Featured Stories
Update on 2026 WGAE Council Election
NEW YORK, Nov. 6 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Writers Guild of America East issued the following news release:
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Update on 2026 WGAE Council Election
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NEW YORK, NY (November 6, 2026)--The following is an update from the Writers Guild of America East regarding the 2026 WGAE Council Election.
The Guild's Election Committee, following receipt of a post-election challenge to the 2026 WGAE Election, determined that a candidate in the Film/Television/Streaming sector engaged in a violation of Section VI.A.2 of the 2026 WGAE Nominations and Election Policy for Officers and Council Members
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NEW YORK, Nov. 6 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Writers Guild of America East issued the following news release:
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Update on 2026 WGAE Council Election
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NEW YORK, NY (November 6, 2026)--The following is an update from the Writers Guild of America East regarding the 2026 WGAE Council Election.
The Guild's Election Committee, following receipt of a post-election challenge to the 2026 WGAE Election, determined that a candidate in the Film/Television/Streaming sector engaged in a violation of Section VI.A.2 of the 2026 WGAE Nominations and Election Policy for Officers and Council Membersby using a WGAE messaging platform or communications resource on behalf of their candidacy.
The Committee has ordered a re-run of the 2026 election for the six (6) Council Seats in the Film/Television/Streaming sector. The re-run will occur concurrent with the regularly scheduled 2027 WGAE Election.
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Original text here: https://www.wgaeast.org/update-on-2026-wgae-council-election/
USW Announces Tentative Agreements at Cliffs Steel Facilities
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, Nov. 6 [Category: Union] -- The United Steelworkers posted the following news release:
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USW Announces Tentative Agreements at Cliffs Steel Facilities
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More information, contact: Tony Montana - (412) 562-2592 or tmontana@usw.org
PITTSBURGH - The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that the union has reached tentative agreement with Cleveland-Cliffs on new contracts covering roughly 10,000 total workers at the company's facilities in Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Minnesota.
USW District 1 Director Donnie Blatt, who chairs Cliffs steel negotiations for the
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PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, Nov. 6 [Category: Union] -- The United Steelworkers posted the following news release:
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USW Announces Tentative Agreements at Cliffs Steel Facilities
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More information, contact: Tony Montana - (412) 562-2592 or tmontana@usw.org
PITTSBURGH - The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that the union has reached tentative agreement with Cleveland-Cliffs on new contracts covering roughly 10,000 total workers at the company's facilities in Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Minnesota.
USW District 1 Director Donnie Blatt, who chairs Cliffs steel negotiations for theunion, said that the bargaining committee worked tirelessly to achieve the fair contracts while management sought to reduce expenses.
"Thanks to the dedication of the committee and the solidarity of the membership, we have won fair contracts that make our jobs safer and more secure with economic and contract language improvements while maintaining quality, affordable health insurance benefits," Blatt said.
Blatt said Steelworkers also prioritized investments and capital expenditures to secure the future of the union-represented facilities.
"USW members at Cliffs steel facilities understand that we are strongest when we speak with one voice," Blatt said. "We Steelworkers have stood up to every challenge in the past, and we are confident that these jobs will be preserved for generations to come."
The USW has not set a date for ratification yet, but the committee will produce a summary and review the details of the proposed new agreements with members in the coming days and weeks.
USW members at Cliffs steel have been working under contracts that have been extended since their original expirations on September 1, 2026, while negotiations proceeded.
The USW (https://www.usw.org(opens in new tab)) represents 850,000 workers employed in the metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of members in tech, higher education, public sector and service occupations.
