If you're a Federal Employee and can join a union, now is the time to do it.

While the idea of a four-day week might fly in the face of the “American work ethic” — long hours, minimal vacation days — as espoused by the Trump administration in 2018, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has announced plans to introduce new legislation to enforce a four-day work week in the U.S. by 2028.

After months of negotiation between the Park City Professional Ski Patrol and Park City Mountain’s parent company, Vail Resorts, the ski patrol union announced it was officially on an unfair labor practice strike starting Friday morning.

I am a manager at a “small business” receptions center. there are currently two locations. I am 100% positive that this business would benefit from a Union, but it might be too small?? there are at least 80 people in this entire company (including everyone, two banquet centers closed down but the profits are up), so i am wondering if this is doable. We currently have employees that have worked here 15 years with only one raise (so only make 18 dollars even with 15ys experience). Younger hires almost make as much STARTING!! That’s okay for the new hires!!! But as a manager, that’s horrible for the people that have worked here for so long and i don’t know what to do. Starting a Union is my only solution because i’ve talked to higher management and nothing has been done. any advice would be great no matter how big or small.

The narrative post election has been about how unions voted against their own self interest and voted for Donald Trump for president. We have been hearing over and over how union members chose sexism and racism over workers rights.

Here's the fact. Union members voted for Harris 57% to 41%. That is an improvement over the 2020 election. Nonunion voters voted for Trump 51%. Don't let the trolls control the narrative with false facts.

https://www.americanprogressaction.org/article/while-other-voters-moved-away-from-the-democrats-union-members-shifted-toward-harris-in-2024/

December 27th: Roosevelt seized railroads to avert strike in 1943

On this day in labor history, President Roosevelt seized the railroads to avert a countrywide strike in 1943. In December 1943, U.S. railroad unions threatened a strike for higher wages, set to begin December 30, amid stalled negotiations between the unions and carriers. After the National Mediation Board failed to mediate a resolution, FDR offered arbitration, which the unions rejected. To ensure uninterrupted transportation vital to the war effort, Roosevelt issued an executive order on December 27th, authorizing the Secretary of War to seize and operate all continental U.S. railroads. The President justified this action by emphasizing the need to maintain the flow of troops, war materials, and essential supplies. The order allowed existing management structures to continue operations under federal oversight, preserved contracts and worker protections, and maintained collective bargaining rights if they did not disrupt operations. The seizure was designed to ensure compliance with federal laws and regulations while preventing strikes from interrupting critical services. Roosevelt’s directive remained in effect until the Secretary of War deemed federal control unnecessary for maintaining transportation services.

Sources in comments.

So me and him were talking about how large Amazon was and he told me how they don’t have unions (idk if its true or not) and his argument for why we don’t need unions is because “the company can provide all the car for their workers, if the workers have a issue they can simply go to management or HR.” I replied “well, who puts these companies in check? Unions. You do know companies can abuse their people right” and my grandpa says “sure, but well as long as they have management to go to they can report it” I told him how that’s literally contradictory. “And what do you do when management is abusive? Or HR? Or the damn CEO? Who makes sure the company doesn’t set policies that violate the law?” He kinda sat there and started thinking and he finally replies with his best (which is the shittiest) final argument “well unions give workers a place to gather, and that can mean they can abuse their power to demand the management to do things for the workers, and the company would have to follow! Which is communist! And they will demand higher wages which crushes the economy!” I laughed and just replied with “sure, grandpa” and walked away from him. That was all I needed to hear to know arguing with him about this was useless with his no logic thinking on unions.

So my employer sent out a company wide communication, letting us know they are reducing our PTO accruals per pay period to "align with the industry standard." For many employees, this will reduce their annual PTO by 5-7 days.

The company is nationwide but we are the only unionized sector. Of course, our PTO accruals are in the contract and cannot be changed.

The company knew this and within hours the union made all members aware, they were covered.

For all of the employees in other states, they are getting screwed.

It was easier for the company to communicate to all regarding this change and piss of the small number of unionized employees than communicate to all that this change affects all BUT unionized employees.

It is crazy that the majority of employees are getting PTO ripped away and really have no power to stop it.

We are looking to strike in 2025 for wage, pension and benefit increases. Maybe PTO accrual increases should be negotiated as well.

Union strong!

The workers accuse their employers of refusing to recognize their unions or to bargain in good faith. They have been organizing for more than four years but have yet to land a contract. Some have filed complaints with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging union-busting behavior by the companies, including coercion, threats, discipline and firings. Amazon and Starbucks have also filed complaints against the unions, accusing them of coercion, violence and illegal strikes.

So our contract is up in December 31st, under our new union administration there is no more contract extensions - either we get a contract or strike. Negotiation started in September however company did not want to meet. Last month we got the supplimental squared away, pending on national agreement. We asked shop steward for update and they do not know either on what is going on national agreement. Next week is end of the year with no contract ratified. Up to date no update on striking, agreement, contract vote, or nothing. Is this normal?

