the requirement. The ruling could influence similar laws in other states with cannabis labor requirements.

Allegations of financial misconduct have surfaced within a prominent union representing federal employees, after a whistleblower revealed over $116,000 in potentially misused funds by leadership at a San Francisco chapter. The claims involve questionable reimbursements, unreported spending, and checks signed by individuals with no formal roles in the union. The situation has triggered audits, investigations by the Department of Labor, and internal disputes, all while the union faces pressure to defend federal workers amid ongoing layoffs. The controversy highlights broader concerns over transparency and accountability in union leadership.