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Original text here: https://usw.org/press-release/usw-announces-tentative-agreements-at-cliffs-steel-facilities/
SAG-AFTRA Introduces New Video Game Agreement for Pre-Funding Pitches
LOS ANGELES, California, Nov. 6 -- The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) issued the following news release:
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SAG-AFTRA Introduces New Video Game Agreement for Pre-Funding Pitches
November 5, 2026
Contract Gives Developers Early Access to Professional Actors
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Today, SAG-AFTRA introduced the Pre-Funding Pitch Interactive Media Agreement, which is specifically designed for video game developers creating interactive pitch projects. Included in the agreement are demos, vertical slices, trailers, teasers, sizzle reels or playable prototypes
... Show Full Article
LOS ANGELES, California, Nov. 6 -- The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) issued the following news release:
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SAG-AFTRA Introduces New Video Game Agreement for Pre-Funding Pitches
November 5, 2026
Contract Gives Developers Early Access to Professional Actors
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Today, SAG-AFTRA introduced the Pre-Funding Pitch Interactive Media Agreement, which is specifically designed for video game developers creating interactive pitch projects. Included in the agreement are demos, vertical slices, trailers, teasers, sizzle reels or playable prototypesfor the exclusive purpose of soliciting production funding for prospective projects.
"This agreement allows developers to up their game by bringing in professional voice and motion performance talent earlier in the process to create a higher-quality product, with the goal of capturing both imaginations and funding," said SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin.
"The Pre-Funding Pitch Interactive Media Agreement streamlines the hiring of professional union talent, and that can help give devs that extra edge to get the backing they need in an extremely competitive industry," said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.
Projects that are eligible to use the new agreement must not currently have more than 30% of its initial production funding secured, the material created must not provide the experience or impression of a complete interactive project, and the material may not be commercially released nor made available for public viewing or game play. Projects that meet some -- but not all -- of these criteria may be eligible to seek a waiver from the union via interactive@sagaftra.org.
To learn more about this agreement and how to apply click HERE (https://www.sagaftra.org/production-center/contract/820/getting-started).
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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.
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Original text here: https://www.sagaftra.org/sag-aftra-introduces-new-video-game-agreement-pre-funding-pitches
[Category: Union]
Registered nurses at Endeavor Health Edward Hospital vote overwhelmingly to join National Nurses Organizing Committee
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, Nov. 6 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United posted the following news release:
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Registered nurses at Endeavor Health Edward Hospital vote overwhelmingly to join National Nurses Organizing Committee
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RNs say union protections will lead to improved patient care
Registered nurses at Endeavor Health Edward Hospital in Naperville, Ill., voted overwhelmingly to join National Nurses Organizing Committee, an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU), the nation's largest and fastest-growing registered nurse (RN) union. The polls closed yesterday and the votes
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SILVER SPRING, Maryland, Nov. 6 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United posted the following news release:
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Registered nurses at Endeavor Health Edward Hospital vote overwhelmingly to join National Nurses Organizing Committee
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RNs say union protections will lead to improved patient care
Registered nurses at Endeavor Health Edward Hospital in Naperville, Ill., voted overwhelmingly to join National Nurses Organizing Committee, an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU), the nation's largest and fastest-growing registered nurse (RN) union. The polls closed yesterday and the voteswere counted today at Edward Hospital.
"We are so proud to win our union election and join National Nurses Organizing Committee," said Kendra Creech, RN in the perioperative unit. "We know that a union for RNs will help us be even stronger advocates for our patients."
Sixty-five percent of nurses voted to join the union to have a say in decisions that affect patient care. With Edward nurses joining the union, NNOC now represents more than 10,000 nurses in Chicagoland, including RNs at Rush University Medical Center, who voted to join NNOC in May.
"We look forward to bargaining our first union contract that protects our patients and nurses so we can give them the care they deserve," said Aneysha Becka, RN in the neonatal intensive care unit. "We want safe staffing at all times. This is why we voted to join NNOC/NNU -- because our union knows how to win strong contracts."
The election win also highlights nurses' concerns about the proposed merger between Endeavor Health and Rush, which nurses fear will lead to higher prices, service cuts, and other moves to maximize profits. Regardless of what happens with the proposed merger, Rush and Edward nurses will be in the best position to advocate for their patients and communities by joining NNOC.
NNOC represents more than 1,200 nurses at Edward Hospital.
National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the United States with more than 225,000 members nationwide. NNU affiliates include California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, DC Nurses Association, Michigan Nurses Association, Minnesota Nurses Association, and New York State Nurses Association.
