Featured Stories
Statement From NEA President Princess Moss on the Trump Administration's Federal Voucher Rules
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release:
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Statement from NEA President Princess Moss on the Trump administration's federal voucher rules
By: Miguel A. Gonzalez
October 1, 2026
WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury took another step to implement the Trump administration's new federal private school voucher, effectively moving toward robbing students of access to great public schools across the United States. As expected, the guidance ensures the program will contain all the most damaging features of existing state-funded
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release:
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Statement from NEA President Princess Moss on the Trump administration's federal voucher rules
By: Miguel A. Gonzalez
October 1, 2026
WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury took another step to implement the Trump administration's new federal private school voucher, effectively moving toward robbing students of access to great public schools across the United States. As expected, the guidance ensures the program will contain all the most damaging features of existing state-fundedvoucher programs, while limiting states' ability to protect students or ensure meaningful benefits for public schools.
The National Education Association released the following statement from President Princess Moss:
"With back-to-school in the rearview mirror, more Americans are struggling to make ends meet as the cost of school supplies, packed lunches, and gas continues to outpace salaries and paychecks. Instead of helping families make ends meet, the Trump administration is once again putting its thumb on the scale for private school vouchers at the expense of the public schools that serve 90% of America's students. At a time when educators, students, and families are calling for more resources to strengthen neighborhood public schools, this administration is advancing a plan to divert taxpayer dollars to subsidize private education for a select few.
"We will closely review the Treasury Department's new voucher regulations and continue fighting to ensure public funds remain invested in public schools where every student -- regardless of their race, ZIP code, disability, family income, or immigration status -- can learn, grow, and thrive. America's students deserve policies that expand opportunity, not vouchers that leave most children behind."
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The National Education Association is the nation's largest labor union, representing nearly 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.
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Original text here: https://www.nea.org/about-nea/media-center/press-releases/statement-nea-president-princess-moss-trump-administrations-federal-voucher-rules
[Category: Union]
AFL-CIO Applauds Signing of AI Guardrails Legislation in California
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The AFL-CIO issued the following news release:
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AFL-CIO Applauds Signing of AI Guardrails Legislation in California
September 30, 2026
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler issued the following statement after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the first-in-the-nation legislation to protect working Californians and place essential guardrails on unregulated artificial intelligence (AI) technology:
"Today is a victory for working people in California and a testament to the power of the labor movement and its allies. One day after President Trump welcomed Big Tech CEOs to the White House
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The AFL-CIO issued the following news release:
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AFL-CIO Applauds Signing of AI Guardrails Legislation in California
September 30, 2026
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler issued the following statement after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the first-in-the-nation legislation to protect working Californians and place essential guardrails on unregulated artificial intelligence (AI) technology:
"Today is a victory for working people in California and a testament to the power of the labor movement and its allies. One day after President Trump welcomed Big Tech CEOs to the White Houseand touted the administration's support for 'morally binding guardrails' and 'self-regulation,' Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed some of the strongest state legislation in the country to protect working people from the harms of unregulated, untested AI. These bills will now become law in spite of a massive corporate lobbying campaign and millions of dollars spent to defeat them. There is still a long way to go to ensure that workers have a say in how AI technology is developed and implemented in the workplace--both in California and nationwide--but these bills are an essential step forward. When working people stand together, we can take on Big Tech--and we can win."
The labor movement has long fought for state legislatures to rein in unregulated AI technology. This week, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler joined the co-chairs of the AFL-CIO State Federations Artificial Intelligence Taskforce, California Federation of Labor Unions President Lorena Gonzalez and Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Chrissy Lynch, in calling on Newsom to pass this legislation. In February, Shuler joined Gonzalez and labor leaders from across the country at the California State Capitol to highlight the existential risks that AI poses to workers and to call on elected officials to take action. The package of bills today also ensures policies become law that the labor movement demanded at its 30th AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention.
The AI legislation signed today by Newsom, supported by the California Federation of Labor Unions, includes:
* AB 1331, No Bosses in the Bathroom Act, authored by Assemblymember Sade Elhawary, bans bosses from using AI surveillance to spy on workers in the bathroom.
