Kroger to Close 60 U.S. Stores to Boost Profits
Kroger plans to close around 60 stores across the U.S. over the next 18 months to boost profits, while opening at least 30 new stores and addressing labor issues amid a failed merger with Albertsons.
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Labor Unrest
All articles tagged with #labor unrest
"Union Strikes Test Argentina's President Milei's Policies"
Argentina's largest union, the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), led a 12-hour strike with tens of thousands of workers protesting in Buenos Aires against President Javier Milei's economic austerity measures and reforms. The strike, affecting sectors from transport to banks, is the biggest opposition to Milei's plans since he took office last month. Milei's government vowed to stick to its reform plans despite the strikes, while the powerful Peronist opposition bloc opposes the omnibus bill. Milei aims to stabilize Argentina's economy, which is reeling from high inflation and poverty, through spending cuts and privatization, but faces significant resistance from unions and opposition parties.
"Argentina Faces 'Total Strike' Amid Push for Economic Reforms by Javier Milei"
Argentina's unions have pledged a "total strike" in response to economist Javier Milei's push for economic reforms, which they fear will lead to job losses and reduced workers' rights. Milei, a prominent advocate for free-market policies, has proposed measures such as cutting public spending and reducing the size of the state. The unions' announcement sets the stage for a potential showdown between the government, business interests, and labor groups as Argentina grapples with economic challenges.
Economy's Plot Twist: Surprising Jobs Report Adds 336,000 Positions
The American economy continues to defy expectations of a recession, with a strong September jobs report raising questions about the effectiveness of Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. Falling crude oil prices offer relief from inflation, but the resumption of student loan payments and labor strikes pose risks to consumer spending. The economy is also facing a lack of leadership in the House and soaring housing costs. Despite concerns about a slowdown in China, trade between the US and China has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.
"Kaiser Health Care Strike: Unprecedented Labor Turmoil Grips the Nation"
About 75,000 Kaiser Permanente employees in five states and Washington, D.C., have gone on strike, demanding higher wages and improved staffing levels. This is the largest health care strike in U.S. history and adds to the growing labor unrest across various industries. The strike comes as workers in Detroit and Hollywood are also engaged in labor disputes. The ongoing labor fights are expected to impact the 2024 campaigns as candidates address the concerns of voters facing stagnant wages and rising inflation. The strike at Kaiser Permanente highlights the staffing crisis in the health care industry, exacerbated by the pandemic, and the tension between workers and management.
Writers Guild and Hollywood Studios to Resume Strike Negotiations
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) will resume negotiations with Hollywood studios this week as the strike, which began on May 2, continues to disrupt TV and movie productions. The WGA is calling for standardized compensation, increased contributions to pension and health funds, and regulation of AI-produced material. Meanwhile, the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has not indicated when they will return to the negotiating table. The strikes have halted the production of popular shows and films, causing financial losses for production companies.
Powell's Books Grinds to a Halt as Workers Demand Fair Treatment
Employees at Powell's, represented by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 5, went on a one-day strike, shutting down the flagship City of Books in Portland. The dispute centers around wages, with workers claiming that their pay has not kept up with inflation. Powell's argues that their contract offer includes competitive wages and a generous health plan. The strike was supported by various labor unions and activist groups. Negotiations are set to resume on Tuesday.
"California's Controversial Proposal: Paying Striking Workers from Insolvent Taxpayer Fund"
California Democrat Anthony Portantino is pushing for a new version of Senate Bill 799 that would provide unemployment benefits to striking workers in the state. Despite California's unemployment insurance program being $18 billion in debt, Portantino believes it is necessary to support workers during labor unrest. He argues that the end of the pandemic and changes in the marketplace have contributed to the recent strikes in California. Critics, including a policy expert from the California Chamber of Commerce, argue that striking workers are not in the same vulnerable position as those seeking employment. The legislation previously failed in 2019 but Portantino is optimistic about its chances this time.
