Featured Stories
Workers at Bert Nash Center Join Teamsters Local 696
WASHINGTON, June 29 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Workers at Bert Nash Center Join Teamsters Local 696
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Press Contact: Lena Melentijevic Phone: (347) 208-2279 Email: LMelentijevic@teamster.org
(LAWRENCE, Kan.) - 253 workers at the Bert Nash Center in Lawrence beat back their employer's union-busting campaign and voted to organize with Teamsters Local 696. After marching on the boss in May, Bert Nash management launched a six-figure union-busting campaign to deter workers from joining the Teamsters.
"Hundreds of
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WASHINGTON, June 29 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Workers at Bert Nash Center Join Teamsters Local 696
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Press Contact: Lena Melentijevic Phone: (347) 208-2279 Email: LMelentijevic@teamster.org
(LAWRENCE, Kan.) - 253 workers at the Bert Nash Center in Lawrence beat back their employer's union-busting campaign and voted to organize with Teamsters Local 696. After marching on the boss in May, Bert Nash management launched a six-figure union-busting campaign to deter workers from joining the Teamsters.
"Hundreds ofthousands of dollars were no match for the determination of these workers to become Teamsters," said Mike Scribner, President of Local 696. "We are thrilled to announce this victory and excited to get to work to negotiate the strongest possible contract for these new Teamsters."
Workers at the Bert Nash Center were previously organized but unable to secure a contract. As health care workers who provide critical behavioral health services, they deserve the protections of a strong union contract.
"I truly believe being Teamsters is going to help us have a seat at the table, to help Bert Nash strive for excellence, and most importantly, to empower us to provide the best possible care for our community and our clients," said Amy Munsterman, a licensed practical nurse at the Bert Nash Center.
Teamsters Local 696 represents workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Northern Kansas, including UPS workers, public employees, school bus drivers, sanitation workers, and more. For more information, go to teamsters696.com.
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Original text here: https://teamster.org/2026/06/workers-at-bert-nash-center-join-teamsters-local-696/
Penske Teamsters in Florida and Missouri Authorize a Strike
WASHINGTON, June 29 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Penske Teamsters in Florida and Missouri Authorize a Strike
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Press Contact: Maura Drumm Phone: (215) 510-3735 Email: MDrumm@teamster.org
(WASHINGTON) - Ahead of a June 30 contract expiration, Penske workers represented by Teamsters Locals 79, 512, 541, 618, and 769 have taken an overwhelming strike authorization. The nearly 250 Penske Teamsters are covered by the Southcentral and Southeastern Regional Master Agreements.
"Penske is a multibillion-dollar corporation
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 29 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Penske Teamsters in Florida and Missouri Authorize a Strike
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Press Contact: Maura Drumm Phone: (215) 510-3735 Email: MDrumm@teamster.org
(WASHINGTON) - Ahead of a June 30 contract expiration, Penske workers represented by Teamsters Locals 79, 512, 541, 618, and 769 have taken an overwhelming strike authorization. The nearly 250 Penske Teamsters are covered by the Southcentral and Southeastern Regional Master Agreements.
"Penske is a multibillion-dollar corporationthat can more than afford to offer Teamsters a fair contract," said Rocco Calo, Director of the Teamsters Industrial Trades Division. "Penske is trying to place the costs and burdens of their mismanagement onto the backs of Teamsters by denying them fair wage increases, proposing pension freezes, and rejecting a fair attendance system they already have in place. Teamsters won't stand for it, and this strike authorization should make that abundantly clear to Penske leadership."
In addition to making insulting proposals, Penske has engaged in illegal, regressive bargaining with the most recent example happening today when they significantly changed the health care proposal that both parties had already tentatively agreed to.
"The fact the company already agreed to our current health care and then shows up this morning and proposes drastic changes to it is a complete slap in the face," said Mike Schanuth, a Penske Teamster from Local 541 and member of the bargaining committee. "It's long past due for our employer to get serious. The clock is ticking."
Negotiations are scheduled to continue through June 30. If an agreement is not reached, Teamsters at Penske will be forced to strike.
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 Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.
