New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is showing his support for striking Starbucks baristas by urging people not to patronize the chain. He stated that he would not be buying Starbucks while workers remain on strike, which has been organized amid stalled contract negotiations. This action comes after the company announced restructuring and the closure of hundreds of stores, leading to the union organizing its fourth strike since 2023. This move by Mamdani, a known ally of labor, is an early indication of how he may use his position as mayor.
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James Phipps, a 75-year-old colon cancer survivor and former civil rights activist, plans to attend the No Kings demonstration in Chicago, drawing parallels between the struggles of immigrants and the discriminatory laws he grew up under. The protests are organized by labor unions like SEIU, in response to the Trump administration’s policies, particularly those related to healthcare and immigration. These protests are a reflection of frustration with government shutdowns and prioritizing billionaires over working class citizens. Union leaders emphasize that these demonstrations are about defending the rights of everyday people in American society.
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Amazon is investing $1 billion to enhance compensation and benefits for its U.S. fulfillment and transportation workers. This includes raising the average hourly wage to over $23 and increasing pay for some tenured employees by up to $1.90 per hour. Furthermore, the company is significantly reducing the cost of its entry-level health care plan, lowering weekly contributions by 34% and co-pays for primary care and mental health visits. This move follows recent labor actions and a settlement with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regarding workplace safety.
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Across the US, Labor Day rallies saw a surge in demonstrations against various issues. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson vocally condemned potential federal troop deployments, echoing the sentiments of protestors nationwide. Numerous cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Washington DC, witnessed coordinated protests organized by labor unions and advocacy groups, focusing on workers’ rights and social safety nets. Concurrently, workers at the Hilton Americas-Houston initiated a nine-day strike, demanding better wages and highlighting the continued struggle for fair labor practices.
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Organized by the May Day Strong coalition, nearly 1,000 “Workers Over Billionaires” demonstrations are planned across the United States this Labor Day to protest the Trump administration’s actions against workers’ rights. The coalition, comprised of labor unions and progressive organizations, aims to address issues such as wage cuts, weakened workplace safety, and the recent tax cuts favoring the wealthy. These actions are seen as an assault on workers’ rights. In response to these policies, the coalition will host the protests to stand up for workers and working families.
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Following Zohran Mamdani’s primary win, several prominent labor unions, including 32BJ SEIU and the Hotel and Games Trade Council, withdrew their endorsements of former Governor Andrew Cuomo to support Mamdani for the general election. These unions, along with the New York State Nurses Association, represent a combined workforce of 267,000 workers. Labor leaders see Mamdani as representing an optimistic vision and are mobilizing to counter potential attacks from opponents, including Cuomo and other establishment figures. Despite facing a challenging political landscape, Mamdani’s supporters believe they can overcome the opposition and enact a working-class agenda. This shift in endorsements reflects a broader desire for change and a rejection of the status quo.
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Following his arrest and injury during an ICE raid while serving as a community observer, labor leader David Huerta faced charges of impeding an officer. His arrest sparked widespread protests and demands for his release from major US labor unions, including the AFL-CIO and SEIU. These unions condemned the ICE raids and the alleged use of excessive force, framing Huerta’s case as a broader fight against injustice targeting immigrant communities and workers’ rights. The demonstrations, held across numerous US cities, also called for an end to the deployment of the National Guard to quell protests.
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Whole Foods’ Philadelphia Center City store employees voted to unionize with the UFCW, marking the first union within the Amazon-owned chain. A majority of the 230 workers voted in favor, despite alleged anti-union tactics from the company. The union cited the need for better wages, benefits, and working conditions as motivating factors for the vote. Whole Foods expressed disappointment but committed to maintaining a positive work environment, while the UFCW plans to negotiate a fair contract. This win follows other successful unionization efforts at Amazon’s warehouses and delivery services.
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The irony of GM’s profit nearing record highs a year after claiming it couldn’t afford to meet its workers’ pay demands seems almost comical at first glance, but beneath that surface is a grim reality that speaks volumes about the state of corporate America. I find myself reflecting on how often I’ve encountered this narrative, where companies cry poverty just as they are about to close negotiations that could lead to meaningful improvements for their employees. It’s a playbook that’s become all too familiar over the years.
When GM executives, led by CFO Paul Jacobson, proclaim about the strong revenue growth and profitable operations while simultaneously refusing to uplift workers’ wages, I can’t help but feel a knot in my stomach.… Continue reading
I can’t wrap my head around the fact that Mercedes workers in Alabama voted against forming a union. It baffles me how working class individuals would willingly reject their only protection against exploitation. Having spent most of my career in a unionized environment, I have seen firsthand the countless benefits that unions bring to the table. While I acknowledge that there are some criticisms surrounding unions, the positives undeniably outweigh the negatives.
In my opinion, the ideal workplace would be a collaborative environment where both management and workers work together, where hard work is duly rewarded, and where workers’ rights are robustly protected.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker