Featured Stories
Education Policy Institute and NEU Report on Teachers' Use of AI
LONDON, England, Sept. 26 (TNSrpt) -- The National Education Union issued the following news release:
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Education Policy Institute and NEU report on teachers' use of AI
25/09/2026
Commenting on the How can we empower teachers to use AI without undermining their professionalism or relationships with students?, a report published today, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"It is so important that AI in schools is not used in ways which undermine teachers' professionalism or the activities and cultures which build good learning relationships.
"The teacher-pupil
... Show Full Article
LONDON, England, Sept. 26 (TNSrpt) -- The National Education Union issued the following news release:
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Education Policy Institute and NEU report on teachers' use of AI
25/09/2026
Commenting on the How can we empower teachers to use AI without undermining their professionalism or relationships with students?, a report published today, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"It is so important that AI in schools is not used in ways which undermine teachers' professionalism or the activities and cultures which build good learning relationships.
"The teacher-pupilrelationship is key to learning and must be protected.
"The overarching message from our roundtable with the EPI is that AI should augment teachers, not replace their expertise, skill or judgement. De-skilling teachers must be avoided.
"Teachers' expertise and joint collaboration must be central to teaching and curriculum planning, and also to schools' policies and practices on AI."
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REPORT: https://epi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/How-can-we-empower-teachers-to-use-AI-without-undermining-their-professionalism-or-relationships-with-students.pdf
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Original text here: https://neu.org.uk/latest/press-releases/education-policy-institute-and-neu-report-teachers-use-ai?_locale=en
[Category: Union]
Thousand nurses in SF to protest AI giant's work with ICE, CBP
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, Sept. 25 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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Thousand nurses in SF to protest AI giant's work with ICE, CBP
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In San Francisco on Wednesday, Sept. 30, more than a thousand nurses, along with community members, will mobilize against the notorious artificial intelligence giant, Palantir. Palantir has a track record of building AI tools for large-scale data collection and mass surveillance that threaten human rights.
The Wednesday action - organized by the nation's largest union of registered nurses National Nurses United
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SILVER SPRING, Maryland, Sept. 25 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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Thousand nurses in SF to protest AI giant's work with ICE, CBP
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In San Francisco on Wednesday, Sept. 30, more than a thousand nurses, along with community members, will mobilize against the notorious artificial intelligence giant, Palantir. Palantir has a track record of building AI tools for large-scale data collection and mass surveillance that threaten human rights.
The Wednesday action - organized by the nation's largest union of registered nurses National Nurses United(NNU) and its affiliate California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee (CNA/NNOC) - is part of the People vs. Palantir Global Week of Action. From September 28 to October 1, thousands of people across multiple continents will demand that public institutions, hospitals, universities, and pension funds cancel their existing contracts and relationships with Palantir.
In San Francisco, registered nurses will march to the city's ICE detention center to call attention to Palantir's collaboration with federal immigration enforcement through its app called ELITE. ELITE is used by federal agents to identify people for arrest using, in part, improperly obtained Medicaid data.
"Honoring our obligation to 'do no harm' means that nurses must actively refuse Palantir's role in our hospitals and in our government," said CNA/NNOC president Sandy Reding, RN. "The violence and destruction unleashed by immigration agents and enabled by Palantir is a total violation of nursing values of care and compassion. That is why we unequivocally say 'Purge Palantir!'"
What: People vs. Palantir Global Week of Action - San Francisco / Bay Area
When: Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 1:30 p.m.
Where: March begins at Jessie Square (760 Mission St.) proceeding toward ICE building (630 Sansome Street).
Who: National Nurses United and affiliate California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee
NNU nurses, as part of the Purge Palantir coalition, have been putting Palantir's connections to the U.S. government, including elected representatives, and the U.S. hospital industry in the spotlight.
Their Aug. 27 action, which spanned eight cities, focused on the deadly impacts of Palantir's technology. In each city, nurses placed 50 pairs of baby shoes in the street - one pair of shoes representing every 10 babies who have been detained since President Trump took office. Passersby could also see large images of the heart-wrenching notes written by some of the 6,000 children who have been imprisoned by federal agents since the second Trump term began.
The nurses also held large red umbrellas emblazoned with eyes, symbolizing that nurses are keeping an eye on Palantir's harmful activities.
"No part of our country has been untouched by the terror and violence unleashed by federal immigration agents and enabled by Palantir's technology," said NNU President Jamie Brown, RN. "While our patients and neighbors are living in fear of deportation and detention, our hospitals are facing huge cuts and our patients are facing mounting health care costs because of H.R. 1. Nurses aren't just saying no to Palantir, but we're calling for our public resources to go toward the benefit of working people, not billionaires and their corporations."
While the U.S. government and corporations award billions of dollars in contracts to Palantir, the U.S. health care system faces a dire threat. H.R. 1 is the 2025 budget bill, pushed through by Republicans and President Trump, that cut more than $1 trillion in Medicaid and Medicare funding to give billionaires tax breaks, militarize immigration enforcement, and fund endless wars abroad. Not only will these cuts threaten health coverage for millions of people, they risk closures and service cuts at more than 600 hospitals nationwide, according to recent NNU research.
The growth of AI companies like Palantir is dependent on the growth of power- and water-intensive data centers. Nearly three-quarters of Americans oppose the development of data centers in their neighborhoods due to clear evidence about mounting environmental damage, noise pollution, and the unmet promise of permanent jobs to boost local economies.
California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee represents more than 180,000 members in more than 200 facilities throughout the country. CNA/NNOC is an affiliate of National Nurses United, the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the nation with more than 225,000 RNs nationwide.
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Original text here: https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/thousand-nurses-in-sf-to-protest-ai-giants-work-with-ice-cbp
SAG-AFTRA Backs Federal Film & TV Incentive Bill Newly Introduced in Congress
LOS ANGELES, California, Sept. 25 -- The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) issued the following news release:
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SAG-AFTRA Backs Federal Film & TV Incentive Bill Newly Introduced in Congress
September 24, 2026
Long-Sought Tax Break Legislation Aims to Revitalize the Industry
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SAG-AFTRA is throwing its support behind the Motion Picture, Television and Entertainment Revitalization Act, a bill introduced in the Senate today that would create the first-ever federal tax incentives for film and television production.
"The bipartisan support
... Show Full Article
LOS ANGELES, California, Sept. 25 -- The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) issued the following news release:
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SAG-AFTRA Backs Federal Film & TV Incentive Bill Newly Introduced in Congress
September 24, 2026
Long-Sought Tax Break Legislation Aims to Revitalize the Industry
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SAG-AFTRA is throwing its support behind the Motion Picture, Television and Entertainment Revitalization Act, a bill introduced in the Senate today that would create the first-ever federal tax incentives for film and television production.
"The bipartisan supportfor this bill has me optimistic that we will, at long last, get a federal tax incentive that will make us competitive with the rest of the world," SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin said "Many producers would rather film in the United States, with its deep pool of talent, but find it difficult to do so due to the financial realities, and they end up taking their productions overseas. I am hopeful that this bill is the first step in reversing that trend and safeguarding good jobs here at home. Thank you to Sens. Scott and Schiff, as well as Reps. Moran, Sanchez, Jack and Friedman, for making this happen."
SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said, "SAG-AFTRA has lobbied for a federal incentive for years, and this legislation is coming none too soon. We will be fighting hard to get this bill through, and members will have a key role to play in advocating its passage with their representatives. My appreciation goes out to all the members of Congress leading this effort."
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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/sag-aftra-backs-federal-film-tv-incentive-bill-newly-introduced-congress
[Category: Union]
National Education Union Pauses Strike Ballot Following the British Government Commitment to Fully Fund School Pay Award
LONDON, England, Sept. 25 -- The National Education Union issued the following news release:
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NEU pause strike ballot
24/09/2026
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The executive of the National Education Union met today to discuss the commitment from government to fully fund at a national level the teacher and support staff pay award for 2026/27. They have agreed to pause the ballot that was set to launch on 3 October.
Almost a year ago, in its submission to the School Teachers' Review Body, the Department for Education proposed a 6.5 per cent rise for teachers over three years, a review of the 1265-hour limit on directed
... Show Full Article
LONDON, England, Sept. 25 -- The National Education Union issued the following news release:
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NEU pause strike ballot
24/09/2026
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The executive of the National Education Union met today to discuss the commitment from government to fully fund at a national level the teacher and support staff pay award for 2026/27. They have agreed to pause the ballot that was set to launch on 3 October.
Almost a year ago, in its submission to the School Teachers' Review Body, the Department for Education proposed a 6.5 per cent rise for teachers over three years, a review of the 1265-hour limit on directedtime, and that the pay award should be funded entirely from 'efficiencies' within existing budgets.
Between February and April, we held an indicative ballot of our members, resulting in a 90 per cent yes vote for taking action. This pressure contributed to a shifting of ground, which saw a new commitment from Bridget Phillipson in early July: 6.5 per cent across two years, the withdrawal of a threat to directed time, and more money to meet the cost of the pay rise. But it was not enough, leaving a yawning pound sterling460m black hole in school budgets.
A trade dispute was registered with government on 17 July. However, since then negotiations between the NEU and incoming education secretary Lucy Powell have resulted in additional funding of pound sterling500m. This comes from a re-evaluation of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
However, the NEU is clear schools have been starved of funding for a sustained period and Government must not stop here. The pound sterling3.3bn saving from the TPS should also remain in schools rather than be clawed back by the treasury. No ifs or buts this is education money and in education it must stay.
Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the NEU, said:
"NEU members should be congratulated for fighting funding cuts to education on behalf of the entire school community.
"A pay deal without funding was never viable. We have been clear with ministers that their talk of hope and opportunity for young people counted for little without the investment to turn those words into reality. This is the strongest signal yet that the new administration is willing to put its money where its mouth is. It is my sincere belief that we now have a genuine opportunity on our hands to build on this victory, leverage our success, and make austerity in the classroom a thing of the past.
"However, there is still much to do. Seventy-four per cent of schools have less money in real terms than they did in 2010. Teachers have suffered real terms pay cuts of around a fifth in that same period, contributing to the recruitment and retention crisis. Buildings continue to crumble. Workload remains high.
"The NEU is clear schools have been starved of funding for a sustained period and Government must not stop here. The pound sterling3.3bn saving from reduced employer contributions to the Teachers' Pension should also remain in schools rather than be clawed back by the treasury. No ifs or buts - this is education money and in education it must stay."
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Original text here: https://neu.org.uk/latest/press-releases/neu-pause-strike-ballot?_locale=en
[Category: Union]
National Education Union Calls on Government to Establish Long Term Funding Settlement Following Institute for Fiscal Studies School Spending Report
LONDON, England, Sept. 25 (TNSxrep) -- The National Education Union issued the following news release:
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IFS report on school funding
24/09/2026
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Commenting on the latest report from the IFS on school spending per pupil to rise by 9% in real terms, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"We agree with the IFS that the government should provide a long-term funding plan for schools. Unfortunately the government have consistently not provided sufficient resources. It is our members who have won any increases through pressure and the threat of strike action.
... Show Full Article
LONDON, England, Sept. 25 (TNSxrep) -- The National Education Union issued the following news release:
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IFS report on school funding
24/09/2026
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Commenting on the latest report from the IFS on school spending per pupil to rise by 9% in real terms, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"We agree with the IFS that the government should provide a long-term funding plan for schools. Unfortunately the government have consistently not provided sufficient resources. It is our members who have won any increases through pressure and the threat of strike action.But the struggle is not over.
We welcome the additional funding schools have received this year, which will save thousands of jobs.
High-needs costs keep outrunning forecasts. When you strip out money for special educational needs, the IFS finds core funding for mainstream schools falls by pound sterling1.2 billion in real terms by 2028-29.
Budgets keep needing top-ups because governments set them too low and assume inflation will fall to 2 per cent. It is 3.1 per cent. These top-ups to funding only came after NEU campaigns, ballots or strikes.
Falling rolls are a chance to cut the largest primary class sizes in Europe and give pupils more individual support.
The government has to decide what type of country it wishes us to be - a low-wage, low-skill, low-investment economy, or a high-investment, high-skill, high-productivity economy. Education spending was more than 5 per cent of national income in 2010. It is now 4.1 per cent. It must return to at least 5 per cent."
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Original text here: https://neu.org.uk/latest/press-releases/ifs-report-school-funding?_locale=en
[Category: Union]
Contract Victory in Akron
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 [Category: Union] -- The Transport Workers Union of America issued the following news release:
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Contract Victory in Akron
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TWU Local 1 Members Ratify Six-Year Contract with Akron Metro, Locking in Big Raises
Agreement is "light years" better than terms proposed by a factfinder and Akron Metro management, union officials say.
Sept. 25, 2026
Transport Workers Union Local 1 members today ratified a six-year contract with Akron Metro that includes a 21% compounded wage increase over the life of the agreement, substantial retroactive pay, and a signing bonus. The agreement
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 [Category: Union] -- The Transport Workers Union of America issued the following news release:
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Contract Victory in Akron
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TWU Local 1 Members Ratify Six-Year Contract with Akron Metro, Locking in Big Raises
Agreement is "light years" better than terms proposed by a factfinder and Akron Metro management, union officials say.
