An audit reveals that New York City's Employee Health Insurance Stabilization Fund is billions of dollars in debt and recommends dissolving it, citing misuse of funds and insolvency, with ongoing disputes between city officials and unions over its management and purpose.
UK actors' union Equity voted overwhelmingly to refuse digital scanning to protect their likenesses from AI exploitation, signaling potential industrial action and negotiations for new protections amid growing industry concerns about AI's impact on performers' rights.
Voice actors and unions are protesting the increasing use of AI in video game voice work, citing ethical concerns, potential job loss, and a decline in performance quality, despite some studios claiming AI helps with efficiency and cost savings. Unions are advocating for proper consent, remuneration, and regulation to protect actors' rights and the integrity of their craft.
Starbucks faces a significant challenge to its recovery plan as ongoing strikes by unionized baristas over pay and staffing threaten to disrupt operations and damage its reputation, amid broader issues including store closures, leadership changes, and competitive pressures.
Unionized Starbucks workers are preparing to strike in over 25 US cities on November 13, coinciding with Red Cup Day, as they seek a fair contract after years of unsuccessful negotiations. The union has authorized an open-ended strike, citing unfair bargaining practices and unresolved issues, while Starbucks claims it offers competitive pay and benefits. The strike could impact holiday sales and reflects ongoing tensions between the company and its employees.
Starbucks unionized workers are threatening to strike on November 13 if the company does not finalize a labor contract by then, as part of ongoing negotiations for better pay and hours. The union, representing over 9,500 employees, has voted overwhelmingly in favor of striking, which could impact stores across 25 U.S. cities, coinciding with Starbucks' annual Red Cup Day promotion. The negotiations have been stalled since April, with the union demanding increased wages and hours, while Starbucks claims to offer industry-leading wages and benefits.
NASA Goddard's employee union criticizes the center's management for lack of communication and transparency regarding the abrupt closure of 13 buildings, risking valuable property and missions, amid concerns over legality and cost-effectiveness.
Democrats in the D.C. area are largely dismissive of the federal workers union's call to end the government shutdown by passing a GOP bill, as they believe they hold the upper hand and are focused on negotiating for more favorable terms, despite the union's strong stance on protecting federal workers.
Democrats remain firm in their stance against reopening the government without addressing healthcare concerns, despite renewed calls from the largest federal employees' union, AFGE, to end the shutdown, which is causing financial hardship for over a million federal workers. The stalemate continues as Republicans refuse to negotiate until the government is reopened, with both sides blaming each other for the impasse.
A potential Broadway strike involving musicians has been averted after AFM Local 802 reached a tentative agreement with the Broadway League on a new three-year contract, which will now be ratified by union members. The deal includes wage increases, healthcare benefits, and job security, preventing a shutdown of Broadway shows.
U.S. Senators, including Kirsten Gillibrand, Cory Booker, and Andy Kim, are urging the Broadway League and Local 802 to negotiate in good faith to prevent a potential Broadway musicians' strike, which could significantly impact the theatre industry and local economy. The union's contract expired in August, and negotiations are ongoing, with a strike possible if an agreement isn't reached by October 23. The situation has garnered political and public attention, emphasizing the importance of a fair resolution to avoid widespread disruptions.
Broadway musicians union Local 802 AFM has threatened to strike on October 23 if they do not reach a new contract with the Broadway League, citing issues like wages, healthcare, and job security, which could lead to many shows going dark. The union has authorized a strike with 98% approval, and negotiations are scheduled to continue with potential for broader impact if actors' union also strikes in solidarity.
The Department of Interior is reportedly planning mass layoffs starting October 20 despite a court order prohibiting such actions during a government shutdown, with a federal judge demanding transparency and urgent hearings on the matter.
EA employees and union groups oppose the $55 billion private acquisition of EA by Saudi-backed investors, citing concerns over job losses, lack of worker representation, and human rights issues, and have called for regulatory scrutiny through a petition.
Broadway musicians, with 98% voting in favor, have authorized a strike amid ongoing contract negotiations with the Broadway League, primarily over healthcare, wages, and job security, with discussions including the possibility of mediation.