The Chicago Teachers Union is demanding a 9% annual pay raise or the consumer price index, and has not ruled out a strike as contract negotiations begin. The union president emphasized the need for fair compensation and improved working conditions, including addressing the wage disparity for paraprofessionals and advocating for a more equitable education system across all Chicago Public Schools. The presence of a former union member as mayor adds a new dynamic to the negotiations, as the city grapples with financial challenges.
The Teamsters union plans to file unfair labor practice charges and potentially strike in response to the firing of around 35 newly organized workers at UPS's Centennial hub in Louisville, Kentucky. UPS claims that the layoffs are necessary to match staffing with business needs and denies any unfair labor practices. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters General President accuses UPS of disregarding the ruling of an independent arbitrator and falsely claiming that the work should be done by management. Despite this dispute, UPS states that its ratified contract with the Teamsters remains intact and expects no disruptions to its operations in Louisville.
The Teamsters union plans to file unfair labor practice charges and potentially strike in response to the firing of about 35 newly organized workers at UPS's Centennial hub in Louisville, Kentucky. The workers, who had recently organized with Teamsters Local 89, were laid off despite an independent arbitrator's ruling and UPS falsely claiming that their work should be performed by management. The union's president warned that if UPS does not address the situation, a strike may occur. UPS maintains that it respects employees' rights to organize and that the layoffs were necessary to match staffing with business needs.
Hundreds of nurses at Allegheny General Hospital have voted to authorize a potential strike as they demand compensation improvement, address staff shortages, and improve patient and nurse safety. The current contract has been extended as negotiations continue, but a strike notice could be issued at any time. Nurses are hopeful for a resolution through negotiations with the hospital.
Portland Public Schools and the teachers union have reached an impasse in their contract negotiations, increasing the likelihood of a teacher strike starting on October 23. The key issues include cost of living raises, class sizes, teacher planning time, and handling disruptive student behavior. Both sides must present their final offers within a week, and if no agreement is reached, a 30-day cooling-off period will begin before teachers can strike. The union is requesting a 21.5% raise over three years, while the district has offered a 4% raise per year and a $3,000 bonus for special education educators.
Experts suggest that a possible United Auto Workers strike could have a downside for car shoppers, particularly for certain models of cars, trucks, or SUVs in the longer term. However, the impact of a strike would primarily affect General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, while brands like Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai would be less affected. The availability of specific models and options may also be impacted, with some brands already experiencing wait times. It is advised to consider flexibility in choices and to make a purchase sooner rather than later to avoid potential supply shortages in the future.
The United Auto Workers (UAW) president, Shawn Fain, has warned that the union is prepared to strike against Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis if new contracts are not reached by the deadline next week. The UAW is seeking a 46% pay raise and other benefits for its members. While there has been some progress in negotiations with GM and Ford, Stellantis has not presented a counteroffer. Fain emphasized that the union does not want a strike but is ready to take action if necessary. A strike against all three automakers could cost the U.S. economy approximately $5.6 billion in just 10 days.
United Parcel Service (UPS) and the Teamsters union are set to resume labor talks on Tuesday in an effort to avoid a potential strike that could disrupt supply chains and harm the economy. The talks aim to finalize a fair deal that increases pay, creates more full-time jobs, and strengthens worker protections. While tentative agreements have been reached on certain issues, disagreements remain over pay increases for part-time workers. The current labor pact expires on July 31.
Over 300 top agents participated in a Zoom call with SAG-AFTRA's negotiators to discuss potential strike-related issues, including series exclusivity, residuals, option periods, and the use of A.I. SAG-AFTRA leadership stated that members would be allowed to continue working on Actors' Equity Association and ACTRA projects after a strike was called. The call with agents took place on the same day that SAG-AFTRA leadership held a call with top publicists to discuss promotion protocols in the event of a strike. The AMPTP has requested assistance from the Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service to prevent a potential strike, but SAG-AFTRA's agreement is required for mediation to proceed. Another negotiation extension is likely if a federal mediator is agreed upon.
Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su stated that she does not currently see a need to intervene in the contract talks between the Teamsters Union and United Parcel Service (UPS). The Teamsters accused UPS of walking away from negotiations, while the company denied this and accused the union of halting negotiations. The White House remains in contact with both sides and is optimistic about reaching an agreement. If talks fail, UPS workers have authorized a strike, which would be their first since 1997. Both parties aim to avoid a strike that could disrupt millions of daily deliveries.
The Hollywood actors' union, SAG-AFTRA, has extended its contract deadline with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers until July 12, delaying a potential strike as negotiations continue. The major sticking points in the negotiations include streaming revenue and the use of artificial intelligence in the industry. If a strike were to occur, it would be the first Screen Actors Guild strike since 2000 and the first simultaneous strike with the Writers Guild of America since 1960.
As the Screen Actors Guild contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers approaches its expiration, more than 1,000 actors have signed a letter urging the union to fight for a better deal, even if it means going on strike. Actors of color, actors with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ actors are particularly concerned about the lack of representation and fair pay in the industry. Issues such as health insurance, pay disparities, and diminishing residuals are at the forefront of their demands. Streaming services and the distribution of profits are also major concerns. Some actors believe that a strike is necessary to bring about change and ensure fair treatment for future generations of writers and performers.
SAG-AFTRA and Hollywood studios are considering extending negotiations beyond the June 30 deadline to avoid a potential strike. The guild is seeking a deal that restricts the use of AI and secures higher streaming residuals for its members. Over 1,000 actors, including Charlize Theron and Pedro Pascal, have signed a letter in support of potential strike action. The impact of both the ongoing WGA writers' strike and a potential SAG-AFTRA strike would be significant for the industry, with studios already being cautious about their upcoming plans.
The contract between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers is set to expire at midnight, with negotiations ongoing. If no deal is reached, SAG-AFTRA could call a strike as early as Saturday, joining the ongoing strike by the Writers Guild of America. Major issues such as streaming residuals, artificial intelligence, and pension and health contributions have yet to be resolved. A strike would halt scripted TV and film production, and while talks could potentially be extended, union leadership is being encouraged to take a hard line.
Seth Meyers addressed the potential strike by members of the Writers Guild of America on his show, "Late Night with Seth Meyers." The guild is seeking better wages and data transparency, and if no new deal is reached before their current contract expires on Monday, a strike could occur. Meyers, a proud member of the Guild, expressed solidarity with the writers and acknowledged the impact a strike would have on the non-writing staff of shows. During the 2007-2008 strike, most late-night shows aired reruns.
