Unions & strikes
Strikes, collective bargaining, union organising and labour-relations rulings (including the NLRB).
41 briefs
Today · Monday 26 October
- Canada & Latin America·Policy & Law
Colombian unions reject government's eight draft decrees altering labor reform
Colombian unions CUT and CGT, along with pensioner confederations under CNU, issued a statement on October 20 rejecting eight draft decrees proposed by the Labor Ministry, warning they could weaken labor inspection, harassment protections, and rights tied to the 2025 labor reform—including rules on outsourcing, collective pacts, and inspection conditions for domestic workers and journalists. The unions demand continued tripartite dialogue.
- Europe·Policy & Law
Dutch government plan to scrap staff discount tax break aims to save €123m a year
The Dutch government plans to save €123 million a year by scrapping the tax-free staff discount scheme, which currently lets employees buy employer products at up to 20% off, capped at €500 annually. If the Tax Plan 2027 passes, the exemption would end January 1, 2027. Retail association InRetail calls the proposal a 'farce', while union FNV says the discount matters for low-paid retail staff.
- United States·News
Brigham and Women's nurses reject contract proposal after postponing strike
Nurses at Brigham and Women's Hospital, who had previously postponed a strike, rejected a new contract proposal from the hospital. The report did not specify whether a strike would be rescheduled.
- Europe·Policy & Law
25 Dutch trade associations urge government to keep tax-free staff discount scheme
The Dutch House of Representatives earlier voted to scrap, from January 1, 2027, the tax exemption allowing employers to give staff up to 20% discount (capped at €500/year) on company products or services, to fund energy price compensation. 25 trade associations are now urging lawmakers to retain the scheme, backed by union FNV, which says it matters for low-wage retail workers.
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
Japan auto union group looks beyond inflation-linked pay hikes for 2027 talks
A Japanese auto industry union group said it is looking beyond inflation-linked pay increases for the 2027 spring wage negotiations. The organization is considering new approaches to compensation talks amid a changing labor market.
- United States·Policy & Law
United Airlines wins summary judgment in age, disability bias case
A Texas federal district court granted summary judgment to United Airlines on ADEA and ADA discrimination and retaliation claims brought by an age-protected flight attendant with physical injuries. The court found she could not show pretext because evidence contradicting a binding System Board of Adjustment ruling—which found the airline complied with the CBA in terminating her—was precluded. Finger v. United Airlines, Oct. 23, 2026.
- Europe·Policy & Law
European unions protest EU's proposed '28th regime', citing risk to workers' rights
On October 20, European trade unions protested outside the European Parliament in Strasbourg against the EU Commission's proposed '28th regime,' a new EU-wide corporate status mainly for startups and SMEs, which unions say could weaken workers' rights. The proposal is still at an early stage and not yet adopted.
- Europe·Policy & Law
EU Inc draft stalls in European Parliament's JURI committee over workers' rights dispute
The European Parliament's Legal Affairs (JURI) Committee failed to reach consensus on the EU Inc draft report on 19 October, following a postponed vote on 5 October, amid MEP disagreements over workers' rights. EU Inc, proposed by the European Commission in March 2026, is a bloc-wide 28th corporate regime allowing online company registration within 48 hours with EUR1 starting capital. Despite EU leaders' aim to finalize the law by year-end, EU Inc founders say the proposal has been diluted amid opposition and union protests.
- Europe·News
Volkswagen plans to cut 12,000 more jobs by 2030, proposes transfer company scheme
According to media reports, Volkswagen's management plans to cut a further 12,000 jobs at its core brand by 2030, proposing that employees could voluntarily move into a state-subsidized transfer company (Transfergesellschaft) for retraining, during which they would no longer be VW employees. The plan, communicated by negotiator Arne Meiswinkel to the works council, is strongly opposed by works council chair Daniela Cavallo and union IG Metall, which is preparing labor disputes and possible strikes after year-end. An earlier report on October 19 said VW planned a multi-year pay freeze for its 600,000+ global employees through 2030.
- United States·Policy & Law
US clocks fall back Nov. 1, payroll teams must credit the extra hour
US daylight saving time ends Nov. 1, giving employees working overnight an extra hour. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers must pay for all hours actually worked including the repeated hour, which counts toward weekly overtime for nonexempt employees and potentially daily overtime in states like California and Alaska. The House passed the Sunshine Protection Act on July 14 to make DST permanent, but the Senate adjourned without acting and won't reconvene until Nov. 9, so the time change proceeds as usual.
- Europe·Policy & Law
MEPs visit Amazon warehouses in Germany and Poland over worker surveillance, algorithmic management
298 Members of the European Parliament are visiting Amazon logistics centres in Germany and Poland on October 26-27 to investigate workplace monitoring, productivity targets and trade union rights. The fact-finding mission comes as the European Commission prepares its Quality Jobs Act, expected to address algorithmic management and working conditions.
- Canada & Latin America·Policy & Law
Brazil's Lula plans labor law reforms after re-election, including ending 6x1 schedule
Following his re-election on Oct. 25, Brazilian President Lula plans to push labor law (CLT) reforms, including ending the 6x1 work schedule, combating fraudulent outsourcing and disguised employment, and strengthening unions. The proposals are not finalized and will be sent to Congress for debate.
Yesterday · Sunday 25 October
- United States·Policy & Law
NLRB Rules USPS Illegally Restricted Workers' Safety Grievance Rights
The NLRB in June upheld a ruling that USPS illegally suppressed senior driver David Covarrubias's safety complaints and signature-gathering in 2021, with management and union both involved. USPS must revoke or amend rules restricting signature collection.
