Unions
Here's a look at documents from unions
Featured Stories
UAW Members at CNH Racine Reach Tentative Agreement
DETROIT, Michigan, May 5 -- The United Automobile Workers issued the following news on May 4, 2026:
* * *
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
DETROIT, Michigan, May 5 -- The United Automobile Workers issued the following news on May 4, 2026:
* * *
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 membersin Racine," said UAW Vice President Laura Dickerson, Ag/Imp Department Director. "Workers stood together to win meaningful wage increases, improvements in health and safety protections, stronger retirement benefits, and commitments that help secure the future of this plant and the jobs it supports."
In addition to stronger job security language, the tentative agreement includes major economic gains for both production and skilled trades workers, including 22% general wage increases for production employees and 29% general wage increases for skilled trades employees over the life of the five-year agreement. The deal also includes significant health and safety language improvements, healthcare enhancements, and improvements to retirement benefits.
The tentative agreement will now be presented to the membership for review and ratification voting.
* * *
Original text here: https://uaw.org/uaw-members-at-cnh-racine-reach-tentative-agreement/
[Category: Union]
Teamsters Secure Contract at Smithfield Foods
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 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.
***
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:
* * *
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 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.
***
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:
* * *
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 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."
* * *
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.
* * *
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:
* * *
IAM Union Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico Workers Ratify First Contract, Securing Strong Gains After Years of Unity
*
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
UPPER MARLBORO, Maryland, May 5 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers issued the following news release:
* * *
IAM Union Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico Workers Ratify First Contract, Securing Strong Gains After Years of Unity
*
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 aircraftmechanics and related workers, follows nearly four years of negotiations driven by strong member advocacy and solidarity. The first contract establishes a solid foundation of rights, pay, benefits, and working conditions that workers can continue to build on in future bargaining.
Throughout negotiations, IAM Union leadership worked closely with the bargaining committee and membership to ensure workers' voices remained front and center and to push the process forward despite delays.
"This first contract wasn't given to these workers - it was earned through their unity, determination, and refusal to back down," said IAM International President Brian Bryant. "Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico workers didn't wait for change - they organized for it, fought for it, and won it."
"For Lufthansa Technik workers in Aguadilla, this first contract represents long-awaited progress after years of standing together," said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. "It's a strong example of what solidarity and sustained pressure can achieve."
Read: IAM Air Transport Territory Visits Lufthansa Technik Workers in Puerto Rico and Reaffirms Commitment as Contract Talks Resume
"This shows what's possible when workers organize and stay involved," said Tom Regan IAM Special Assistant to the International President. "Wages, benefits, and protections don't improve by chance - they come through a union contract.
"This first contract is just the beginning," said IAM District 142 President and Directing General Chair John Coveny. "It's a living document that gives our members a real voice on the job today - and the power to keep building stronger protections, better pay, and greater respect in every round of bargaining moving forward."
"Our members never lost sight of what they were fighting for," said IAM Special Assistant to the International President Juan Negron. "They stood strong through every challenge, and today's ratification shows the result of that unity."
For workers on the shop floor, this first contract represents long-awaited progress after years of standing together.
"This agreement shows what we can accomplish when we stay united," said the IAM Lufthansa Technik Negotiating Committee. "We fought for respect, better conditions, and a voice - and this is a big step forward for all of us, our families and the entire Puerto Rico."
IAM members at Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico voted to join the union in 2022, seeking fair wages, improved working conditions, and a voice on the job. Since then, negotiations were marked by delays, prompting the IAM to seek federal mediation in 2023 and rally support locally and internationally.
In December 2025, workers overwhelmingly rejected a decertification effort backed by anti-union forces, reaffirming their commitment to the IAM and sending a clear message that they were united in their fight for a fair contract.
The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America's largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
goIAM.org | @IAM_Union
Trabajadores de Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico representados por la Union IAM ratifican su primer convenio colectivo, asegurando importantes avances tras anos de unidad
AGUADILLA, P.R., 5 de mayo de 2026 - Los trabajadores de Lufthansa Technik en Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, representados por la Union IAM (Asociacion Internacional de Maquinistas y Trabajadores de la Industria Aeroespacial), han ratificado su primer convenio colectivo, que asegura protecciones laborales, un bono de firma, aumentos salariales y mejores beneficios.