* AB 1883, The Stop AI Strip Searches Act, authored by Assemblymember Isaac G. Bryan, bans the use of invasive and exploitative AI surveillance tools in the workplace, including AI that performs emotional recognition.
* AB 1979, authored by Assemblymember Mia Bonta, requires licensed health care professionals, not AI, to remain the decision-maker in health care clinical practice.
* SB 947, The No AI Bosses Act, authored by state Sen. Jerry McNerney, ensures AI cannot be used to fire or discipline workers without human oversight.
* SB 951, AI Job Killer Notice Act, authored by state Sen. Eloise Gomez Reyes, modernizes the WARN Act to provide workers additional information on layoffs caused by AI and direct the Employment Development Department to study the impact of AI on hiring and the workforce.
Contact: Steve Smith, 202-637-5018
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Original text here: https://aflcio.org/press/releases/afl-cio-applauds-signing-ai-guardrails-legislation-california
[Category: Union]
Statement From NEA President Princess Moss on the Trump Administration's Title IX Rollbacks
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release:
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Statement from NEA President Princess Moss on the Trump administration's Title IX Rollbacks
Moss: Schools must be places where every young person can learn, grow and become who they are without fear
By: Celeste Fernandez
September 30, 2026
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Education has rolled back Title IX protections for women and girls who are survivors of sexual assault, as well as LGBTQ+ students.
During the Biden administration, Title IX regulations explicitly extended protections
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release:
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Statement from NEA President Princess Moss on the Trump administration's Title IX Rollbacks
Moss: Schools must be places where every young person can learn, grow and become who they are without fear
By: Celeste Fernandez
September 30, 2026
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Education has rolled back Title IX protections for women and girls who are survivors of sexual assault, as well as LGBTQ+ students.
During the Biden administration, Title IX regulations explicitly extended protectionsto students based on gender identity and sexual orientation and strengthened protections for survivors of sexual assault and harassment. The policy change rolls back those protections and directs schools to return to the framework used during the first Trump administration.
The following can be attributed to National Education Association President Princess Moss:
"Every student deserves to go to school knowing they are safe, valued, and protected from discrimination. The decision by the U.S. Department of Education to roll back Title IX protections for students moves us in the opposite direction.
"Title IX is a landmark civil rights law that has opened doors and expanded opportunities for generations of students. It should not be weakened or used to leave students without meaningful protections against discrimination and harassment.
"This rule takes us back to the 2020 Title IX regulations, putting the emphasis back on protections for those accused of sexual harassment and assault while rolling back protections for women, girls, survivors, and LGBTQ+ students. The Biden-era rules strengthened support for survivors, streamlined the process for resolving complaints, and made explicit what existing guidance and caselaw had already established: Title IX protects all students from sex discrimination, including discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. NEA supported those protections then, and we will continue to fight for them now.
"For educators, this is about something fundamental: Our schools must be places where every young person can learn, grow, and become who they are without fear. Protecting students from sexual harassment and assault means protecting women and girls from violence, while protecting LGBTQ+ students from discrimination means ensuring they have the same opportunity to learn and thrive as their classmates. Every student deserves both.
"Educators see every day what happens when students know they are supported. They are better able to engage, learn, build relationships, and thrive. We also know that discrimination and harassment can create barriers to success.
"NEA will continue to stand with women and girls, survivors, LGBTQ+ students, educators, and families. We will continue working for schools where every student, in every ZIP code, can learn free from discrimination and harassment.
"Our students deserve better than a retreat from civil rights protections. They deserve schools that affirm their humanity, protect their rights, and give every student the opportunity to thrive. NEA will keep fighting for that promise--without exception."
Follow us on Bluesky at https://bsky.app/profile/neapresident.bsky.social & https://bsky.app/profile/neatoday.bsky.social
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The National Education Association is the nation's largest labor union, representing nearly 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.
