Targeted News Service

DETROIT, Michigan, May 5 -- The United Automobile Workers issued the following news on May 4, 2026:

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UAW Members at CNH Racine Reach Tentative Agreement

The United Auto Workers announced today that UAW members at CNH Industrial's Racine facility have reached a tentative agreement with the company on a new five-year contract covering approximately 300 members.

The Racine plant manufactures Case IH Magnum high-horsepower tractors and plays a critical role in agricultural equipment production in the United States.

"This tentative agreement reflects the strength and solidarity of our members ... Show Full Article

Teamsters Secure Contract at Smithfield Foods

WASHINGTON, May 5 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:

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Teamsters Secure Contract at Smithfield Foods

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(SMITHFIELD, Va.) - More than 300 members of Teamsters Local 822 in Smithfield, Virginia, overwhelmingly ratified a strong new contract with Smithfield Foods. The workers produce ham and bacon products sold nationwide under Smithfield-owned brands that include Armour, Gwaltney, and Eckrich.

Under the contract, workers will receive a 12 percent wage increase, along with back pay. The deal also blocks proposed health care ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, May 5 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release: * * * Teamsters Secure Contract at Smithfield Foods * (SMITHFIELD, Va.) - More than 300 members of Teamsters Local 822 in Smithfield, Virginia, overwhelmingly ratified a strong new contract with Smithfield Foods. The workers produce ham and bacon products sold nationwide under Smithfield-owned brands that include Armour, Gwaltney, and Eckrich. Under the contract, workers will receive a 12 percent wage increase, along with back pay. The deal also blocks proposed health carecost increases and guarantees pay during certain non-disciplinary absences.

"This contract is proof that when workers stand together and say 'no' to a bad deal, they can force real change," said James Wright, President of Teamsters Local 822 and Vice President At-Large of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. "Our members rejected a contract that didn't meet the moment, stayed united, and came back with something stronger. This agreement sets a new standard at the Smithfield facility."

The contract also ends a long-standing practice that forced workers to use their breaks due to mechanical breakdowns during the first hour of their shift -a key issue on the shop floor. Additionally, it establishes a Maintenance Training Program Subcommittee to expand training opportunities and ensure skilled trades workers are fairly compensated.

"We weren't going to settle for less than what we've earned," said Michele Putnam, a 22-year worker at Smithfield Foods and member of Local 822. "We stuck together and made sure this contract reflects the work we do every day. This will give us more stability on the job and more security for our families."

Teamsters Local 822 represents over 3,000 workers across the Tidewater Area working in a variety of industries. For more information, visit www.teamsters822.com.

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Original text here: https://teamster.org/2026/05/teamsters-secure-contract-at-smithfield-foods/

Recology Teamsters Win Historic Contract

WASHINGTON, May 5 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:

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Recology Teamsters Win Historic Contract

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(TUKWILA, Wash.) - Nearly 400 Recology workers represented by Teamsters Local 174 in Washington state have voted by an overwhelming 95 percent margin to ratify an historic contract.

The new agreement contains more than 90 provisions that will directly improve workers' quality of life. Highlights include raises up to 43 percent, pension increases of $5 an hour, additional paid time off, greater seniority rights, and improved ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, May 5 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release: * * * Recology Teamsters Win Historic Contract * (TUKWILA, Wash.) - Nearly 400 Recology workers represented by Teamsters Local 174 in Washington state have voted by an overwhelming 95 percent margin to ratify an historic contract. The new agreement contains more than 90 provisions that will directly improve workers' quality of life. Highlights include raises up to 43 percent, pension increases of $5 an hour, additional paid time off, greater seniority rights, and improvedworkplace safety standards.

"All of us here at Recology are proud to have taken part in negotiating such a strong contract. This agreement is going to make it so much easier to get by," said Tim Simpson, a Recology worker and devoted member of Local 174. "Our entire unit was ready to do whatever it took to get a fair agreement that reflects and rewards our hard work. Our success is all thanks to the involvement of our brothers and sisters, the commitment of our rank-and-file negotiating committee, and our close coordination with Local 174."

Recology is a $1 billion sanitation company headquartered in San Francisco. The Teamsters Union proudly represents more than 2,000 Recology workers across the West Coast.

