About 3,200 Boeing jet and weapons workers begin strike, a situation that’s quickly captured attention, partly due to the sheer number of individuals involved and the strategic importance of the company. Boeing, in its initial public statement, expressed disappointment over the rejection of their offer, highlighting a proposed average wage growth of 40% and the resolution of issues related to alternative work schedules. However, this initial statement seems to be just the tip of the iceberg, and doesn’t entirely explain the workers’ motivations.
The core of the dispute appears to revolve around the details of the proposed contract, specifically how the wage increases are structured.… Continue reading
Boeing St. Louis defense workers set to strike from Monday after rejecting the latest offer, and it seems like there’s a lot to unpack here. It’s a pretty big deal when a workforce votes to walk out, and it underscores some serious issues. The whole situation is likely to cause some significant disruption, especially given the nature of their work – building fighter jets.
One of the biggest sticking points, it appears, was the proposed alternative workweek schedule. Boeing wanted to introduce flexibility, allowing employees to choose between four 10-hour shifts from Monday to Friday or three 12-hour shifts from Friday to Monday.… Continue reading
Philadelphia is facing a strike by nearly 10,000 city workers, including sanitation workers and 911 operators, after contract negotiations stalled. The strike, announced by District Council 33 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, has prompted the city to suspend trash collection and adjust recreation center hours. Mayor Cherelle Parker, while vowing to keep the city operational and preserve Fourth of July celebrations, stated the city offered a fair contract with raises, but it was rejected. The union’s demands include annual raises, cost-of-living adjustments, pandemic bonuses, and full health care coverage for employees.
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Over 1,000 Starbucks baristas across 75 stores are striking, protesting a new dress code mandating solid black shirts and specific bottoms. The union, Starbucks Workers United, argues the code, which restricts previously permitted attire, should be subject to collective bargaining and filed a complaint with the NLRB. Starbucks claims the dress code enhances brand image and customer experience, while the union contends it’s a misguided decision ignoring employee concerns and impacting service times. Despite Starbucks’ assertion of limited impact, the strike highlights ongoing labor disputes and stalled contract negotiations between the company and the union.
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Fifty-five thousand Los Angeles County workers recently embarked on a two-day strike, bringing a significant portion of county operations to a standstill. This substantial walkout, orchestrated by SEIU Local 721, highlights a growing tension between the union and the county regarding contract negotiations and working conditions. The strike underscores the vital role these workers play in the daily functioning of Los Angeles County, impacting services ranging from healthcare and social services to parks and recreation.
The union’s core demands center on cost-of-living adjustments, a halt to the outsourcing of positions, and a contract that adequately addresses current vacancies and ensures worker safety.… Continue reading
Over 50,000 Los Angeles County workers, represented by SEIU Local 721, initiated a two-day strike due to stalled contract negotiations and alleged labor law violations by the county. The walkout, impacting services like libraries and healthcare clinics, marks the first time all union members have simultaneously struck. The county cites significant budget pressures, including wildfire damage and legal settlements, as reasons for its negotiating stance. The union, however, contends that the county’s actions disregard the essential contributions of its workers and demands fair compensation and respect.
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As the January 31st deadline for the Costco National Master Agreement nears, over 18,000 Teamsters nationwide, including those in San Diego, are engaging in practice pickets to demonstrate their commitment to securing a new contract. These actions, following similar demonstrations in other locations, underscore the union’s demands for improved wages and benefits, citing Costco’s substantial recent profit increase. Negotiations are scheduled to resume on Monday near Costco’s headquarters. The union’s strong stance highlights the disparity between company profits and worker compensation.
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On Thursday, Teamsters-represented workers at seven Amazon facilities across the U.S. went on strike, citing Amazon’s refusal to negotiate a contract following a missed deadline. This action, described as the largest strike against Amazon to date, involved both Amazon employees and delivery drivers, with some arrests reported at a New York City location. While Amazon disputes the union’s claims and downplayed the strike’s impact, the walkout could potentially disrupt package deliveries in affected areas. The dispute highlights ongoing labor tensions and differing interpretations of employment classifications between Amazon and the Teamsters.
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Over 11,000 Starbucks baristas, represented by Workers United, will begin a five-day strike on Friday, impacting hundreds of stores by Christmas Eve unless a deal is reached. The union demands improved wages, staffing levels, and scheduling, citing a significant pay disparity between baristas and CEO Brian Niccol’s substantial compensation. Starbucks counters with claims of above-average pay and benefits, averaging over $30 per hour for 20-hour-per-week employees. The strike coincides with other labor actions, including a Teamsters union protest against Amazon, highlighting broader concerns about worker compensation and conditions.
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The Teamsters’ strike against Amazon, billed as the largest in the company’s history, highlights a stark contrast between Amazon’s immense profitability and the reported miserable working conditions experienced by its employees. It’s hard to argue against the accusation of insatiable greed leveled against the company. Being one of the world’s largest and most profitable entities, Amazon should ideally be a fantastic place to work, offering fair wages and excellent conditions.
Instead, numerous accounts paint a grim picture of workplace realities – threats, restricted bathroom breaks, and unrelenting pressure. The core issue seems to be a perceived lack of fair compensation relative to the company’s massive profits.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker