Targeted News Service

WASHINGTON, March 31 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:

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Teamsters Union Forces Amazon to Honor Right to Strike

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NEW YORK - In a landmark settlement, Amazon has conceded it will no longer retaliate against workers who exercise their right to strike, following relentless pressure from the Teamsters Union in sessions mediated by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

"When workers organize together as Teamsters, we have the power to go toe-to-toe with the biggest corporations in the world -and to win," said Randy Korgan, ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, March 31 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release: * * * Teamsters Union Forces Amazon to Honor Right to Strike * NEW YORK - In a landmark settlement, Amazon has conceded it will no longer retaliate against workers who exercise their right to strike, following relentless pressure from the Teamsters Union in sessions mediated by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). "When workers organize together as Teamsters, we have the power to go toe-to-toe with the biggest corporations in the world -and to win," said Randy Korgan,Director of the Teamsters Amazon Division. "Amazon Teamsters dragged the world's largest retailer to the table kicking and screaming to try to fix the problems the company created for union members. The National Labor Relations Board now needs to stop dragging its feet and ratify this agreement immediately. The Teamsters will keep building worker power at Amazon nationwide and win the contracts that these workers deserve."

Historically, Amazon deducted Unpaid Time (UPT) from those who strike in direct retaliation against workers exercising their rights. In December 2024, Amazon Teamsters picketed more than 200 of the multitrillion-dollar company's facilities in over 20 states. Last year, the NLRB ruled that Amazon had illegally taken striking workers' UPT, which exists as a bank of hours that Amazon workers can use for unscheduled leave and emergencies. The company effectively uses UPT as an attendance policy, and Amazon may terminate workers when they run out of it.

Amazon's settlement with the Teamsters will now restore the illegally deducted time to affected workers and ensure all Amazon workers can strike in the future without losing their UPT. The settlement will cover all of Amazon's 1,300 facilities nationwide, and Amazon is required to post a notice to workers informing them of their rights.

"As Amazon Teamsters, we are the only ones who have ever successfully forced this company to respect the right to strike," said Robert Moore, a warehouse worker at DCK6 in San Francisco. "Amazon workers everywhere should know that thanks to this settlement, they too can become Teamsters without losing their Unpaid Time. It's time to get organizing and secure even stronger rights on the job."

Amazon Teamsters have been fighting the company's retaliation at all levels. Workers have been organizing warehouses, circulating petitions, and marching against management, all while pursuing the union's legal case and rallying support from elected officials.

Nearly 10,000 Amazon workers have organized with the Teamsters over the last two years. In unionized facilities, Amazon Teamsters have forced the company to raise wages, invest in safety, and overturn unfair terminations. Now that the union has pushed Amazon to remove this retaliatory policy, workers are ready to escalate Teamsters organizing efforts.

"Every year, more Amazon workers join the Teamsters. Each organizing victory builds more power," said Kyle Middleton, a warehouse worker at JFK8 in New York. "To any of my co-workers who may have been on the fence, now is the time to join this movement. We are winning -and we will continue to force Amazon to respect its workforce in every possible way."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 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/2026/03/teamsters-union-forces-amazon-to-honor-right-to-strike/

Over 17,000 Teamsters Avert Nationwide Strike at First Student, Reach Tentative Agreement

WASHINGTON, March 31 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:

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Over 17,000 Teamsters Avert Nationwide Strike at First Student, Reach Tentative Agreement

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(WASHINGTON) - The Teamsters First Student National Negotiating Committee (TFSNNC) has reached a strong tentative agreement with First Student, averting a nationwide strike that could have included thousands of school bus workers across 96 locals. The deal comes after members voted by an 88 percent margin to authorize a strike, sending a clear message to the company that they ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, March 31 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release: * * * Over 17,000 Teamsters Avert Nationwide Strike at First Student, Reach Tentative Agreement * (WASHINGTON) - The Teamsters First Student National Negotiating Committee (TFSNNC) has reached a strong tentative agreement with First Student, averting a nationwide strike that could have included thousands of school bus workers across 96 locals. The deal comes after members voted by an 88 percent margin to authorize a strike, sending a clear message to the company that theywere prepared to take action to win a fair contract.

"First Student Teamsters were unified and prepared to take on this company nationwide. Our solidarity forced real movement at the bargaining table, and we delivered a contract in the 11th hour that honors the critical work our members do every day," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "Teamsters set the standard for the entire school bus industry, and this agreement raises the bar for school bus transportation workers everywhere."

The new agreement establishes a national foundation for economics that will be applied across all local agreements, including stronger retirement benefits, improved access to health care benefits, and robust contractual protections for all members. These improved national minimum standards only serve to boost bargaining on important issues at the local level. Teamsters at First Student will have the opportunity to vote on the agreement in the coming weeks.