December 26th: 1907 New York City rent strike began

On this day in labor history, the 1907 New York City rent strike began. Also known as the East Side rent strike, it lasted from December 26, 1907, to January 9, 1908, amid the economic hardships of the Panic of 1907. Sparked by a proposed rent hike of $1–$2, the strike began in Manhattan's Lower East Side, organized primarily by Jewish immigrant women like Pauline Newman, who rallied support among tenants. Approximately 10,000 tenants joined, and the movement spread to Brooklyn and Harlem. Strikers compiled building code violations, drawing attention from city inspectors, while Socialist Party leadership expanded the strike's reach, although anti-communist sentiment weakened public support. The strike faced police violence and mass evictions, with only 2,000 tenants securing rent reductions. The demand for rent to be capped at 30% of wages was unmet, and the strike dissolved without lasting reforms. However, it inspired later rent control efforts and raised awareness of housing issues, leading to the institution of rent controls in 1920 following post-World War I rent strikes. Sources in comments.

Sorry in advance if this has been covered already. I work in the USA, public sector, local gov specifically. My bargaining group has a round of negotiations coming up in 2026, and I’d like to get a jump on the question of cert pay.

Management has previously expressed an openness to the idea, but it was scrapped during the last negotiations due to the complexity of tracking certs for all of our different departments, and of course the question of how large of a pay bump each cert would be worth.

Does anyone on this sub have experience tackling this sort of issue in negotiating a contract?

December 23rd: Walmart settled 63 lawsuits over wages in 2008   On this day in labor history, Walmart settled 63 lawsuits over wages in 2008. Wal-Mart agreed to pay at minimum $352 million to settle 63 lawsuits in 42 states alleging wage violations. The lawsuits claimed Wal-Mart forced employees to work off the clock, erased time from records, and denied breaks required by law. Union critics viewed the settlement as evidence of worker exploitation, while Wal-Mart attributed the issues to unauthorized actions by local managers and stated it had since improved wage practices. The settlement resolved most of Wal-Mart's wage-and-hour litigation, involving hundreds of thousands of then current and former employees. Wal-Mart announced the settlements as its leadership transitioned. Legal experts suggested the company sought to repair its image before stricter enforcement under then President-elect Barack Obama. Critics noted Wal-Mart's efforts to deter unionization as labor advocates targeted the retailer. Lawyers praised the resolution and the company's enhanced compliance measures, marking a significant chapter in Wal-Mart's legal and labor history.

December 24th: 1913 Italian Hall disaster occurred   On this day in labor history, the 1913 Italian Hall disaster occurred in Calumet, Michigan. Also known as the 1913 Massacre, the tragedy unfolded during the 1913-1914 Copper Country Strike. At a Christmas party hosted by striking miners and their families, someone falsely shouted "fire," causing a panic. The ensuing stampede down a steep stairway killed 73 people, including 59 children. The party was organized by the Western Federation of Miners (WFM), whose members were striking against the Calumet and Hecla Mining Company over wages, hours, and working conditions. Investigations into the tragedy revealed no fire. Eyewitnesses alleged that the cry was deliberate, potentially by a member of the anti-union Citizens' Alliance. Coroner and congressional inquiries failed to establish conclusive evidence, though suspicions lingered. The disaster fueled hostility toward the Alliance and mine management. The Italian Hall was demolished in 1984, leaving only its archway. The event inspired Woody Guthrie's song "1913 Massacre" and continues to be studied, with some historians suggesting it was a deliberate act to undermine the strike.

December 25th: American Servicemen's Union founded in 1967   On this day in labor history, the American Servicemen's Union (ASU) was founded in 1967. Andy Stapp founded the ASU in an attempt to unionize military personnel as he was inspired by his opposition to the Vietnam War. The ASU sought to empower soldiers with the right to elect officers, refuse illegal orders, and improve conditions. At its peak, the ASU claimed tens of thousands of members and operated chapters on military bases and in Vietnam, distributing newsletters and leaflets. Although the Army never formally recognized the union, it viewed the ASU as a significant challenge. Stapp faced court-martials and a discharge for “subversive activity,” which only amplified his efforts. The ASU drew attention to issues like the court-martial of Black soldiers at Fort Hood and riots at Fort Dix, aligning with leftist groups for support. Despite its prominence, the ASU waned after the Vietnam War’s conclusion. Stapp’s work highlighted systemic issues within the military, fostering civilian awareness. Though the ASU dissolved, Stapp’s efforts remain a symbol of resistance and activism within the armed forces.

Sources in comments.

Starbucks Corp. committed widespread legal violations before and after workers at several stores across Washington unionized, a National Labor Relations Board judge ruled.

Christmas Eve :)