Sept. 25, 2026
Transport Workers Union Local 1 members today ratified a six-year contract with Akron Metro that includes a 21% compounded wage increase over the life of the agreement, substantial retroactive pay, and a signing bonus. The agreementcomes nearly three months after workers authorized leadership to call a strike. A Bus Operator making $66,500 today will make $80,200 by the end of the contract in May 2030.
Local 1 represents 310 Bus Operators, Vehicle Service Workers, and Clerical Workers at Akron Metro. Running retroactively from June 2024 to May 2030, the contract includes:
* $8,300 in retroactive pay per member, on average, not including overtime.
* A $2,000 Signing Bonus
* A $2,000 Annual Attendance Bonus, up from $1,000
* Annual raises of 3%, 3%, 3.5%, 3.5%, 3%, and 3%
The contract is substantially better than the three-year proposal that was drafted by a fact-finder/arbitrator and approved by the Akron Metro Board in June. That proposal included two years without a raise, one 4% increase, a $3,500 signing bonus - but no retroactive pay.
"We fought back and drove the economic value of the contract much higher than the bosses ever thought possible," TWU International President John Samuelsen said. "We put together a strategic campaign with Local 1 leadership, executed the plan, and secured a contract that gives workers the respect and economic advancement they deserve."
"This is a major victory for the hard-working men and women who provide vital bus service to Akron and the surrounding communities," TWU International Administrative Vice President Curtis Tate said. "The terms of this contract are light years better than what the fact finder recommended and what Akron Metro was looking to impose, including two years without raises. We rejected that 100% and stood our ground."
"I'm proud of my members," TWU Local 1 President Wayne Cole said. "They leafleted riders, held rallies, spoke out at Metro Board meetings - and were ready to strike. Once management realized workers were organized and ready to take strike action, they buckled."
Local 1's previous contract with Akron Metro expired June 1, 2024, and workers received their last raise was June 1, 2023. The new contract includes increases to workers' health insurance premiums, but they are dwarfed by the significant wage and bonus gains, and they remain flat for the duration of the agreement.
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Original text here: https://www.twu.org/contract-victory-in-akron/
CMMC nurses and community members celebrate landslide union victory
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, Sept. 25 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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CMMC nurses and community members celebrate landslide union victory
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Registered nurses and their community allies held a rally today to celebrate their commanding union election victory last night at Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) in Lewiston, Maine, announced Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee. NNOC is an affiliate of National Nurses United, the largest union of registered nurses in the country.
In the final weeks before the election,
... Show Full Article
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, Sept. 25 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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CMMC nurses and community members celebrate landslide union victory
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Registered nurses and their community allies held a rally today to celebrate their commanding union election victory last night at Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) in Lewiston, Maine, announced Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee. NNOC is an affiliate of National Nurses United, the largest union of registered nurses in the country.
In the final weeks before the election,CMMC (and its owner, Prime Healthcare) fired 15 union supporters and suspended five nurses for speaking up and advocating for their patients.
"You take on one of us, you take on all of us," said fired CMMC nurse Katie Grinnell, RN. "Prime and CMMC made a bet that we'd scatter to the wind when they started firing nurses for our patient advocacy. But last night, they lost that bet.
"Their cruelty toward us just made us stronger," said Grinnell. "We are more determined than ever to win improvements to the lives of nurses and patients at our hospital. Prime should not profit off the backs of us nurses, at the expense of our patients."
CMMC was acquired by Prime Healthcare earlier this year. Since Prime began operating CMMC, nurses have cited increased patient loads, a lack of necessary patient care supplies (like clean bed linens), and unilateral cuts to nurses' pay and benefits. The union victory means that Prime and CMMC must now bargain with the nurses over the terms and conditions of their employment. Nurses say they voted to join the union so they could have a real voice in decisions that affect patient care in the hospital.
"We feel the love and support of our community," said Jesse Buck, RN at CMMC nurse in the cardiac intermediate care unit. "We are so grateful to all of our neighbors and friends who have reached out to let us know they're pulling for us. And we appreciate so much all of the elected officials and candidates who have publicly stood with us so far. With this incredible election victory, we can now begin to rebuild our hospital for the benefit of everyone."
The new union members at CMMC will now prepare to bargain their first union contract.
Maine State Nurses Association is part of National Nurses Organizing Committee, representing 4,000 nurses and other caregivers from Portland to Fort Kent. NNOC is an affiliate of National Nurses United, the largest and fastest-growing labor union of registered nurses in the United States with more than 225,000 members nationwide.
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Original text here: https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/cmmc-nurses-and-community-members-celebrate-landslide-union-victory