"This is one of the best contracts Local 174 has ever produced. It is the direct result of the engagement of the members and the planning and process that we worked together to outline ahead of this successful campaign," said Rick Hicks, Teamsters Western Region International Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer of Local 174. "Recology knew the members were willing to put up a fight to get the deal they have earned and deserved. Every single person who helped negotiate this agreement should be proud of their relentlessness and tenacity. That was key to us getting such a strong contract over the finish line."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

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Original text here: https://teamster.org/2026/05/recology-teamsters-win-historic-contract/

Ocean State Media Workers Form Union With SAG-AFTRA

LOS ANGELES, California, May 5 -- The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) issued the following news release:

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Ocean State Media Workers Form Union with SAG-AFTRA

Majority of OSM Staff Sign Petition to Unionize

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Staff at Ocean State Media, Rhode Island's NPR and PBS station, have announced their intention to form a union with SAG-AFTRA. A majority of the unionizing workers -- including hosts, reporters, and digital, audio and video producers -- signed the petition to unionize.

"The dedicated journalists and media professionals at Ocean ... Show Full Article LOS ANGELES, California, May 5 -- The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) issued the following news release: * * * Ocean State Media Workers Form Union with SAG-AFTRA Majority of OSM Staff Sign Petition to Unionize * Staff at Ocean State Media, Rhode Island's NPR and PBS station, have announced their intention to form a union with SAG-AFTRA. A majority of the unionizing workers -- including hosts, reporters, and digital, audio and video producers -- signed the petition to unionize. "The dedicated journalists and media professionals at OceanState Media are vital storytellers for their communities, and their decision to unionize reflects both a deep belief in their mission and a commitment to shaping a stronger future for public media," said Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator of SAG-AFTRA. "At a time of growing challenges in journalism, organizing is one of the most powerful tools workers have to safeguard the essential role public media plays in our democracy. We're proud to stand with them in that effort."

Ocean State Media was formed following a merger between The Public's Radio, Rhode Island's NPR affiliate, and Rhode Island PBS. The combined organization provides news and cultural coverage on the unique stories of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.

"We are proud to create public media every day for, and with, the people of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts," the organizing committee said. "We believe that in order to sustainably and effectively serve that mission, the voices of staff need to be represented in our organization's decision-making."

In their petition, which was delivered to Ocean State Media's management on May 4, 2026, the employees wrote, "At a time of unprecedented challenges for public media and journalism in general, we seek a more active role in decision-making about the organization and the future of our work."

"We approach this process in a spirit of collaboration and professionalism, hoping we can work together to ensure OSM is always a place where people are excited to build a great career in journalism and broadcasting," they wrote. "We truly believe in the mission of Ocean State Media, and our goal is the realization of our organization's ideals."

Ocean State Media joins public media outlets nationwide in unionizing with SAG-AFTRA. NPR, PBS NewsHour, and member stations WBUR (Boston), PBS NewsHour (Washington, D.C.), WHYY (Philadelphia), NHPR (New Hampshire), Texas Public Radio (San Antonio, TX) and Northwest Public Broadcasting (Washington State) are just some of the public media outlets unionized with the union.

"Rhode Island has a proud tradition of unions standing up and delivering for workers," the organizing committee added. "We firmly believe that organizing is the most powerful way to protect workers and strengthen our organization."

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About SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.

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Original text here: https://www.sagaftra.org/ocean-state-media-workers-form-union-sag-aftra

[Category: Union]

IAM Union Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico Workers Ratify First Contract, Securing Strong Gains After Years of Unity

UPPER MARLBORO, Maryland, May 5 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers issued the following news release:

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IAM Union Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico Workers Ratify First Contract, Securing Strong Gains After Years of Unity

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Leer en espanol

AGUADILLA, P.R., May 5, 2026 - IAM Union-represented Lufthansa Technik workers in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement, securing job protections, a signing bonus, wage increases, and improved benefits.

The agreement, covering more than 200 aircraft ... Show Full Article

DHL Teamsters Ratify Contract

WASHINGTON, May 5 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:

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DHL Teamsters Ratify Contract

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DHL Teamsters have voted by a 92 percent margin to ratify a new four-year collective bargaining agreement. The new contract was secured following a credible strike threat that would have involved thousands of DHL Teamsters across 26 locals around the country.

"DHL Teamsters were prepared to take action and hold management accountable if they failed to deliver," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "Our members were ready to ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, May 5 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release: * * * DHL Teamsters Ratify Contract * DHL Teamsters have voted by a 92 percent margin to ratify a new four-year collective bargaining agreement. The new contract was secured following a credible strike threat that would have involved thousands of DHL Teamsters across 26 locals around the country. "DHL Teamsters were prepared to take action and hold management accountable if they failed to deliver," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "Our members were ready toshut this company down if it failed to live up to its obligations, and management knew it. That leverage delivered serious wage increases, locked in strong job protections, and made it clear that Teamsters will not allow technology to undermine our rights or livelihoods."