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Original text here: https://www.nea.org/about-nea/media-center/press-releases/statement-nea-president-princess-moss-trump-administrations-title-ix-rollbacks
[Category: Union]
National Education Union General Secretary Kebede Responds to U.K. P.M. Burnham Address at Labour Party Conference
LONDON, England, Oct. 1 -- The National Education Union issued the following news release:
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Andy Burnham Speech
30/09/2026
Commenting on the Prime Minister's speech at Labour Party Conference, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"Andy Burnham is correct to say the country took a wrong turn in the 1980s. He is right to say the country needs a new economy and politics. He is also right to say things aren't working as they should for working people.
"If the hope and optimism that he talked about today is to become a reality then the Prime Minister will
... Show Full Article
LONDON, England, Oct. 1 -- The National Education Union issued the following news release:
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Andy Burnham Speech
30/09/2026
Commenting on the Prime Minister's speech at Labour Party Conference, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"Andy Burnham is correct to say the country took a wrong turn in the 1980s. He is right to say the country needs a new economy and politics. He is also right to say things aren't working as they should for working people.
"If the hope and optimism that he talked about today is to become a reality then the Prime Minister willneed to tackle the vested interests of those at the top of society who have enriched themselves at the expense of the majority in the country.
"The Prime Minister's call for a comprehensive education system, with parity between the academic and the technical, is welcome. But to deliver it will necessitate a new assessment and accountability system. It will require an end to the ideology that pits schools in competition against each other. It demands an end to the lack of democratic oversight of academies, and an end to the profiteering and excessive CEO pay. Above all else, schools need a cash injection to end 16 years of real terms cuts that has left 74 per cent of schools worse off in real terms than in 2010.
"Taxing the big tech giants and reform of the tax system should be part of the solution to funding education and public services.
"The NEU will support the Prime Minister in his endeavours where he delivers for education and working people, but we will continue to press this government where they fail to deliver.
"People need to see change. They need to feel change. Parents need to know that not only will their lives improve but the lives of their children will be better."
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Original text here: https://neu.org.uk/latest/press-releases/andy-burnham-speech?_locale=en
[Category: Union]
International President John Costa names Local 128-Asheville, NC, President/Business Agent Steve Sprague as International Organizer
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, Oct. 1 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Amalgamated Transit Union issued the following news release:
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International President John Costa names Local 128-Asheville, NC, President/Business Agent Steve Sprague as International Organizer
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Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) International President John Costa has named Local 128-Asheville, NC, President/Business Agent Steve Sprague as a new Organizer in the International Campaigns Department.
"We welcome and congratulate Steve on his new role as an ATU International Organizer," said Costa. "A next-generation leader,
... Show Full Article
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, Oct. 1 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Amalgamated Transit Union issued the following news release:
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International President John Costa names Local 128-Asheville, NC, President/Business Agent Steve Sprague as International Organizer
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Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) International President John Costa has named Local 128-Asheville, NC, President/Business Agent Steve Sprague as a new Organizer in the International Campaigns Department.
"We welcome and congratulate Steve on his new role as an ATU International Organizer," said Costa. "A next-generation leader,Steve has a passion for the ATU, our members, and the labor movement. We're fortunate to have him on board at the International to play an important role in ensuring our Locals are prepared for battle when it comes to organizing, contracts, political action, and community campaigns."
Almost 8 years ago, Steve Sprague took a job at Asheville Transit upon the recommendation of his neighbor who worked in the maintenance department for Asheville Transit. After a few years in the job, Steve became curious about the contract he was working under and reached out to the Local 128 leadership and negotiating committee, who encouraged him to join the union and get involved. He did and helped to rewrite about 80% of the contract and secured big wins for the maintenance workers, including 4-day work weeks and better uniform options including prescription safety glasses and cold weather gear.
Steve then decided to become a Shop Steward and served as the Local's Financial Secretary-Treasurer temporarily. At the next election, Steve ran for and was elected as President/Business Agent. The Monday after being elected, Steve attended his first Central Labor Council meeting where he was nominated and elected to the Executive Board. Under his leadership, Steve negotiated two strong contracts and organized Asheville Transit Dispatchers and Customer Service Employees.
"Thank you, International President Costa, for the opportunity to serve the ATU in this role," said Sprague. "Your leadership and vision have set the standard in the labor movement. I look forward to working with in the Campaigns Department to help ATU members everywhere build the power they need to fight for change."