"This tentative agreement is the direct result of members standing shoulder to shoulder and refusing to settle for less," said Matt Taibi, Director of the Teamsters Passenger Transportation Division. "Workers showed the company they were prepared to strike if necessary, and that solidarity made the difference at the bargaining table. This agreement reflects the strength and determination of Teamsters who keep students safe and communities running."

The National First Student Master Agreement protects more than 17,000 bus workers across the country and was set to expire March 31.

"We went into negotiations determined to secure an agreement that reflects the value of the work we provide to our communities every day," said Kelly Plaisted, a school bus worker with Teamsters Local 633 and member of the negotiating committee. "We stood ready to strike nationwide, and that strength gave us the leverage to reach this tentative agreement."

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/2026/03/over-17000-teamsters-avert-nationwide-strike-at-first-student-reach-tentative-agreement/

Nurses to hold vigil today following deadly shooting at VA clinic in Georgia

SILVER SPRING, Maryland, March 31 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:

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Nurses to hold vigil today following deadly shooting at VA clinic in Georgia

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Registered nurses at Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center in Decatur, Ga., will hold a vigil today following the deadly shooting earlier this month at a Georgia VA clinic that left a social worker and the suspected gunman, a VA patient, dead. Nurses say this horrific incident underscores the link between workplace violence and chronic short staffing that is making it difficult to get ... Show Full Article SILVER SPRING, Maryland, March 31 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release: * * * Nurses to hold vigil today following deadly shooting at VA clinic in Georgia * Registered nurses at Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center in Decatur, Ga., will hold a vigil today following the deadly shooting earlier this month at a Georgia VA clinic that left a social worker and the suspected gunman, a VA patient, dead. Nurses say this horrific incident underscores the link between workplace violence and chronic short staffing that is making it difficult to getveterans the help they need in a timely manner. Community members are invited to join the Tuesday evening vigil, announced National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU).

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigations, 34-year-old Nicholas "Nic" Crews was fatally shot while working as a social worker at the Veterans Affairs Clinic on East Church St. in Jasper, Ga. on March 17, 2026. Investigators say he was shot by a patient, Lawrence Charles Michels, who went to the clinic for a mental health consultation. Investigators say Michaels exchanged gunfire with police and an armed civilian as he was leaving the clinic before he was shot and killed by police.

Nurses say drastic staffing cuts and unfulfilled positions are compromising patient care services, including lack of mental health resources and protections from workplace violence.

"We are experiencing a severe staffing crisis at our facility, where we have far too few nurses and not enough ancillary staff to respond as quickly as we need to our veteran's needs," said Florence Uzuegbunam, a nurse practitioner and NNU chief nurse representative. "When we cut resources for veterans, we see an increase in frustration, untreated mental and physical illness. We don't know what happened in this case, but we know that when our patients go without treatment, we see negative and even tragic outcomes. We demand that this administration respect the oath this nation made to our veterans and give us the resources we need to care for them all in a timely fashion."

What: VA RNs rally against staffing cuts and workplace violence

When: Tuesday March 31, 5-6 p.m.

Where: Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur

A recent New York Times (NYT) investigation found the Trump administration has eliminated thousands of medical positions since January of 2025, despite repeated promises from Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins that only "non-essential employees" would be eliminated. Instead, the Times found that there are currently more than 1,500 physician openings and 4,900 nurse positions that have not been filled. The Times reporters also found that the VA lost some 200 psychiatrists in 2025.

"Those of us who remain at the VA are working from early in the morning to late in the evening to try and make up for all the nurses and practitioners we have lost," said Uzuegbunam. "I know coworkers who get to the clinic at 5 in the morning, to try and get the paperwork done before they start seeing patients. Many others are working until midnight, doing work in hopes they can get things taken care of before the next day. We are in dire need of help. This is not fair to the veterans; they deserve better."

National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the United States with more than 225,000 members nationwide. NNU affiliates include California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, DC Nurses Association, Michigan Nurses Association, Minnesota Nurses Association, and New York State Nurses Association.

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Original text here: https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/nurses-to-hold-vigil-today-following-deadly-shooting-at-va-clinic-in-georgia

Nurses condemn the Supreme Court's decision against Colorado's ban on conversion therapy

SILVER SPRING, Maryland, March 31 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:

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Nurses condemn the Supreme Court's decision against Colorado's ban on conversion therapy

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National Nurses United (NNU), the largest union of registered nurses in the United States, today condemns the U.S. Supreme Court's 8-1 decision against Colorado's ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQIA+ youth, ruling in favor of a conservative Christian therapist.

