Unions
Here's a look at documents from unions
Featured Stories
Statement From UAW President Shawn Fain on the Killing of Alex Pretti
DETROIT, Michigan, Jan. 29 -- The United Automobile Workers issued the following statement on Jan. 28, 2026:
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Statement from UAW President Shawn Fain on the Killing of Alex Pretti
"The UAW stands in solidarity with the family and loved ones of our fallen union brother Alex Pretti and all those standing up for justice in Minneapolis and beyond. Alex Pretti was an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital, and a member of AFGE Local 3669. He was a fellow union member doing what UAW members do all the time - heeding a call for solidarity and exercising his Constitutional rights.
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DETROIT, Michigan, Jan. 29 -- The United Automobile Workers issued the following statement on Jan. 28, 2026:
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Statement from UAW President Shawn Fain on the Killing of Alex Pretti
"The UAW stands in solidarity with the family and loved ones of our fallen union brother Alex Pretti and all those standing up for justice in Minneapolis and beyond. Alex Pretti was an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital, and a member of AFGE Local 3669. He was a fellow union member doing what UAW members do all the time - heeding a call for solidarity and exercising his Constitutional rights.For that, he was killed in the street. Our union mourns his loss and our thoughts are with his family, his union, and his community.
As proud trade unionists, we value our Constitutional freedoms. The right to free speech and the right to protest are core to who we are as Americans and as union members. The killing of peaceful protesters like Alex Pretti threatens our rights and our Constitution.
In moments like these, the labor movement must not be silent. Unions in Minnesota took action last Friday, January 23, by participating in a general strike and protested across the state. If the right to protest or speak freely is under attack, then our rights as workers are not safe. Our freedom to strike, or to walk a picket line to win a better life, may be threatened next."
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Original text here: https://uaw.org/statement-from-uaw-president-shawn-fain-on-the-killing-of-alex-pretti/
[Category: Union]
National Education Union: Trials of AI Tutoring Tools to Support Disadvantaged Children Must Be Regulated and Credible
LONDON, England, Jan. 29 -- The National Education Union issued the following statement on Jan. 27, 2026:
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Trials of AI tutoring tools to support disadvantaged children must be regulated and credible
Commenting on a plan by government to trial AI tutoring tools to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"The NEU recognises the scale of the challenge facing disadvantaged pupils and welcomes the government's ambition to widen access to high quality learning support. Improving outcomes for pupils on free school
... Show Full Article
LONDON, England, Jan. 29 -- The National Education Union issued the following statement on Jan. 27, 2026:
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Trials of AI tutoring tools to support disadvantaged children must be regulated and credible
Commenting on a plan by government to trial AI tutoring tools to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"The NEU recognises the scale of the challenge facing disadvantaged pupils and welcomes the government's ambition to widen access to high quality learning support. Improving outcomes for pupils on free schoolmeals and addressing unequal access to tutoring are essential goals. The government is right to be in control of this rather than leaving it to private corporations.
"AI tutoring tools should exist to support, not replace, face-to-face teaching. Technology can support education when it is evidence based, safe and under professional control.
"However, the jury is still out on AI tutoring. The only peer reviewed study focuses on undergraduate students, and there is no research on long term impact. Evidence on wellbeing, bias, inappropriate content and pupil dependency is also scarce. Trials must therefore be independent, transparent and concerned with more than short term attainment. We are concerned that the government has committed to rolling out AI tutoring regardless of trial outcomes.
"AI only works well when humans intervene in its application, yet the government has made no commitment to funding this. Without resources, the burden will fall on schools that are already running on empty.
"The NEU will engage constructively, but any national rollout must be regulated, rooted in professional trust, and grounded in credible, continuous and independent research."
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Original text here: https://neu.org.uk/latest/press-releases/trials-ai-tutoring-tools-support-disadvantaged-children-must-be-regulated-and-credible?_locale=en
[Category: Union]
National Education Union Supports Save Our Children's Rights Campaign to Protect SEND Legal Rights
LONDON, England, Jan. 29 -- The National Education Union issued the following news release on Jan. 28, 2026:
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National Education Union supports Save Our Children's Rights campaign to protect SEND legal rights
The National Education Union (NEU) has announced its support for the Save Our Children's Rights (SOCR) campaign, with both organisations united in their commitment to defend and strengthen the legal rights of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
With the Schools White Paper due to be published early this year, SOCR and NEU are jointly calling
... Show Full Article
LONDON, England, Jan. 29 -- The National Education Union issued the following news release on Jan. 28, 2026:
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National Education Union supports Save Our Children's Rights campaign to protect SEND legal rights
The National Education Union (NEU) has announced its support for the Save Our Children's Rights (SOCR) campaign, with both organisations united in their commitment to defend and strengthen the legal rights of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
With the Schools White Paper due to be published early this year, SOCR and NEU are jointly callingon the Government to ensure that proposals:
* Protect existing children's SEND rights
Legal rights, underpinned by clear accountability, are essential to ensure children and young people with SEND receive the support to which they are entitled.
