BlueCollarWriter Worker News
Labor News Update - 02/1/2023
Union slams 'wrong and dangerous' bill aimed at driver recruiting https://www.ccjdigital.com/regulations/article/15306309/teamsters-union-slams-wrong-and-dangerous-legislation
Woburn teachers’ union could face 50K or more in fines as they enter day 3 of strike https://www.masslive.com/news/2023/02/woburn-teachers-union-could-face-50k-or-more-in-fines-as-they-enter-day-3-of-strike.html
The Amherst-Pelham Education Association said the Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations will hold a full hearing regarding its allegations that the School Committee unlawfully transferred work to non-bargaining unit employees and retaliated against a union representative during the 2021-2022 academic year. https://www.masslive.com/news/2023/02/department-of-labor-relations-will-hear-teachers-unions-complaint-against-amherst-school-district.html
After more than three decades of fighting for a union, graduate teachers and researchers at Yale University won a landslide victory in January. The difference this time? The administration didn’t oppose the effort. https://www.wshu.org/connecticut-news/2023-02-01/recognizing-a-grad-student-union-at-yale-has-been-a-long-time-coming
Unions say Chris Christie's labor legacy playing out in Rutgers University contract talks https://news.yahoo.com/unions-chris-christies-labor-legacy-163447815.html
Nebraska state employees union ratifies new labor contract containing highest salary increases in 35 years https://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/nebraska-state-employees-union-ratifies-new-labor-contract-containing-highest-salary-increases-in-35-years/article_3e01f82a-7033-56e1-93ee-ed6319205552.html
SEIU union leaders reach tentative contract agreement with HealthPartners — Nearly 1,800 frontline employees reached an agreement to protect healthcare benefits from cuts or concessions. https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/healthpartner-healthcare-workers-tentative-agreement/89-bc887f11-b400-42dc-93e1-5eab5bc1f325
‘You're going to have to see some friction’: NYC teachers’ union steps up pressure on mayor for raises https://gothamist.com/news/youre-going-to-have-to-see-some-friction-nyc-teachers-union-steps-up-pressure-on-mayor-for-raises
Republicans' plans to slash Social Security and Medicare are becoming clearer: 'We have no choice but to make hard decisions' https://ky.aflcio.org/news/msn-republicans-plans-slash-social-security-and-medicare-are-becoming
Costume Shop Workers At L.A. Opera Ratify First-Time IATSE Contract https://deadline.com/2023/01/l-a-opera-costume-shop-workers-union-iatse-contract-1235245747/
After more than a year of unsuccessful negotiations, the union representing 750 graduate student teaching and research assistants at Temple University went on strike Tuesday, for the first time in the union’s history https://www.inquirer.com/news/temple-university-strike-graduate-students-pay-20230131.html
Bill Expands lowa Child Labor, Limits Teens Protection If Hurt — The legislation would be “a complete rewrite of our child labor laws,” according to Charlie Wishman with the Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, whose organization is registered against the bill. “Not only is this ripping up at least 100 years of child labor law that this labor movement has worked for, it seriously puts children at risk on job sites without having any form of legal liability protection,” he said. https://iowastartingline.com/2023/01/31/bill-expands-iowa-child-labor-limits-teens-protection-if-hurt/
A bill working its way through the Missouri Legislature would reduce the number of weeks unemployed workers can claim benefits. The state's largest union labor organization is taking notice. "I think it's very short-sighted legislation that's going to hurt the average Missourian at a time when they're most vulnerable in their lives," said Missouri AFL-CIO President Jake Hummel. https://www.newstribune.com/news/2023/jan/31/unions-call-jobless-bill-short-sighted-legislation/
Greg Regan, president of the AFL-CIO’s Transportation Trades Department, praised the administration’s insistence that big-ticket projects like the Gateway Tunnel and Baltimore rail tunnels be constructed with collective bargaining agreements between building trade unions and contractors. “If you’re looking at what the administration’s done, there’s a clear focus on getting money out the door but getting money out the door in the right way,” said Regan. https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/30/biden-baltimore-n-y-rail-tunnel-funding-00080255
Thousands of schools in the U.K. closed some or all of their classrooms, train services were paralyzed and delays were expected at airports on the biggest day of industrial action Britain has seen in more than a decade, as unions stepped up pressure on the government Wednesday to provide better pay amid a cost-of-living crisis. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/day-of-disruption-in-uk-as-hundreds-of-thousands-join-strike
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