All articles tagged with #workers
Gas prices have jumped roughly 30% nationally in weeks since the U.S.-Iran conflict, squeezing workers who drive for pay (e.g., a DoorDash driver in Georgia reporting extra fuel costs) while oil supplies tighten and diesel costs rise. Economists warn that if the war drags on without an off-ramp, inflation could accelerate and job growth slow, prompting some workers to seek cheaper commutes and businesses to absorb higher fuel costs.
More than 3,800 workers at one of the nation’s largest slaughterhouses are preparing to strike, signaling a significant labor dispute that could disrupt operations at a major meat processing facility.
Target plans to invest $2 billion this year to upgrade its stores and hire more workers as part of a broader turnaround effort to reverse weak sales and regain momentum.
Trump is deploying about 3,000 federal immigration officers to Minneapolis, turning a winter lull for the hospitality industry into a political flashpoint and risking vulnerable local workers who could be swept up in the crackdown, highlighting the city’s distinctive political culture.
Over 100 employees from Blizzard's Hearthstone and Warcraft Rumble teams have voted to unionize with the Communications Workers of America, joining a growing movement of nearly 3,000 Microsoft-owned studio workers seeking better protections and conditions.
A large immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia detained nearly 500 workers, many of whom had legal work authorization, causing widespread panic among families and highlighting concerns about immigration enforcement practices under the Trump administration.
A federal immigration raid at a family-run nutrition bar manufacturing plant in upstate New York detained dozens of workers, mostly Hispanic, causing production delays and sparking condemnation from local officials. The operation, part of a broader crackdown targeting industries reliant on immigrant labor, involved over 100 agents and resulted in around 60 detentions, with some workers released after verification of legal status. The plant's co-owner expressed concern for the workers' safety and the impact on his business.
Thousands of Boeing workers at three manufacturing plants went on strike after rejecting a proposed four-year labor agreement that included a 20% wage increase, citing dissatisfaction with the offer and ongoing company struggles following recent plane crashes and financial losses.
The U.S. Department of Labor has launched an online tool to help over 15,000 Texas workers claim more than $11 million in unpaid wages. The Workers Owed Wages (WOW) application allows employees to search for and claim wages owed by their employers. The process involves verifying employment details, submitting contact information, and uploading necessary documents. The tool is available in both English and Spanish, and claims are processed within approximately six weeks.
Donald Trump's recent electoral success poses a threat to the labor gains achieved during Joe Biden's presidency. Under Biden, workers secured significant victories, including historic union contracts with major companies like the Big Three automakers, Hollywood studios, UPS, and Boeing, as well as the establishment of new unions at companies such as Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Chipotle, and Starbucks. Trump's win could potentially undermine these achievements.
The city of Los Angeles is providing resources and support to workers affected by the impending closure of 99 Cents Only Stores, with the Economic and Workforce Development Department activating its Rapid Response Team and offering virtual presentations on available resources. The closure of all 371 locations, including those in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas, was announced due to significant retail challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts are being made to assist impacted workers, including potential acquisition and reopening of Southern California stores, as well as targeted responses from city council members and county supervisors to support affected workers and communities.
An explosion at a hydroelectric plant near Bologna, Italy, has resulted in at least three deaths and five injuries, with four workers still missing. The blast occurred during testing of efficiency improvements at the Enel Green Power plant, prompting unions to call for a general strike over unsafe working conditions. Specialized teams are conducting search and rescue operations in challenging conditions, while prosecutors have announced an investigation into the incident.
Thousands of workers at the Port of Baltimore face an uncertain future as cargo shipments come to a halt following a bridge collapse. The closure has led to reduced hours and financial instability for workers, prompting state lawmakers to introduce the PORT Act to provide temporary financial relief for affected workers and businesses. The state is also seeking disaster declaration to grant small businesses the opportunity to apply for low-interest loans. The closure has raised concerns about the economic impact on the region, with efforts focused on reopening the port as quickly as possible.
Japanese workers have secured the largest pay rise in over three decades, with the average monthly wage increasing by 2.4% in 2021. This significant boost in wages reflects the tightening labor market in Japan, as companies compete for workers amidst a shrinking population and increasing demand for labor. The pay rise is expected to support consumer spending and economic growth in the country.
About 600 workers at Activision Publishing, owned by Microsoft, have formed the largest video game workers’ union in the United States, with 390 voting in favor and eight opposing the effort. Microsoft remained neutral on the unionization vote, in line with a pact it signed with the Communications Workers of America (C.W.A.) as part of its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The unionization process was simplified by Microsoft’s neutrality, and the new union is the first at Activision since the pact went into effect.