labor-and-employment2.72 min read
Child Labor Uncovered in Iowa Meat Plant's Hazardous Night Shifts
1 year ago•Source: NBC News
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7.04 min•1 year ago
Trump's Policies Stir Concerns in Labor and Housing Markets
Farm workers in Washington state, like Alberto, are concerned about the increasing reliance on H-2A foreign guest workers, which they fear is displacing domestic labor. The H-2A program, which allows foreign workers to temporarily work in U.S. agriculture, has grown significantly, with Washington state seeing a doubling of certified workers over the past decade. Critics argue that the program exploits guest workers and undermines local labor, as employers may bypass domestic workers by claiming a lack of available local labor. Organizations like Familias Unidas por la Justicia and Community to Community are advocating for the rights of both domestic and H-2A workers, emphasizing the need for solidarity in the face of changing labor dynamics.
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"Disneyland Characters and Cast Members Seek Unionization"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by NBC News
Over 1,700 Disneyland parades and characters cast members have filed for union representation, aiming for collective bargaining over wages, benefits, and working conditions. Referred to as "Magic United," the group seeks improvements in pay, scheduling, safety, benefits, and a voice in the workplace. Despite not receiving a response from Disney, they plan to proceed with efforts to arrange a union election with the NLRB.
"Disneyland Character Performers Take Steps Toward Unionization"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by CBS News
Disneyland actors who portray Disney characters are moving to unionize under the Actors' Equity Association, with over two-thirds of eligible performers signing union authorization cards and petitioning for a vote on union representation. The union, named "Magic United," seeks higher pay, workplace safety, and scheduling transparency. Despite a lack of response from Disney, the workers are pushing for recognition and support from the company. This effort comes amid a broader trend of growing public support for unionization and follows similar moves by other Disneyland Resort workers to address safety concerns and scheduling issues.
"Activision's Unionization Wave: Largest US Video Game Worker Union Formed"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Verge
Around 600 workers in Activision Publishing’s quality assurance department have formed the largest video game union in the United States, assisted by the Communications Workers of America. The unionization effort was facilitated by Microsoft’s labor neutrality agreement with CWA, making it easier for workers to organize following the company's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The move aims to address the low pay and weak protections for quality assurance workers, who play a crucial role in game development. Microsoft's voluntary recognition of the union is seen as a positive step that could inspire more organizing within the company and the broader video game industry.
"Rise in Quiet Quitting Drives Workweek to Pre-Pandemic Levels"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Fortune
Despite a booming labor market, the highest-earning, young, and female workers are putting in fewer hours than before the pandemic, with the average workweek hitting a five-year low. This trend is not necessarily negative, as some workers are seeing their incomes rise while working less, possibly due to increased flexibility and higher wages. Economists suggest that companies may be hoarding workers and working them less intensively rather than laying them off, reflecting a shift in attitudes towards work-life balance and a potential normalization of the "work to live" perspective.
"Rise in Quiet Quitting Pushes Workweek to Pre-Pandemic Levels"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Yahoo Finance
Despite a booming job market, the highest-earning, young, and female workers are putting in fewer hours than before the pandemic, leading to the average workweek dropping to pre-pandemic levels. This trend, observed by ADP, suggests a shift in work patterns, with some workers experiencing higher incomes while working less. Economists speculate that companies may be retaining workers but reducing their hours due to softening demand, a change in talent management, and a growing emphasis on work-life balance. This reflects a broader historical trend of workers seeking higher pay and less work, and raises questions about the potential for Americans to work fewer hours compared to other developed nations.
"Starbucks Workers Nationwide Unite in Historic Unionization Effort"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by KRNV
Workers at a Reno Starbucks have filed a petition to unionize with Starbucks Workers United, joining a national movement of over 9,500 union baristas at nearly 400 union stores. The workers are seeking better working conditions, including living wages and fair scheduling, and have co-authored a letter to the CEO to announce their organizing push. Starbucks has stated that it respects the rights of partners to organize and aims to negotiate first contracts for represented stores this year, while also emphasizing efforts to improve partner experience through consistent scheduling and increased compensation.
"California Fast-Food Workers Establish Groundbreaking Statewide Union"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Washington Post
Fast-food workers in California are forming a new union, affiliated with the Service Employees International Union, to advocate for improved pay and working conditions. The union aims to represent workers at major chains like McDonald’s and Subway, with priorities including raising the minimum wage, protecting workers from unjust firing, and ensuring adequate scheduling. The union faces challenges in growing its ranks, but has already secured a minimum wage increase to $20 an hour for some 500,000 fast-food workers in the state.
'Avatar' VFX Artists Overwhelmingly Vote to Unionize with IATSE
Originally Published 1 year ago — by IATSE
VFX artists working on the 'Avatar' film series have voted to unionize with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) with overwhelming 75% support, marking the first unionization of 'vendor-side' VFX artists in the United States. The move follows successful efforts across the industry, signaling a new era in VFX where workers' contributions and value are recognized, and they can win the same rights and protections as their union co-workers. The unionization aims to secure more equitable compensation, benefits, and sustainable work conditions for VFX artists.
"US Union Membership Hits Record Low in 2023 Despite Recent Labor Victories"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Fox Business
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the percentage of U.S. workers holding labor union memberships dropped to a record low of 10% in 2023, despite unions achieving significant victories and receiving their highest approval rating in decades. The overall number of union members increased, but not enough to keep up with the rise in non-union workers, leading to the decline in the union membership rate for the second consecutive year. This trend comes despite high-profile wins and a surge in public approval of organized labor, with union membership now less than a third of its peak rate in the 1950s.
"Record Low Union Membership Rates in the US Despite Recent Gains"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by NPR
Despite a slight increase in union membership last year, only 10% of the U.S. workforce belongs to a union, marking the lowest percentage in Labor Department records dating back to 1983. The growth in union membership was driven by younger workers, while public sentiment towards unions remains high. However, labor organizing faces challenges due to opposition and weaknesses in labor law, despite broad public support for unions.