So-called conversion therapy is harmful to the well-being of LGBTQIA+ youth and could affect similar laws in more than 20 ... Show Full Article SILVER SPRING, Maryland, March 31 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release: * * * Nurses condemn the Supreme Court's decision against Colorado's ban on conversion therapy * National Nurses United (NNU), the largest union of registered nurses in the United States, today condemns the U.S. Supreme Court's 8-1 decision against Colorado's ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQIA+ youth, ruling in favor of a conservative Christian therapist. So-called conversion therapy is harmful to the well-being of LGBTQIA+ youth and could affect similar laws in more than 20other states. The goal of conversion therapy is to pathologize LGBTQIA+ identities, but LGBTQIA+ existence is not a disease to be cured. Medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics have discredited this type of therapy.

Colorado's law protected LGBTQIA+ youth and their families from dangerous mental health therapies. But the Supreme Court has argued this law should be subjected to strict scrutiny on the grounds of free speech protections, potentially pre-empting states' ability to regulate health care. Unfortunately, as Justice Ketangi Brown Jackson stated in her lone dissent, "the Court's opinion misreads our precedents, is unprincipled and unworkable, and will eventually prove untenable for those who rely upon the long-recognized responsibility of States to regulate the medical profession for the protection of public health." The case now goes back to an appellate court.

This ruling by the Supreme Court is yet another damaging and devastating decision for transgender youth. It is another sign of growing and troubling consensus between both conservatives and corporate Democrats that health care access is a political issue to be debated, not a guaranteed human right.

Nurses support our LGBTQIA+ patients, who deserve care that helps and heals, not harms their health. This decision will harm many of our patients, families, and neighbors. This is why we will not stop fighting to take back our democracy from the hands of fascists. As nurses, we know a better, healthier society is possible, and we will make it a reality.

NNU represents more than 225,000 nurses across the nation and advocates for patients to improve the lives of nurses and communities everywhere.

National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the United States with more than 225,000 members nationwide. NNU affiliates include California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, DC Nurses Association, Michigan Nurses Association, Minnesota Nurses Association, and New York State Nurses Association.

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Original text here: https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/nurses-condemn-the-supreme-courts-decision-against-colorados-ban-on-conversion-therapy

NEA Names Washington's Stanley Calhoun 2026 Education Support Professional of the Year

WASHINGTON, March 31 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release on March 30, 2026:

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NEA names Washington's Stanley Calhoun 2026 Education Support Professional of the Year

The National Education Association (NEA) on Saturday named Stanley "Ric" Calhoun, a campus supervisor at Inglemoor High School in Kenmore, Washington, the 2026 NEA Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year.

Calhoun's role as a campus supervisor is very visible in the school community, and he believes it gives him the opportunity to remind students that they matter, that he cares, and ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, March 31 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release on March 30, 2026: * * * NEA names Washington's Stanley Calhoun 2026 Education Support Professional of the Year The National Education Association (NEA) on Saturday named Stanley "Ric" Calhoun, a campus supervisor at Inglemoor High School in Kenmore, Washington, the 2026 NEA Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year. Calhoun's role as a campus supervisor is very visible in the school community, and he believes it gives him the opportunity to remind students that they matter, that he cares, andthat he is genuinely happy to see them. For Calhoun, a simple wave hello or goodbye goes a long way toward creating a sense of safety.

"I think of my role as relationship building," Calhoun says. "My daily interactions go beyond supervision -- I greet students by name and build trust through consistency. This visibility has created a culture where students feel comfortable approaching me with concerns, knowing they'll be heard and respected."

"NEA has chosen to honor Ric because of his extraordinary commitment to and compassionate care for his students," said NEA President Becky Pringle. "Ric goes above and beyond to create a positive learning environment for all students, and he takes the initiative to continually pursue new approaches that help all students learn at their highest abilities and feel safe and welcome in their communities. Ric embodies the core values of education support professionals and their indispensable contribution to our schools. We are proud to give him this recognition and are grateful for all his work in his community."

The Education Support Professional of the Year award is designed to spotlight the work of ESPs across the country and honor one member who has demonstrated extraordinary achievements and dedication to public education. ESPs are the bus drivers who get students to school safely, custodians who keep school buildings and grounds clean, cafeteria workers who ensure students are fed, paraeducators who support our most vulnerable students, and so much more.

"Ric understands that the most important part of the curriculum -- our students -- walk through the doors on the first day. He is an amazing educator and unionist, and an even better person," said Larry Delaney, president of Washington Education Association. "As the NEA ESP of the Year, Ric will be an amazing ambassador for not just ESPs but all educators. WEA is proud!"

