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‘Boycott Starbucks’ trending after union response to Hamas attacks

Florida Republicans, including U.S. Senator Rick Scott, are calling for a boycott of Starbucks after the coffee chain’s union called for support of Palestine.   In a now deleted post on social media, Starbucks Workers United wrote “Solidarity with Palestine!” following the deadliest terrorist attack in Israeli history. On Sunday,

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Former labor leader fills vacant U.S. Senate seat

Last week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom named former labor leader Laphonza Butler to fill Diane Feinstein’s vacant U.S. Senate seat. Butler was officially sworn in on Tuesday.  Butler has a long history of union involvement and leadership. She built her career as a union organizer, working with nurses, janitors, and

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PEF calls on New York state to fix workplace bullying 

In September, members of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) held a rally to bring attention to alleged bullying in the workplace. The union claims that “many of its members face bullying, harassment and discrimination due to their union membership within their workplaces.”  “We are sending a message that

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Will Massachusetts staffers be next to unionize?

Legislative staffers in Massachusetts are pushing for unionization for a second time.   Last summer, Senate President Karen Spilka refused to recognize the staffers’ unionization attempt. Now, staffers are attempting a legislative change that would permit unionization. State law currently allows executive and judicial branch employees to unionize but excludes legislative

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SEPTA to negotiate new contracts with majority of workforce

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is made up of 14 different bargaining units, almost all of which have contracts up for negotiation in 2023 or early 2024.  The number of paid riders using SEPTA has decreased in recent years, and the authority anticipates a deficit of $240 million dollars

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California lawmakers to let legislative staffers unionize 

Last week, California lawmakers passed legislation that will allow their staff to join a labor union. Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to sign the bill into law.  “Legislative staff aren’t looking for special treatment—they are looking for the same dignity and respect afforded to all represented workers,” said Democratic Assemblymember Tina

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Staten Island Ferry workers reach contract deal after 13 years

Last week, New York City reached an agreement with the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), the union representing Staten Island Ferry workers, to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement. The contract is the first since 2010 and is retroactive to November 2010.  Unfortunately, the Staten Island Ferry workers’ experience is

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Florida unions struggle to reenroll members

Labor unions in Florida have struggled to meet provisions of the state’s new public sector union laws that went into effect on July 1. Senate Bill 256, which was signed by the governor in May, prohibits direct payroll deductions for union dues and requires a union recertification election if membership

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