- Asia-Pacific·News
POSCO Union Warns of Indefinite Strike After Wage Talks Collapse
South Korea's POSCO union warned of an indefinite strike beginning November 2 at Pohang and Gwangyang plants if wage talks fail. The union seeks 7.1% base wage increase, 600% performance bonus, 50 company shares and 200% holiday pay; the company offered 2.5% raise and 5 million won one-time payment. The company employs ~17,000 workers, ~10,100 unionized.
- Canada & Latin America·News
More Than 1,200 Workers Walk Off Job at B.C. Copper Mine After Contract Talks Fail
Over 1,200 union workers at Highland Valley Copper mine near Logan Lake, B.C., struck on October 25 after contract negotiations failed. Operator Teck Resources reduced production; USW Local 7619 cited wages, pensions and retention as key issues.
- United States·Policy & Law
Oakland Advances $30 Minimum Wage Proposal as Alameda Fast-Food Workers Protest Alleged Wage Theft
Oakland city council advances a $30 per hour minimum wage proposal as Alameda fast-food workers at a Jack in the Box location strike over wage theft allegations. Legal Aid at Work has filed suit; California's current fast-food minimum wage is $20 hourly.
- United States·News
Arizona IAM Members Ratify Raytheon Contract with 24% Average Wage Growth
IAM Local 933 members in Tucson, Arizona ratified a new five-year Raytheon contract covering 2,200+ missile- and defense-systems production workers. The deal includes 24% average cumulative wage growth, $3,000 signing bonus, $1,500 401(k) match, and $3,500 ammunition production bonus.
- Canada & Latin America·News
Threat of N.S. School Staff Strike Looms After Conciliation Fails to Produce Deal
Contract talks for ~5,500 Nova Scotia school support staff (CUPE-represented) stalled after Friday conciliation. Union enters legal strike status Monday; earliest walkout is Wednesday, requiring 48-hour notice. Disputes include pay, benefits, campus safety, staffing, and training.
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
Philippine TUCP Slams Western Visayas' P40-45 Minimum Wage Hike as 'Crumbs'
Philippines' DOLE regional wage board issued Order 30 raising Western Visayas minimum wage 40–45 pesos (≈P5/hour); agriculture workers rose from P520 to P565, capping daily pay at P590—below Manila's P755 and IBON Foundation's estimated P1,081 living wage. TUCP dismissed the hike as insignificant.
- Middle East & Africa·Policy & Law
Mauritius Launches Tender to Study Reducing Work Week to 40 Hours
Mauritius launches a tender in early October to hire consultants studying feasibility of reducing weekly work hours from 45 to 40 under the 2019 Labour Rights Act—signalling major labour law reform affecting wages, productivity and conditions.
Saturday 24 October
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
India's Labour Minister Says ESIC Provides Health Security to 250 Million People
India's Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya states ESIC provides health security to 250 million people, while the government supplies free grain to 800 million and transfers Rs 2,000 every four months to 100 million farmers, discussing ILO framework balance with domestic labour traditions.
- United States·News
Encore Boston Workers Mark Over 50 Days on Strike
Over 1,300 workers at Encore Boston Harbor have struck since September 4, spanning 50+ days as of October 24. Teamsters Local 25 and UNITE HERE Local 26 seek 「Boston Standard」 contract terms on wages, benefits and job security after contract expiration August 31.
- United States·News
UAW Members at Triumph Group Vote 99% to Authorize Strike
UAW Local 405 at Triumph Group (military aircraft engine controls) voted 99% on October 24, 2026 (148-1, 86% turnout) to authorize strikes after contract expires October 31. Demands include industry-standard wages, job security, cost-of-living protection, affordable healthcare and no concessions. Company earned $680-687 million over five years; CEO earned $61.6 million over a decade; new hires earn $25.25/hour versus $39.34 average with no cost-of-living adjustments.
- Europe·Policy & Law
Romania's Labour Minister Says Minimum Wage Stays at 4,325 Lei on Jan 1, 2027
Romania's Labour Minister Florin Manole says minimum wage remains 4,325 lei (pre-tax) from January 1, 2027, with final determination through social dialogue involving unions and employers.
- Canada & Latin America·News
Highland Valley Copper Mine Workers Begin Strike Action
Highland Valley Copper workers near Logan Lake, British Columbia began strike action October 24 after Teck Resources and USW Local 7619 failed to reach a contract. The union issued 72-hour notice Tuesday; legal strike status began Saturday with picket lines.
- United States·News
Long Island Rail Road Strike Is Over, New York Gov. Hochul Says
New York Governor Hochul announced the Long Island Rail Road strike has ended. The report did not provide strike dates or specific agreement details.
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
MTUC Warns Minimum-Wage Exemption Could Leave 8.1 Million MSME Workers Without Pay Raise
Malaysia's Trade Union Congress warns government's temporary minimum wage exemption for MSMEs could leave 8.1 million workers without raises, urging targeted assistance over blanket waivers.
- United States·Policy & Law
Sacramento Court Workers Authorize Strike on or After October 30 Over Stalled Pay Talks
Sacramento Superior Court's ~450 employees, represented by United Public Employees union, authorized a strike on or after October 30 following failed pay talks. The union seeks 4% raises; the court claimed insufficient funds despite alleged management pay increases.
- United States·News
Locked Out BP Workers Picket Outside Indiana Refinery Amid Labor Contract Dispute
BP workers at an Indiana refinery locked out over labor contract disputes are picketing outside the facility, with additional details remaining unavailable.
- Canada & Latin America·Policy & Law
Mexico and US Close Amphenol Case Under USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism
Mexico and the U.S. closed the Amphenol Optimize México (Sonora) case under the USMCA labor rapid response mechanism. Amphenol rehired 9 employees, issued neutrality pledge, provided training, adopted zero-tolerance policy and established anonymous reporting channel; both governments deemed remedies sufficient.