* Retain access to Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans for all children with SEND
While early and effective intervention in schools may reduce the number of children who require an EHC plan, the existing legal thresholds for statutory assessment and for issuing an EHC plan must be retained to ensure that children and young people have access to enforceable provision.
* Create a sustainable system
The current crisis is the result of expanded statutory duties without sufficient funding, and cuts to mainstream schools and their support services. This has contributed to a shortage of appropriate provision and serious difficulties in recruiting and retaining both school-based and specialist staff.
* Build SEND capacity in schools and invest in specialist services
SEND funding in schools must be significantly increased and ring-fenced. Teachers and SENCOs need protected time to work with families, plan support, and lead inclusive practice, with access to specialist services before statutory assessment becomes necessary.
A spokesperson for Save Our Children's Rights said:
"The current legal framework set out in the Children and Families Act 2014 has been endorsed as robust and fit for purpose by two House of Commons Education Committee inquiries in 2019 and 2025. We are calling on the Government to ensure the Schools White Paper commits to protecting the existing SEND legal framework and delivers the funding needed for a sustainable, inclusive SEND system, regardless of a child's category of need or the setting they attend. This is essential to support children and young people with SEND now and in the future."
Daniel Kebede, general secretary, National Education Union said:
"Educators see first-hand the impact of an underfunded SEND system on children, families and school staff. The legal framework is not the problem; the lack of investment and capacity is. The Government must listen to those working in education and commit to a properly funded, inclusive system that enables every child to thrive."
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Original text here: https://neu.org.uk/latest/press-releases/national-education-union-supports-save-our-childrens-rights-campaign-protect-send-legal-rights?_locale=en
[Category: Union]
NEU Cymru Ask Welsh Government to Save Education in Wales
LONDON, England, Jan. 29 -- The National Education Union issued the following statement on Jan. 27, 2026:
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NEU Cymru ask Welsh Government to save education in Wales
Speaking about the vote on the Welsh Government's budget today, National Education Union (NEU) Cymru, Wales Secretary, Nicola Fitzpatrick, said:
"NEU Cymru members are really clear - education must be a priority for the Welsh Government.
"Schools are at breaking point. Children and young people are missing out on vital support, especially those with additional learning needs. Teachers and support staff are seeing their workloads
... Show Full Article
LONDON, England, Jan. 29 -- The National Education Union issued the following statement on Jan. 27, 2026:
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NEU Cymru ask Welsh Government to save education in Wales
Speaking about the vote on the Welsh Government's budget today, National Education Union (NEU) Cymru, Wales Secretary, Nicola Fitzpatrick, said:
"NEU Cymru members are really clear - education must be a priority for the Welsh Government.
"Schools are at breaking point. Children and young people are missing out on vital support, especially those with additional learning needs. Teachers and support staff are seeing their workloadsincrease, whilst supporting children with increasingly complex needs.
"Whilst it is welcome that the Welsh Government has found some extra money, this wont go far enough to support the drops in funding experienced across Wales. Welsh Government needs to find the funding to save education in Wales, and support the workforce to deliver for every child."
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Original text here: https://neu.org.uk/latest/press-releases/neu-cymru-ask-welsh-government-save-education-wales?_locale=en
[Category: Union]
Quality Beverage Workers in Massachusetts Join Teamsters
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Quality Beverage Workers in Massachusetts Join Teamsters
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Press Contact: Maura Drumm Phone: (215) 510-3735 Email: mdrumm@teamster.org
(TAUNTON, Mass.) - More than 80 merchandisers and salespeople at Quality Beverage in Taunton, Mass., have voted to join Teamsters Local 170, seeking higher wages, better benefits, and a strong voice on the job. Over 170 drivers and warehouse workers at Quality Beverage are already represented by the Teamsters.
"I am proud of these
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Quality Beverage Workers in Massachusetts Join Teamsters
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Press Contact: Maura Drumm Phone: (215) 510-3735 Email: mdrumm@teamster.org
(TAUNTON, Mass.) - More than 80 merchandisers and salespeople at Quality Beverage in Taunton, Mass., have voted to join Teamsters Local 170, seeking higher wages, better benefits, and a strong voice on the job. Over 170 drivers and warehouse workers at Quality Beverage are already represented by the Teamsters.
"I am proud of theseworkers for remaining united throughout this organizing campaign. They saw the benefits that their co-workers gained through Teamsters representation and wanted the same respect in the workplace," said Shannon R. George, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 170.