El convenio, que cubre a mas de 200 mecanicos de aeronaves y trabajadores relacionados, llega tras casi cuatro anos de negociaciones impulsadas por la fuerte defensa de los miembros y su solidaridad. Este primer contrato establece una base solida de derechos, salarios, beneficios y condiciones laborales sobre la cual los trabajadores podran seguir construyendo en futuras negociaciones.
Durante todo el proceso, el liderazgo de la IAM trabajo estrechamente con el comite de negociaciones y la matricula para asegurar que las voces de los trabajadores se mantuvieran como prioridad e impulsar el proceso a pesar de los retrasos.
"Este primer convenio colectivo no les fue regalado a estos trabajadores; lo ganaron con su unidad, su determinacion y su conviccion de no rendirse", dijo el Presidente Internacional de la IAM, Brian Bryant. "Los trabajadores de Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico no esperaron el cambio: se organizaron, lucharon y lo lograron".
"Para los trabajadores de Lufthansa Technik en Aguadilla, este primer contrato representa un progreso esperado por anos tras mantenerse unidos", dijo el Vicepresidente General de Territorio de Transporte Aereo de la IAM, Richie Johnsen. "Es un claro ejemplo de lo que la solidaridad y la presion sostenida pueden lograr".
Lea: El Territorio de Transporte Aereo de la IAM visita a los trabajadores de Lufthansa Technik en Puerto Rico y reafirma su compromiso mientras se reanudan las negociaciones de convenio colectivo
"Esto demuestra lo que es posible cuando los trabajadores se organizan y se mantienen involucrados", dijo el Asistente Especial del Presidente Internacional de la IAM, Tom Regan. "Los salarios, beneficios y protecciones no mejoran por casualidad; se logran a traves de un contrato de la union.
"Este primer contrato es solo el comienzo", dijo el Presidente y Director General del Distrito 142 de la IAM, John Coveny. "Es un documento vivo que le da a la matricula una voz real en el trabajo hoy y el poder de seguir construyendo protecciones mas fuertes, mejores salarios y mayor respeto en cada ronda de negociacion en el futuro".
"Nuestros miembros nunca perdieron de vista por lo que estaban luchando", dijo el Asistente Especial del Presidente Internacional de la IAM, Juan Negron. "Se mantuvieron firmes ante cada desafio y la ratificacion de hoy demuestra el resultado de esa unidad".
Para los trabajadores en el taller, este primer contrato representa un progreso esperado tras anos de mantenerse unidos.
"Este convenio demuestra lo que podemos lograr cuando permanecemos unidos", dijo el Comite de Negociaciones de la IAM en Lufthansa Technik. "Luchamos por respeto, mejores condiciones y una voz, y este es un gran paso adelante para todos nosotros, nuestras familias y todo Puerto Rico".
Los miembros de la IAM en Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico votaron para unirse a la union en 2022, buscando salarios justos, mejores condiciones laborales y una voz en el trabajo. Desde entonces, las negociaciones estuvieron marcadas por retrasos, lo que llevo a la IAM a solicitar mediacion federal en 2023 y a movilizar apoyo a nivel local e internacional.
En diciembre de 2025, los trabajadores rechazaron abrumadoramente un intento de descertificacion respaldado por fuerzas antisindicales, reafirmando su compromiso con la IAM y enviando un mensaje claro de unidad en su lucha por un convenio justo.
La Union IAM (Asociacion Internacional de Maquinistas y Trabajadores de la Industria Aeroespacial) es una de las uniones industriales mas grandes y diversas de Norteamerica, con aproximadamente 600,000 miembros activos y jubilados en las industrias de aeroespacial, defensa, aerolineas, ferrocarril, transporte, salud, automotriz, entre otras.
goIAM.org | @IAM_Union
Share and Follow:
***
Original text here: https://www.goiam.org/news/territories/transportation/iam-union-lufthansa-technik-puerto-rico-workers-ratify-first-contract-securing-strong-gains-after-years-of-unity/
DHL Teamsters Ratify Contract
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 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.
***
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:
* * *
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 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
***
Original text here: https://www.aft.org/press-release/aaup-aft-labor-leaders-support-university-michigan-professor-derek-peterson