The new four-year agreement includes a 20 percent wage increase, higher health and welfare contributions, and critical job protections. It also establishes robust safeguards against AI-driven routing systems that undermine seniority and explicitly prohibits the use of autonomous vehicles that threaten Teamsters jobs.

"We made it clear to management from Day One that we were ready to act if the company didn't deliver," said Alex Perez, a DHL delivery driver and member of Teamsters Local 745. "That unity is what won this contract. It raises the bar across the board and gives us the protections we need moving forward."

The DHL Teamsters National Master Agreement protects thousands of workers nationwide and was set to expire on March 31. With a looming strike threat, the Teamsters national negotiating committee reached a tentative agreement less than 24 hours before the contract was set to expire.

"This agreement demonstrates exactly what happens when our members are organized and prepared to take action," said Bill Hamilton, Director of the Teamsters Express Division. "The company knew we were serious, and the result is a contract that delivered real gains and protects our work into the future."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

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Original text here: https://teamster.org/2026/05/dhl-teamsters-ratify-contract/

AAUP, AFT, LABOR LEADERS SUPPORT UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN PROFESSOR DEREK PETERSON

WASHINGTON, May 5 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Teachers issued the following news release:

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AAUP, AFT, LABOR LEADERS SUPPORT UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN PROFESSOR DEREK PETERSON

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The AAUP and AFT strongly defend the academic freedom of Professor Derek Peterson and condemn the escalating campaign of political pressure and public intimidation directed at him following his remarks at the University of Michigan's commencement ceremony.

Professor Peterson's comments-measured, principled, and clearly situated within a broader call to recognize those who work to advance ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, May 5 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Teachers issued the following news release: * * * AAUP, AFT, LABOR LEADERS SUPPORT UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN PROFESSOR DEREK PETERSON * The AAUP and AFT strongly defend the academic freedom of Professor Derek Peterson and condemn the escalating campaign of political pressure and public intimidation directed at him following his remarks at the University of Michigan's commencement ceremony. Professor Peterson's comments-measured, principled, and clearly situated within a broader call to recognize those who work to advancejustice-fall squarely within the protected sphere of faculty speech. Faculty members do not surrender their rights to speak as scholars and citizens when they participate in university forums-whether in classrooms, public venues, or ceremonial settings. On the contrary, such occasions are among the most visible expressions of the university's core commitments to thoughtful inquiry, ethical reflection, and engagement with the most pressing issues of our time.

Calls from political actors and government officials to investigate, discipline, or terminate Professor Peterson are deeply alarming. Such demands represent a direct threat to academic freedom and an unacceptable intrusion of partisan politics into the life of the university. Just as concerning, they create a profound chilling effect: When faculty members see a colleague singled out for public vilification and threats of punishment for protected speech, the predictable result is self-censorship. Scholars may avoid addressing controversial or politically sensitive topics, narrowing the scope of inquiry and debate that universities exist to sustain.

The AAUP and AFT are also concerned by the University of Michigan administration's public response, including its characterization of Professor Peterson's remarks and its suggestion that he acted improperly. Institutional leaders have an obligation not only to tolerate faculty speech, but to defend it-especially in the face of external political pressure. An institution may disagree with the content of a faculty member's protected expression, but refusing to affirm his right to academic freedom risks legitimizing calls for sanction, amplifying the chilling effect on faculty speech, and inviting further political interference.

The AAUP and AFT call on the University of Michigan to affirm unequivocally that Professor Peterson will face no discipline for his protected speech, to reject external efforts to dictate the terms of academic expression, and to recommit itself to the principles of academic freedom and shared governance that are foundational to its mission.

At a moment when faculty speech is increasingly subject to political attack, universities must stand firm. The AAUP and AFT stand with Professor Peterson and with all faculty members who exercise their rights and responsibilities to speak, teach, and engage the pressing issues of our time without fear of retaliation.

Randi Weingarten, AFT President

Todd Wolfson, AAUP President

Terrence Martin, AFT-Michigan President, AFT Vice President

Julie Boland, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor AAUP Chapter President

Daniel Birchok, University of Michigan-Flint AFT-AAUP Local 5671 President

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Original text here: https://www.aft.org/press-release/aaup-aft-labor-leaders-support-university-michigan-professor-derek-peterson

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