The Impact of Consumer Demand on Labor Unrest
Workers across various industries, including UPS delivery drivers and Hollywood actors and writers, are experiencing labor unrest due to the changing demands of customers for speed and convenience. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated these changes, pushing retailers to shift online and intensifying competition in the streaming industry. Overworked and underpaid employees are pushing back against forced overtime, punishing schedules, and reliance on lower-paid, part-time, or contract workers. Hollywood screenwriters and actors are striking over reduced pay and the pressure to produce content faster. Streaming services have disrupted entertainment economics, resulting in lower residuals and inadequate compensation. Similar issues are faced by UPS drivers, who have dealt with forced overtime and unpredictable schedules. While the UPS strike was a success, labor protests in other industries face challenges in achieving similar outcomes. The pandemic has shifted the focus to the well-being of workers and may lead to increased labor unrest in the future.
"Tech Disruption and Instant Gratification Push Workers to the Brink"
Workers across various industries, including UPS delivery drivers and Hollywood actors and writers, are experiencing labor unrest due to the changing nature of their jobs driven by technology and customer demands for speed and convenience. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated these changes, pushing retailers online and intensifying competition among entertainment companies. Overworked and underpaid employees are pushing back against forced overtime, punishing schedules, and reliance on lower-paid, part-time, or contract workers. In Hollywood, streaming has disrupted entertainment economics, slashing pay and forcing faster production with smaller teams. The rise of streaming has also affected residuals for actors and writers, leading to single-digit paychecks. Labor protests are expected to gain momentum following a recent UPS contract, but organizing efforts at companies like Starbucks and Amazon have faced resistance.
"Rising Consumer Demand Fuels Labor Unrest in Hollywood and at UPS"
Workers in Hollywood and at UPS are experiencing labor unrest due to changes in their industries driven by consumer demand for speed and convenience. In Hollywood, streaming has disrupted entertainment economics, leading to lower pay and faster production with smaller teams. Actors and writers are demanding fair compensation as residuals from streaming services are often minimal. Meanwhile, UPS drivers faced forced overtime and punishing schedules during the pandemic, leading to a potential strike. The tentative contract reached between UPS and the Teamsters may set a precedent for other companies, but labor protests are expected to increase as workers push for better conditions and fair treatment.
The Impending Existential Battle of Actors and Writers in the 2023 Strike.
Hollywood actors may go on strike over streaming residuals, with SAG-AFTRA voting to authorize a strike by a nearly 98 percent margin. If they can’t reach a deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers over a new contract by June 30, another historic labor action is possible. The writers strike has already shut down production and writers rooms on all of late night TV and major shows. The mere threat of a SAG strike has had a chilling effect on some sectors, with insurance firms refusing to bond indie film productions until at least June 30.
"Cannes 2023: Explosive Lineup of Blockbusters and Must-See Films Revealed"
The 2023 Cannes Film Festival features controversial stars, beloved auteurs, and blockbuster movies. Among the biggest attractions are "Killers of the Flower Moon," "Asteroid City," and "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny." The festival also boasts a record-breaking number of female directors in competition. However, the festival's programming choices have been criticized for being at odds with its commitment to gender parity. The festival takes place amid a writers' strike in Hollywood and labor unrest in France.
Writers Strike Halts Production of Stranger Things Final Season
The fifth and final season of Netflix's hit show Stranger Things has been delayed due to the ongoing labor unrest between the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The show's creators, the Duffer brothers, confirmed the news on Twitter and expressed hope for a fair deal to be reached soon. The delay means there will be a sizable gap between seasons, as the show's fifth season was already confirmed to be its last.
Labor unrest causes temporary shutdown of LA-LB ports.
The Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach were closed for 24 hours due to labor unrest, causing disruptions for exporters of agricultural goods. The incident highlights the risks of bringing volumes back to the West Coast, which has been losing market share to East and Gulf Coast ports due to inventory overhang and concerns over labor disruptions. The container shipping industry is building more tonnage for the East Coast route, and there is growing sentiment that the gains of East and Gulf Coast ports are permanent.