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Original text here: https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/registered-nurses-at-endeavor-health-edward-hospital-vote-overwhelmingly-to-join-nnoc
Pepsi-Cola Drivers in Georgia Unanimously Authorize Strike
WASHINGTON, Nov. 6 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Pepsi-Cola Drivers in Georgia Unanimously Authorize Strike
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Workers in Atlanta and Lithonia with Local 528 Demand Fair Contract
(ATLANTA) - More than 100 Pepsi-Cola drivers at facilities in Atlanta and Lithonia, Georgia, have voted unanimously to authorize a strike. The members of Teamsters Local 528 organized in January 2026 for respect on the job, a unified voice, and wage and benefit improvements.
"Pepsi has been dragging their feet since the beginning and refusing
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 6 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Pepsi-Cola Drivers in Georgia Unanimously Authorize Strike
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Workers in Atlanta and Lithonia with Local 528 Demand Fair Contract
(ATLANTA) - More than 100 Pepsi-Cola drivers at facilities in Atlanta and Lithonia, Georgia, have voted unanimously to authorize a strike. The members of Teamsters Local 528 organized in January 2026 for respect on the job, a unified voice, and wage and benefit improvements.
"Pepsi has been dragging their feet since the beginning and refusingto put serious offers on the table," said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. "Our members are ready to strike, and if management doesn't come back to the table ready to negotiate, they will be forced to head to the picket line."
"The company has been trying to union bust since before this group even organized," said Donnie Newell, President of Local 528. "They've continued their efforts by repeatedly offering workers insulting proposals that include no raise in the first few years of the contract. This is unacceptable."
The workers have had enough, and Local 528 has filed unfair labor practice charges against Pepsi-Cola management over their failure to bargain in good faith.
"We work hard every day on behalf of Pepsi-Cola and want to be treated fairly," said Javon Kersey, a Pepsi-Cola driver and member of Local 528. "It's time for management to stop dragging their feet and to negotiate a fair contract. We don't want to strike, but the company is leaving us with no other option."
Local 528 represents thousands of working men and women throughout the state of Georgia. For more information, please visit teamsterslocal528.org.
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Original text here: https://teamster.org/2026/11/pepsi-cola-drivers-in-georgia-unanimously-authorize-strike/
NEU Survey Exposes Unsustainable Workloads, Unpaid Work and Lack of Professional Support for School Support Staff
LONDON, England, Nov. 6 -- The National Education Union issued the following news release:
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NEU survey exposes unsustainable workloads, unpaid work and lack of professional support for school support staff
06/11/2026
The 2026 NEU Support Staff Survey paints a troubling picture of a workforce that is too often denied the time, resources and recognition that would help them do their jobs most effectively. Over 4,500 respondents working in state schools and academies in England confirm that excessive workloads are widespread, that unpaid additional hours are commonplace, and that limited
... Show Full Article
LONDON, England, Nov. 6 -- The National Education Union issued the following news release:
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NEU survey exposes unsustainable workloads, unpaid work and lack of professional support for school support staff
06/11/2026
The 2026 NEU Support Staff Survey paints a troubling picture of a workforce that is too often denied the time, resources and recognition that would help them do their jobs most effectively. Over 4,500 respondents working in state schools and academies in England confirm that excessive workloads are widespread, that unpaid additional hours are commonplace, and that limitedaccess to training and career progression persists.
Our findings show:
* Two thirds (66 per cent) work beyond their contracted hours. Of those, a majority (73 per cent) do so because of workload pressures.
* Just 14 per cent are consistently compensated for that work. 62 per cent receive no compensation at all.
* 83 per cent cannot reliably take a full lunch break.
* 49 per cent report they do not receive automatic annual pay progression.
* 43 per cent of teaching assistants are expected to regularly take on the work of a teacher despite being paid at a support staff rate.
* Just 26 per cent are satisfied that CPD provision meets their needs.
The findings raise serious questions about the sustainability of current working practices and the extent to which support staff are being expected to absorb growing demands without adequate time, resources or reward.