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Original text here: https://teamster.org/2026/06/penske-teamsters-in-florida-and-missouri-authorize-a-strike/
Actors' Equity and California Arts Advocates Thank Governor Gavin Newsom for Restoring Arts Funding in California
NEW YORK, June 30 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Actors Equity Association issued the following news release:
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Actors' Equity and California Arts Advocates Thank Governor Gavin Newsom for Restoring Arts Funding in California
Los Angeles - Actors' Equity Association, the union representing more than 51,000 professional performers and stage managers working in live theatre across the country, released the following statement regarding the news that the budget agreement released late Friday included $12 million in funding for the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund.
The Performing
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, June 30 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Actors Equity Association issued the following news release:
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Actors' Equity and California Arts Advocates Thank Governor Gavin Newsom for Restoring Arts Funding in California
Los Angeles - Actors' Equity Association, the union representing more than 51,000 professional performers and stage managers working in live theatre across the country, released the following statement regarding the news that the budget agreement released late Friday included $12 million in funding for the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund.
The PerformingArts Equitable Payroll Fund (PAEPF) is a grant program signed into law in 2022 designed to support live performances - and workers directly - by providing reimbursements of payroll expenses.
Actors' Equity Association President Brooke Shields said:
"We are so very grateful for the leadership of Gov. Newsom, who clearly understands how important the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund is for small nonprofit live arts organizations. None of this critical funding for the live arts would have been possible without the continued support of Speaker Rivas and Senate President Pro Tem Limon. This important arts funding program supported more than 12,000 jobs across California in the first year and thanks to the support of Gov. Newsom, Speaker Rivas, Pro Tem Limon and our champions Senator Susan Rubio and Assemblymember Matt Haney, more California communities will have access to nonprofit live arts programs this year."
The PAEPF supports jobs for both production and non-production employees at small nonprofit performing arts organizations (SNPAOs) with adjusted gross revenue under $2 million. Last year when it opened for grants, overwhelming demand closed down applications in just ten days. The first year of the program was a huge success, funding arts jobs all across the state.
"We are grateful the Legislature and Administration recognizes that live performing arts brought by community based nonprofit organizations is essential to civic life by continuing the funding for the performing arts, equitable payroll fund. Many thanks to our legislative champions, Senator Susan Rubio, and Assembly member Matt Haney and to all the grassroots advocates who worked hard to make this happen," said Julie Baker, CEO of CA Arts Advocates. "While this investment does not fully meet the level of support our organization and partners advocated for, including $40m for PAEPF, it does represent meaningful progress and will provide some needed help to artists, cultural workers, nonprofit arts organizations, and communities across the state. We remain committed to working with the Legislature, the current and future Administration, and advocates statewide to secure the sustained, equitable funding our creative sector deserves."
Equity has been a leader in championing the creation and implementation of the PAEPF. The union, in coalition with arts advocates in California, has spoken at state budget hearings and activated its statewide list of members and arts supporters to send thousands of letters to the legislature in support of funding this legislation.
ACTORS' EQUITY ASSOCIATION, founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers. Equity endeavors to advance the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits (health and pension included). Member: AFL-CIO, FIA. www.actorsequity.org #EquityWorks
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Original text here: https://www.actorsequity.org/news/PR/2026/06/29/actors-equity-and-california-arts-advocates-thank-governor-gavin-newsom-for-restoring-arts-funding-in-california
Workers at Mt. View Funeral Home Join Teamsters
WASHINGTON, June 26 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Workers at Mt. View Funeral Home Join Teamsters
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Press Contact: Paul Zilly Phone: (206) 794-6673 Email: paul.zilly@teamsters117.org
TUKWILA, Wash. - A group of 11 workers at Mt. View Funeral Home have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 117. The staff associates will join an existing bargaining unit of 17 cemetery workers, embalmers, and funeral directors already represented by the Teamsters.
After speaking with their co-workers about the benefits of unionization,
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WASHINGTON, June 26 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Workers at Mt. View Funeral Home Join Teamsters
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Press Contact: Paul Zilly Phone: (206) 794-6673 Email: paul.zilly@teamsters117.org
TUKWILA, Wash. - A group of 11 workers at Mt. View Funeral Home have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 117. The staff associates will join an existing bargaining unit of 17 cemetery workers, embalmers, and funeral directors already represented by the Teamsters.