"This win highlights the power of union organizing," said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. "Our strong collective bargaining agreements continue to inspire more workers to join the Teamsters. These members keep the company moving and deserve a contract that honors their worth."
Quality Beverage is the largest Anheuser-Busch distributor in Massachusetts, with a delivery territory covering more than 75 percent of the state.
"I voted to become a Teamster in the spirit of those who came before me and those who will come after me," said Tyle Benson, a merchandiser with Quality Beverage. "I want to build a career here, one that includes better and safer working conditions, livable wages, better benefits, and job security for me and my co-workers."
Teamsters Local 170 represents workers in industries including public service, transportation, grocery, sand and gravel, beer and liquor, construction, warehouse, bread and bakery, and more. For more information, visit teamsterslocal170.com.
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Original text here: https://teamster.org/2026/01/quality-beverage-workers-in-massachusetts-join-teamsters/
FAA Must Act to Implement Critical Safety Standards for Foreign Aircraft Repair Stations
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 [Category: Union] -- The Transport Workers Union of America issued the following news release:
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FAA Must Act to Implement Critical Safety Standards for Foreign Aircraft Repair Stations
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A new, bipartisan letter from Congress urges the Federal Aviation Administration to swiftly close safety loopholes for foreign aircraft repair facilities - a top priority for the Transport Workers Union of America. Congress mandated a number of new standards for foreign aircraft repair facilities as part of the 2024 FAA Reauthorizatio n. The FAA hasn't provided details on an implementation
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 [Category: Union] -- The Transport Workers Union of America issued the following news release:
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FAA Must Act to Implement Critical Safety Standards for Foreign Aircraft Repair Stations
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A new, bipartisan letter from Congress urges the Federal Aviation Administration to swiftly close safety loopholes for foreign aircraft repair facilities - a top priority for the Transport Workers Union of America. Congress mandated a number of new standards for foreign aircraft repair facilities as part of the 2024 FAA Reauthorizatio n. The FAA hasn't provided details on an implementationplan for the new standards.
"It is past time for the FAA to ensure that American aircraft are subject to the same safety standards when the air carriers choose to perform mechanical repairs in foreign countries," TWU International President John Samuelsen said. "Members of Congress from both parties stood up for TWU Aircraft Maintenance Technicians whose jobs are endangered and the traveling public's safety at risk from shoddy standards at foreign aircraft maintenance facilities in countries like China. It is unacceptable that the FAA hasn't enforced the law to close loopholes that allow airlines to cut costs and safety at the expense of American workers."
The FAA has not implemented four critical regulations. One requires foreign personnel with supervisory authority to hold a mechanic or repairman certificate, the second ensures that foreign aircraft maintenance workers pass appropriate background checks, the third requires the FAA to conduct unannounced inspections at foreign repair facilities, and the fourth instructs the FAA to collect data on the location and scope of aircraft maintenance work on American aircraft performed overseas.
The requirement for foreign workers to hold a mechanic or repairman certificate was subject to a November 16, 2025 deadline that the FAA did not meet. Th e four provisions were originally a standalone bill called the Global Aircraft Maintenance Safety Improvement Act that was eventually incorporated as Section 302 of the 2024 FAA Reauthorization.
"While foreign aircraft repair facilities technically are subject to the same safety certifications as American facilities, in practice the loopholes around certificates, unannounced inspections, background checks, and data collection allow foreign facilities to operate at a lower level of safety," said TWU Air Division Director Andre Sutton. "The FAA needs to follow the law passed by Congress and the president to ensure safety in the skies and stand up for American workers who perform critical repair work."
One provision for foreign aircraft maintenance facilities in the 2024 Reauthorization was finalized by the Biden administration in December of 2024. Foreign aircraft maintenance facilities are now subject to the same drug and alcohol testing rules as American facilities. Foreign aircraft repair stations must be fully compliant with the new testing rules by Dec. 20, 2027.
The Transport Workers Union represents aircraft maintenance workers at American Airline s, Envoy Airlines, and KLM.
The letter was led by Reps. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) and Julia Brownley (D-Calif.) and signed by an additional 104 members of Congress from both parties.
Letter to Administrator Bedford on Implementation of Foreign Repair Station Safety Requirements
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Original text here: https://www.twu.org/faa-must-act-to-implement-critical-safety-standards-for-foreign-aircraft-repair-stations/
AFSCME: Administration's Move to Gut FEMA Staffing Violates Agency's Independence and Mission, New Lawsuit Asserts
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) issued the following news release:
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Administration's Move to Gut FEMA Staffing Violates Agency's Independence and Mission, New Lawsuit Asserts
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Coalition of Unions, Non-Profits, and Local Governments File Challenge to DHS' Attempts to Decimate FEMA's Workforce
SAN FRANCISCO - The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and a broad coalition
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) issued the following news release:
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Administration's Move to Gut FEMA Staffing Violates Agency's Independence and Mission, New Lawsuit Asserts
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Coalition of Unions, Non-Profits, and Local Governments File Challenge to DHS' Attempts to Decimate FEMA's Workforce
SAN FRANCISCO - The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and a broad coalitionof labor organizations, nonprofit groups, and local governments filed a supplemental complaint Tuesday challenging the unlawful and drastic reduction of staff at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The coalition is represented by Altshuler Berzon LLP, Democracy Forward, Democracy Defenders Fund, Protect Democracy, and the Public Rights Project.