One of Calhoun's most impactful initiatives at Inglemoor was launching a racial justice video project, where students of color and other marginalized groups shared their lived experiences in the Northshore School District. In his role as a football coach, Calhoun also led efforts to expand Unified Sports under the Special Olympics umbrella. Recognizing that some students face food insecurity, he organized weekly snack deliveries to local neighborhoods. Staff donated funds, and Calhoun personally delivered a mix of healthy and fun snacks to high school students and their families.

Through mentorship, union activism, and equity initiatives, Calhoun has worked to create a professional culture where ESPs and other staff feel valued, empowered, and equipped to succeed.

Calhoun was one of five finalists who included Elizabeth Craig, Personal Care and Behavior Resource Assistant, Oregon; Andrea Kelly, Program Coordinator for Adult, Corrections, Distance, and Alternative Education, Nevada; Tammy Preble, Paraeducator, New Hampshire; and Mary Reynolds-East, Paraeducator, Nebraska.

The award was announced at the 2026 NEA ESP National Conference in Anaheim, California on Saturday, March 28. Calhoun will now serve as an ambassador for ESPs across the country, speaking about the work and importance of ESPs at local, state, and national events.

For more information on the NEA ESP of the Year Award, including a complete list of the nominees and more information on the five finalists, visit www.nea.org/ESPOTY.

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Original text here: https://www.nea.org/about-nea/media-center/press-releases/nea-names-washingtons-stanley-calhoun-2026-education-support-professional-year

[Category: Union]

Mid-Continent Public Library Workers to Form Union with CWA

WASHINGTON, March 31 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Communications Workers of America posted the following news release:

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Mid-Continent Public Library Workers to Form Union with CWA

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A supermajority of workers declare support to join Communications Workers of America Local 6360 in Kansas City

MCPL Workers United-CWA members outside the MCPL North Independence Branch held a press conference to announce their plans to form a union with Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 6360.

Kansas City, Mo. - On Friday, March 27, workers across the Mid-Continent Public Library (MCPL) ... Show Full Article

TSA Workers Union Calls on Congress to Return to Washington and Fund DHS

WASHINGTON, March 30 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:

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TSA Workers Union Calls on Congress to Return to Washington and Fund DHS

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AFGE members are continuing to show up, while Congress continues its vacation

Today, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) TSA Council 100, the exclusive union representative of over 40,000 TSA officers across the country, is calling on Congress to return to Washington to provide funding for the Department of Homeland Security agencies and pay its workers.

AFGE TSA ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, March 30 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release: * * * TSA Workers Union Calls on Congress to Return to Washington and Fund DHS * AFGE members are continuing to show up, while Congress continues its vacation Today, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) TSA Council 100, the exclusive union representative of over 40,000 TSA officers across the country, is calling on Congress to return to Washington to provide funding for the Department of Homeland Security agencies and pay its workers. AFGE TSACouncil 100 President Hydrick Thomas issued the following statement:

"For over five weeks TSA officers across the country showed up without being paid to ensure the safety of the flying public and our airports.

"We have performed our duty. Unfortunately, Congress has failed to perform theirs. To leave Washington while tens of thousands of workers are going without pay shows a clear lack of respect for the essential employees tasked with keeping our nation safe.

"Today, AFGE members are continuing to show up, because we are proud of the critical work we do. Today, Congress is continuing their vacation, while their work goes undone.

"AFGE TSA members are grateful to receive some backpay today. But many of our members have seen bills pile up, interest and late fees add up, cars repossessed, and families thrown into disarray because Congress has failed to do their jobs. Over 500 of our colleagues had to quit, and those who couldn't make it to work have disciplinary actions looming over their heads. Backpay alone does not fix those problems. And our fellow DHS employees are still not being paid thanks to the dysfunction in Congress.

"To say we are utterly disgusted and disappointed with our elected officials is an understatement. Congress must come back to Washington, fix this crisis, and stop putting politics over people and vacation over values."

Additional concerns from AFGE TSA Council 100

While AFGE members have received backpay for pay periods 4 and 5, several have received incorrect pay amounts due to missing overtime payments and improper tax withholdings. Additionally, there is still outstanding payment from pay period 3, where employees received partial payment.

AFGE TSA Council also has concern with updated furlough guidance issued by TSA on March 29. Particularly with the removal of furlough status. Previously, officers were able to request to be placed into furlough status when unable to make it to work for various reasons including lack of transportation or childcare due to financial reasons related to the shutdown.

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Original text here: https://www.afge.org/link/d3012727ecb64b0ca4c609fd193cdfef.aspx

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