After speaking with their co-workers about the benefits of unionization,the staff associates reached out to Teamsters representatives to discuss how to improve workplace safety, secure equitable wages, and win respect on the job.
"We are thrilled to welcome another group of workers at Mt. View to the union," said Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 117. "These workers provide care, compassion, and support to families when they need it most -after the loss of a loved one. They deserve a strong Teamsters contract with fair pay, good benefits, and provisions that protect their safety and well-being."
Staff associates at Mt. View are responsible for transporting deceased individuals to the funeral facility. They offer support to family members of the deceased at multiple locations during the grieving process -prior to transportation, at the funeral home, and at memorial services.
"We wanted to join the Teamsters because we didn't feel confident that upper management cared about our safety," said Leia Allen, a staff associate at Mt. View Funeral Home. "People have been hurt and pressured to return to work before they are fully healed. Our needs and requests have been repeatedly ignored, forgotten, and dismissed. But not anymore."
Teamsters Local 117 represents 19,000 workers throughout Washington State across many industries in both the public and private sectors. For more information, visit teamsters117.org.
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Original text here: https://teamster.org/2026/06/workers-at-mt-view-funeral-home-join-teamsters/
Workers at Mill Rock Packaging Join Teamsters Local 117
WASHINGTON, June 26 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Workers at Mill Rock Packaging Join Teamsters Local 117
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Press Contact: Paul Zilly Phone: (206) 794-6673 Email: paul.zilly@teamsters117.org
(TUKWILA, Wash.) - Workers at Mill Rock Packaging have voted unanimously to join Teamsters Local 117. The material handlers will join an existing bargaining unit of press and assistant press operators, floor help, pre-press, plate makers, and sheeter operators at Mill Rock who previously joined the union.
"We are proud of these
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 26 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Workers at Mill Rock Packaging Join Teamsters Local 117
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Press Contact: Paul Zilly Phone: (206) 794-6673 Email: paul.zilly@teamsters117.org
(TUKWILA, Wash.) - Workers at Mill Rock Packaging have voted unanimously to join Teamsters Local 117. The material handlers will join an existing bargaining unit of press and assistant press operators, floor help, pre-press, plate makers, and sheeter operators at Mill Rock who previously joined the union.
"We are proud of theseworkers for sticking together through this process," said Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 117. "Our goal is to make sure their concerns are addressed at the bargaining table. We look forward to working with this group to outline their demands and negotiate a contract they can be proud of."
The material handlers organized for workplace protections, increased wages, affordable health insurance, and better retirement benefits.
"With this step, our union grows stronger. Now that everyone in our department will be represented by the Teamsters, I believe we will be treated more fairly," said Curtiss Jackson, a material handler at Mill Rock Packaging.
Teamsters Local 117 represents 19,000 workers across Washington State across many industries in both the public and private sectors. For more information, visit Teamsters117.org.
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Original text here: https://teamster.org/2026/06/workers-at-mill-rock-packaging-join-teamsters-local-117/
Teamsters Forced On Strike at Open Kitchens
WASHINGTON, June 26 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Teamsters Forced On Strike at Open Kitchens
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Press Contact: Maura Drumm Phone: (215) 510-3735 Email: MDrumm@teamster.org
CHICAGO - Drivers and helpers at Open Kitchens in Chicago have been forced to strike over the company's unfair labor practices. The workers, represented by Teamsters Local 703, are fighting for a first contract.
"Our members at Open Kitchens are demanding the company end its illegal labor practices and negotiate a fair first contract," said Thomas
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 26 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Teamsters Forced On Strike at Open Kitchens
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Press Contact: Maura Drumm Phone: (215) 510-3735 Email: MDrumm@teamster.org
CHICAGO - Drivers and helpers at Open Kitchens in Chicago have been forced to strike over the company's unfair labor practices. The workers, represented by Teamsters Local 703, are fighting for a first contract.
"Our members at Open Kitchens are demanding the company end its illegal labor practices and negotiate a fair first contract," said ThomasW. Stiede, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 703. "Management's reckless and unlawful conduct has left these workers with no choice but to strike. It is time for the company to stop breaking the law and get serious at the bargaining table."
Teamsters at Open Kitchens deliver meals to Chicago Public Schools and other customers throughout the Chicagoland area. Workers voted to join the Teamsters last year, but the company has continued to intimidate workers and drag out negotiations instead of reaching a collective bargaining agreement.
