Posts tagged healthcare

    Commentary: Dockworker Strike Highlights Automation Fears, But Here’s How It’s Helping Us

    October 9, 2024 // These examples illustrate that while automation does lead to disruption and can come with challenges, like those faced by the dockworkers in their ongoing battle, the general arc of technology is one toward progress. From voice-activated assistants to automated lighting systems and smart thermostats, after a while it becomes hard to imagine how we ever lived without our technological marvels.

    OPINION: For Workers, Strikes Offer High Risk, Low Reward

    September 30, 2024 // The only way to avoid union retaliation is cancelling membership entirely. Beyond the rank-and-file, consequences of union strikes impact consumers, too. Last year, the healthcare industry, for example, saw the largest work stoppage in United States history as 75,000 hospital employees across five states plus Washington, D.C. walked off the job

    A+E Factual Studios staff is the latest to unionize

    September 25, 2024 // The WGA says the A+E drive is their most significant to date in unscripted television. (Frankel’s union is seeking representation under SAG-AFTRA, the actors guild.) The workers are currently seeking to secure improvements to salary, healthcare, paid time off, and minimum time to rest in between shifts.

    The real impact of the Teamsters’ non-endorsement

    September 20, 2024 // “Union endorsements are valuable because they usually come with access to resources, particularly volunteers to knock on doors and work phone banks,” Squire said. “Leadership may be able to persuade some members to vote the way they would like, but the real value is in campaign assistance.” Besides the setback of having fewer volunteers, there’s also some possibility that the non-endorsement could sway non-union voters sympathetic to labor issues.

    Kroger e-commerce center drivers vote to join Teamsters

    August 29, 2024 // The facility in Georgia is set to become the grocer’s second fulfillment center where drivers have agreed to unionize.

    Proposed Biden-Harris Apprenticeship Rule Would Exacerbate Skills Gap

    August 14, 2024 // PROPOSED RULE WOULD DISCOURAGE WORKERS AND DISINCENTIVIZE BUSINESSES FROM PARTICIPATING IN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the U.S. Department of Labor has proposed a nearly 800-page rule that would burden apprenticeship programs with red tape, extra costs, and more bureaucracy. The rule includes several problematic new requirements, including

    Hotel workers in four US cities to hold strike authorization votes

    July 25, 2024 // Workers at 125 hotels in the four cities have sought significant pay raises in new contracts to replace ones that have expired or will expire soon. They are also seeking better healthcare and pension plans and are looking for hotel operators to reverse pandemic-era staff and service cuts like daily room cleaning.

    Nevada’s Primary Results Reveal Union Influence Waning

    July 22, 2024 // The union’s aggressive stance in the 2024 Democratic primary, which included unendorsing 18 Democratic state lawmakers and endorsing challengers against them, underscored its discontent with legislative decisions such as the passage of SB441. It showed that it was willing to make any outlandish attempts to get what it wanted. But, this time, their attempts weren’t enough. Despite a significant campaign effort, including nearly half a million dollars spent on advertisements, the Culinary Union’s candidate, Hughes, was defeated by Nguyen with a decisive margin of over ten percentage points.

    Boeing Workers Pass Strike Vote to ‘Save Company From Itself’

    July 22, 2024 // CLOSE X CONTINUE Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:56 Quality Fullscreen By Hugh Cameron Live News Reporter FOLLOW 2 Members of Boeing's biggest union have voted to authorize a strike if their current contract negotiations with the aerospace company fail, compelling the company to take their demands for higher salaries and job security seriously. Over 30,000 Boeing workers from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) met in Seattle on Wednesday to cast their vote on possible industrial action. "Thousands of Machinists from IAM District 751 who work at the Boeing Company put down their tools and silenced the factories to come together at T-Mobile Park to cast their vote," a statement shared by the International Association of Machinists read. "The message was clear – Boeing workers deserve better." The vote will compel Boeing to "bargain earnestly," according to IAM District 751 President Jon Holden. "Our jobs, our legacy and our reputation are on the line right now. We are fighting to change this company and to save it from itself." IAM strike vote International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Worker Union District 751 members drop their ballots into a ballot box during an early strike-sanction vote event at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington on July 17, 2024. The... More JASON REDMOND/GETTY IMAGES The procedural vote, which the IAM said passed "by nearly 99.9%," gives the union advanced notice of its members' intention to strike, ensuring that they can receive strike benefits without delay if industrial action goes ahead. Sign up for Newsletter NEWSLETTER The Bulletin Your Morning Starts Here Begin your day with a curated outlook of top news around the world and why it matters. Enter your email address I want to receive special offers and promotions from Newsweek By clicking on SIGN ME UP, you agree to Newsweek's Terms of Use & Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time. The vote to strike will not take place until September 12, when the current negotiations between the IAM and Boeing come to a close. However, the union said that the vote serves as a "momentum builder," and sends a strong message to Boeing that "members won't accept anything less than the fair contract they deserve." Exclusively Available to Subscribers Try it now for $1 "We don't want to strike – but we're ready and willing to do so to bring home the best aerospace contract our members have ever seen," Holden said. "From our family members to the flying public, we want everyone to be proud of this company once again. We are the watchdog with a unique opportunity to make things better for all." READ MORE Boeing Concern Over Boeing's 'Influence' As Sweetheart Plea Deal Delayed FAA Must Rein in Boeing After Engine Fire: UK Government Boeing Bosses Face Marathon 20-Hour Grilling by Watchdog Boeing Workers Meet for Crunch Vote on Strikes IAM President Jon Holden International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Worker Union District 751 President Jon Holden speaks as members and supporters attend an early strike-sanction vote event at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington on July 17, 2024. Holden... More JASON REDMOND/GETTY IMAGES The negotiations between Boeing and its workers began in March and are set to finish in September at the close of their current 10-year contract. The IAM is seeking a 40 percent salary increase over the next three to four years to amend "ten years of stagnant wages," as well as improved healthcare plans, "dignified" retirement plans and a greater say in their over overtime hours. However, the IAM said that job security "could tip the scales" when members cast their votes to strike on September 12. Holden previously told Newsweek that the IAM was demanding that Boeing's next airplane program be placed in the Puget Sound region, Washington.