Workload and working conditions
When asked if their workload was manageable within current contractual hours, just 5 per cent of support staff workers responding to our survey said this was 'always' the case and a further third (33 per cent) believe it was the case 'most of the time'. Of the rest, a combined majority told us it was either 'never' manageable (22 per cent) or manageable only 'some of the time' (40 per cent).
Respondents told us they 'regularly' work extra hours, and itemised how this manifests itself on a weekly basis:
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Do you regularly work extra hours over your contracted hours? If so, how many per week?
None ... 34%
1-3 hours ... 46%
4-6 hours ... 13%
7-10 hours ... 4%
11-14 hours ... 1%
15 hours and over ... 1%
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Almost two thirds of respondents (62 per cent) told us they are not paid or otherwise compensated for these additional hours. 24 per cent are sometimes compensated, whereas only 14 per cent are regularly and consistently compensated for that work.
When asked why their workload went beyond contracted time, respondents gave the following answers to a multi-choice question:
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For what reasons do you work extra hours?
Your employer demands that you do ... 4%
Your workload demands it ... 73%
You take on extra work because you want to ... 16%
There has been a reduction in teacher numbers ... 6%
There has been a reduction in support staff numbers ... 32%
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These pressures are compounded by limited opportunities for rest during the working day. Just 17 per cent of respondents said they were always able to take a full lunch break, while only 14 per cent were entitled to and able to take a mid-morning and/or afternoon break.
The survey also raises concerns about basic employment practices and professional respect. Only 33 per cent said their job description accurately reflected their role, while 40 per cent said their job description had never been reviewed. Nearly half (48 per cent) reported that they did not receive an annual appraisal.
Responsibilities and defined boundaries
Today's survey raises important questions about role boundaries, appropriate remuneration and the support available to staff undertaking substantial teaching responsibilities.
There is a clear disconnect between role and compensation. Among cover supervisors who are asked to undertake planning and marking (34 per cent of the total sample), some 44 per cent said they were not paid for this work. Of this same group, 73 per cent considered the work they undertake when acting as a cover supervisor to be identical to that performed by supply teachers.
The survey further found that 43 per cent of teaching assistants (TAs) were expected to teach on a regular basis, despite being paid at a support staff rate.
Pay progression is a clear area of concern. Around half (49 per cent, excluding Don't Knows) said they do not receive automatic annual pay progression until they reach the top of their pay spine, raising questions about consistency and fairness in how support staff are rewarded for their work.
Support staff make an essential contribution to teaching and learning, but that contribution must not be used to justify the expansion of responsibilities without the corresponding pay, training, resources and professional recognition.
SEND/ALN Training
Around four fifths (79 per cent) of respondents told us they work with pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and additional learning needs (ALN). When asked what would help them in this work, 58 per cent of respondents called for more specific training, 51 per cent wanted more time to engage with students, and 36 per cent wanted greater support from colleagues, including teachers, senior leadership teams and SENCOs or ALNCOs.
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What would help you in your SEND/ALN role? Please select all that apply
More specific training ... 58%
Not being pulled away to cover classes ... 19%
Sufficient time to engage with a student ... 51%
Support from a teacher/SLT ... 34%
Support from the SENCO/ALNCO ... 38%
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These findings underline the importance of giving support staff the time, expertise and collaborative support they need to respond effectively to pupils' individual needs. Staff cannot be expected to deliver increasingly complex support without access to appropriate professional development and sufficient time to build meaningful relationships with the children and young people they work with.
Professional Development
Despite the responsibilities support staff undertake, access to continuing professional development (CPD) remains limited. A third said they do not receive any regular CPD other than mandatory training (35 per cent). Just 26 per cent were 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' that the CPD available to them met their professional needs.
The survey also reveals barriers to accessing training within paid working time.
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Is CPD provided during paid working time? Please select which response best fits.