"We come to work every day to do our jobs and provide for our families, but management has treated us with disrespect and constant threats to our livelihoods," said Ernesto Patino, a helper at Open Kitchens and a member of Local 703. "As Teamsters, we are not backing down from this fight until we win the dignity only a union contract can provide."
Local 703 has filed multiple unfair labor practice charges against Open Kitchens with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging the company illegally terminated workers in retaliation for protected union activity. Those unlawful terminations, coupled with the company's continued efforts to delay reaching a first contract, forced these workers onto the picket line.
"Open Kitchens thought they could violate federal labor law and stall these negotiations until our members gave up," said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. "They made a serious miscalculation. The Teamsters have the strength and the resolve to win this fight."
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/2026/06/teamsters-forced-on-strike-at-open-kitchens/
Los Angeles nurses to hold an informational picket for patient safety and protest imminent closure of pediatric unit
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, June 26 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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Los Angeles nurses to hold an informational picket for patient safety and protest imminent closure of pediatric unit
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Registered nurses at California Hospital Medical Center (CHMC) in Los Angeles, Calif., will hold an informational picket on Monday, June 29, to protest the administration's decision to lay off essential unit support staff throughout the facility and to close the pediatric unit, announced California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU). Management
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SILVER SPRING, Maryland, June 26 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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Los Angeles nurses to hold an informational picket for patient safety and protest imminent closure of pediatric unit
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Registered nurses at California Hospital Medical Center (CHMC) in Los Angeles, Calif., will hold an informational picket on Monday, June 29, to protest the administration's decision to lay off essential unit support staff throughout the facility and to close the pediatric unit, announced California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU). Managementhas repeatedly failed to address nurses' ongoing concerns about the impact of diminishing resources on patient care and safety, including unsafe staffing, lack of ancillary staff, increased workplace violence, and lack of proper break relief.
On June 1, management announced a mass reduction of 82 employees, including all nurses in the pediatric unit, all unit secretaries in the hospital, and other health care staff. The pediatric unit is scheduled to close on August 31, 2026. They notified their employer on June 18, 2026, that they would hold an informational picket.
"It is unbelievable CHMC has decided to close the pediatric unit," said Laura Topete, RN in the postpartum unit at CHMC. "What will happen to our babies who need additional care after birth? Our patient population is limited, and the pediatric department helps keep moms and babies together. What will happen to these families when this unit closes?"
Who: Registered nurses at California Hospital Medical Center
What: Informational picket for Pediatric Unit closure, layoffs and patient safety
When: Monday, June 29, 6-9:30 a.m.
Where: California Hospital Medical Center, 1401 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles Calif., main entrance
Nurses have filed numerous assignment despite objection forms to report unsafe staffing and missed breaks. Nurses say CHMC management has failed to ensure a safe workplace by telling RNs to simply do more with less. CHMC management has also invested in virtual monitoring services in place of certified nursing assistants, shifting care models to save money instead of investing in safe staffing.
"Nurses on the floor are already strained," said Esmeralda Noriega, RN in the medical-surgical unit at CHMC. "What is going to happen when they lay off our unit secretaries and aides? The ability of our nurses to focus on the care needs of our patients will diminish, and our patients will suffer as a result. It is just not right."
"Leadership cannot ignore unsafe staffing and impossible demands on nurses," said Gwladys Minko-Ashcraft, RN in the telemetry unit at CHMC. "Our nurses are expected to take care of patients, educate family, complete charting, and medication pass on time without having overtime and without missing breaks. This is just not possible when our resources are nonexistent, and we do not have unit aides or break coverage. Our nurses are getting sick and experiencing moral distress, but CHMC doesn't want to hear this."
CNA represents 815 nurses at California Hospital Medical Center, CHMC is part of CommonSpirit Health, where CNA/NNOC represents more than 17,000 nurses at 33 facilities across the country. Common Spirit has issued layoff notices to nurses and support staff at several facilities throughout California.
California Nurses Association/National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the nation with more than 100,000 members in more than 200 facilities throughout California and more than 225,000 RNs nationwide.
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Original text here: https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/los-angeles-nurses-to-hold-an-informational-picket-for-patient-safety