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Original text here: https://www.atu.org/media/press/2026/international-president-john-costa-names-local-128-asheville-nc-presidentbusiness-agent-steve-sprague-as-international-organizer
Actors' Equity Association Endorses Rebecca Bennett for United States Congress
NEW YORK, Oct. 1 -- Actors' Equity Association, a labor union that says it represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers, issued the following news release:
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Actors' Equity Association Endorses Rebecca Bennett for United States Congress
New York- Actors' Equity Association's National Council has voted to endorse Rebecca Bennett's campaign for the United States House of Representatives (NJ7), on behalf of more than 51,000 actors and stage managers working in live entertainment.
"Rebecca Bennett is deeply qualified to serve the people of New Jersey in the House" said
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Oct. 1 -- Actors' Equity Association, a labor union that says it represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers, issued the following news release:
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Actors' Equity Association Endorses Rebecca Bennett for United States Congress
New York- Actors' Equity Association's National Council has voted to endorse Rebecca Bennett's campaign for the United States House of Representatives (NJ7), on behalf of more than 51,000 actors and stage managers working in live entertainment.
"Rebecca Bennett is deeply qualified to serve the people of New Jersey in the House" saidAl Vincent Jr., executive director of Actors' Equity Association. "And crucially, she is a supporter of workers' rights. It's time to deliver this district into the hands of a pro-labor candidate, and we at Equity are excited to partner with her in this work."
Equity's public policy priorities include defending and protecting the right to collectively bargain, stronger federal and state arts funding, a prevailing wage in the arts, a strong minimum wage, universal federal health care, tax fairness, racial justice, gun violence prevention and LGBTQ non-discrimination protections.
Equity's ongoing list of 2026 candidate endorsements can be found here (https://actorsequity.org/news/endorsements).
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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
September 30, 2026
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Original text here: https://actorsequity.org/news/PR/2026/09/30/actors-equity-association-endorses-rebecca-bennett-for-united-states-congress
[Category: Union]
Actors' Equity Association Endorses Darializa Avila Chevalier, Brad Lander and Claire Valdez for United States Congress
NEW YORK, Oct. 1 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Actors Equity Association issued the following news release:
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Actors' Equity Association Endorses Darializa Avila Chevalier, Brad Lander and Claire Valdez for United States Congress
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New York - Actors' Equity Association's National Council has voted to endorse Darializa Avila Chevalier (NY13), Brad Lander (NY10) and Claire Valdez (NY7) for their respective United States House of Representatives campaigns, on behalf of the more than 51,000 actors and stage managers working in live entertainment.
"Darializa Avila Chevalier, Brad Lander
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Oct. 1 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Actors Equity Association issued the following news release:
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Actors' Equity Association Endorses Darializa Avila Chevalier, Brad Lander and Claire Valdez for United States Congress
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New York - Actors' Equity Association's National Council has voted to endorse Darializa Avila Chevalier (NY13), Brad Lander (NY10) and Claire Valdez (NY7) for their respective United States House of Representatives campaigns, on behalf of the more than 51,000 actors and stage managers working in live entertainment.
"Darializa Avila Chevalier, Brad Landerand Claire Valdez stand to represent districts in four New York City boroughs where thousands of our members live and work," said Al Vincent Jr., executive director of Actors' Equity Association. "These candidates share a fierce commitment to the labor movement and an earnest desire to help the arts industry make real progress for its workers as equal partners with Equity. We look forward to welcoming all of them to Congress and building on this momentum."
Equity's public policy priorities include defending and protecting the right to collectively bargain, stronger federal and state arts funding, a prevailing wage in the arts, a strong minimum wage, universal federal health care, tax fairness, racial justice, gun violence prevention and LGBTQ non-discrimination protections.
Equity's ongoing list of 2026 candidate endorsements can be found here.
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
October 1, 2026
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Original text here: https://www.actorsequity.org/news/PR/2026/10/01/actors--equity-association-endorses--darializa-avila-chevalier--brad-lander-and-claire-valdez-for-united-states-congress