Plaintiffs in the case include AFGE, AFSCME, SEIU, the City and County of San Francisco, California; Santa Clara County, California; the City of Chicago, Illinois; the City of Baltimore, Maryland; Harris County, Texas; and King County, Washington.
The supplemental complaint alleges that the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) December 2025 decision to severely reduce FEMA's staffing levels beginning January 1, 2026 violates congressional protections designed to preserve FEMA's independence and ensure it can carry out its statutory mission. The complaint further alleges that, if allowed to proceed, DHS's actions will leave FEMA unable to adequately prepare for or respond to natural disasters and other emergencies, placing lives and property at risk and undermining the very purpose for which Congress created the agency.
The complaint is a supplement to a lawsuit filed in April 2025 by AFGE and a large coalition of groups challenging the Trump administration's unlawful reorganization and downsizing of the federal government without congressional authority.
"Secretary Noem's attempts to dismantle FEMA are among the most egregious actions taken by this administration," said AFGE National President Everett Kelley. "All Americans rely on the dedicated FEMA workforce, who devote their careers to helping people in their most desperate moments. The unlawful actions described in our lawsuit underscore Secretary Noem's disregard for human life and further support AFGE's call for her resignation. AFGE is proud to stand up for our members at FEMA and for the American public's right to a government that is ready and able to respond when disaster strikes."
"The administration's attacks on the workers who provide life-saving services during disasters are shameful and put lives across the country at risk," said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. "When homes flood, hurricanes and tornadoes devastate communities, or wildfires burn through neighborhoods, FEMA employees show up to help families through the worst days of their lives. Dismantling this workforce will lead to slower response times and preventable loss of life, and further strain emergency response as state and local workers, including AFSCME members, lose this critical support. We will not stand by while the administration recklessly dismantles this essential workforce."
"FEMA was created by Congress to operate with independence so it can prepare for disasters and respond quickly when communities are in crisis. The Trump-Vance administration's attempt to drastically reduce FEMA's workforce ignores those congressional protections and appropriations laws, and threatens the agency's ability to carry out its mission," said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. "Gutting the staff responsible for disaster preparedness and response does not make the country safer; it leaves families, local governments, and first responders without the support they rely on when emergencies strike. The law does not permit the executive branch to dismantle FEMA in this way, and this lawsuit seeks to ensure the agency can do the job Congress created it to do."
"When disasters strike, FEMA provides essential support and works to rebuild communities. It is outrageous that this administration is trying to dismantle that capacity on purpose," said Amb. Norm Eisen (ret.), executive chair of Democracy Defenders Fund. "We're going to court because slashing FEMA staffing means slower response, more confusion, and more families left to fend for themselves."
"Congress has been very clear that the federal government will not abandon communities facing disasters, and that DHS needs to keep its hands off of FEMA," said Danielle Leonard, Altshuler Berzon LLP. "DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is ignoring the law to further this Administration's political agenda, and is doing so at the expense of FEMA, its dedicated employees, and everyone who relies on them."
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing more than 820,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia. For the latest AFGE news and information, visit the AFGE Media Center.
AFSCME's 1.4 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in communities across the nation, serving in hundreds of different occupations -from nurses to corrections officers, child care providers to sanitation workers -AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and freedom and opportunity for all working families.
SEIU unites 2 million diverse members in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. SEIU members working in the healthcare industry, public sector and property services believe in the power of joining together on the job to win higher wages and benefits and to create better communities while fighting for a more just society and an economy that works for all of us, not just corporations and the wealthy. Learn more at www.seiu.org
Altshuler Berzon LLP is a law firm dedicated to providing the highest quality representation in the service of economic justice and the public interest. Altshuler Berzon specializes in labor and employment, constitutional, environmental, civil rights, class action, campaign and election, and impact litigation at both the trial and appellate levels.
Democracy Forward Foundation is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy, public education, and regulatory engagement. For more information, please visit www.democracyforward.org
Democracy Defenders Fund brings together a nonpartisan team to work with national, state and local allies across the country to defend in real-time the foundations of our democracy.
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Original text here: http://origin-afscme.bytrilogy.com/press/releases/2025/administrations-move-to-gut-fema-staffing-violates-agencys-independence-and-mission-new-lawsuit-asserts