Yes ... 47%
No, but I am paid for training outside contracted hours ... 15%
No, and I am not paid for training outside contracted hours ... 17%
I do not receive CPD ... 21%
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Just under half of respondents (47 per cent) said they received CPD within their contracted hours, while others have to seek it out of hours and not always with recompense for the time spent. It is striking that one fifth (21 per cent) do not receive any form of CPD.
Without appropriate training, time and investment, support staff are being denied opportunities to develop their skills and progress professionally, while schools risk losing the experienced staff on whom pupils and teachers depend.
Commenting on the survey results, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"This survey exposes a workforce being taken for granted and pushed beyond breaking point. Employers are relying on staff's goodwill and professionalism to prop up a system under immense pressure, while denying them the pay, conditions and recognition they deserve. This is exploitation, not a sustainable workforce strategy. Support staff cannot be expected to subsidise the education system with their own time and health.
"We need a sea-change in how support staff are treated. They deserve manageable workloads, fair pay, decent working conditions and the training and support required to deliver for young people.
"Unity and strong workplace organisation are essential if school support staff are to secure the recognition, pay and working conditions they deserve. Across the country, we are supporting NEU members, both support staff and teachers, to stand together to protect jobs, tackle excessive workload and win better pay."
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Editor's Note
We received responses from support staff members in England and Wales. This release focuses on the responses from 4,715 support staff in English state schools, reweighted by personal and professional characteristics in line with data from the most recent School Workforce Census.
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Original text here: https://neu.org.uk/latest/press-releases/neu-survey-exposes-unsustainable-workloads-unpaid-work-and-lack-professional-support-school-support?_locale=en
[Category: Union]
CWA Remembers Barbara J. Easterling
WASHINGTON, Nov. 6 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Communications Workers of America posted the following news release:
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CWA Remembers Barbara J. Easterling
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The following statement is from CWA President Claude Cummings Jr.:
It is with deep sadness that I share news of the passing of Barbara J. Easterling, a labor pioneer for women's labor rights.
Originally from Akron, Ohio, Easterling began her career in the labor movement when she joined CWA Local 4302 as a telephone operator at Ohio Bell. She went on to serve within her Local as a steward, secretary, and eventually as vice president.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 6 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Communications Workers of America posted the following news release:
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CWA Remembers Barbara J. Easterling
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The following statement is from CWA President Claude Cummings Jr.:
It is with deep sadness that I share news of the passing of Barbara J. Easterling, a labor pioneer for women's labor rights.
Originally from Akron, Ohio, Easterling began her career in the labor movement when she joined CWA Local 4302 as a telephone operator at Ohio Bell. She went on to serve within her Local as a steward, secretary, and eventually as vice president.Her skill, drive, and vision did not stop there, however.
In 1970, Easterling accepted an appointment to secretary of the Ohio Labor Division where she drafted laws to protect women's rights at work, and restrict child labor. She stepped down from that position in 1973 to work full-time for CWA, and in 1980 became assistant to then-president, Glenn Watts. She was later elected as an executive vice-president of the union, and in 1992 made history as the first woman elected to serve as CWA's international secretary-treasurer. She would continue in that position for 16 years.
In 1995, Easterling made history again when she accepted the role of secretary-treasurer for the AFL-CIO, becoming the first woman to serve as one of the federation's top officers. In 2001 she was elected as the first-ever president of the World Women's Committee of Union Network International, representing more than 17 million workers worldwide.
Throughout her career, Easterling also worked to raise awareness of domestic violence and improve the lives of working families everywhere. She served on the Executive Committee of the Democratic National Committee, was Vice Chair of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, and held leadership positions with the Faith & Politics Institute, the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, the United Way of America, and several charitable organizations. She was also an active supporter of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
In 2009, Easterling was elected to lead the Alliance for Retired Americans where, during her six-year tenure, she focused on protecting Social Security, strengthening Medicare, and lowering prescription drug prices.
Barbara Easterling's legacy of tireless service and her dedication to helping others should serve as an inspiration to us all as we continue the fight for worker rights.
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Original text here: https://cwa-union.org/news/releases/cwa-remembers-barbara-j-easterling
