POLITICS
Advocates: Clock Ticking on Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
Public News Service
By Mike Moen
Dec. 12, 2022
Protections are in place in North Dakota and at the federal level to prevent discrimination against pregnant workers. But advocates say these women are still vulnerable on the job and want passage of a bill to ease their concerns. In Congress, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act would ensure these individuals aren't forced from their jobs unnecessarily or are denied reasonable accommodations.
JOINING TOGETHER
UAW union president optimistic on quick contract with GM-LG battery venture
Reuters
By David Shepardson
Dec. 12, 2022
United Auto Workers (UAW) President Ray Curry said Monday he is optimistic the union can quickly reach a contract deal with a General Motors (GM.N), LG Energy Solution (373220.KS) battery cell joint venture factory. Last week, workers at the Ultium Cells LLC plant northeast Ohio overwhelmingly voted to join the UAW, a big win for the union seeking to organize the growing electric vehicle supply chain sector.
Mass MoCA union votes 'overwhelmingly' in favor of its first contract
The Berkshire Eagle
By Greta Jochem
Dec. 12, 2022
After months of negotiations, the union that represents employees at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art has a contract. "After 14 months of bargaining, our members voted overwhelmingly in favor of ratifying our first contract! We’re proud of having secured a strong agreement that we can build on," the union wrote on its social media page Monday. "We are so grateful for everyone who helped get us here." In April 2021, employees voted to form a union with UAW Local 2110, AFL-CIO. The union has about 100 people in a range of jobs at the museum, including curators, box office staff, office workers and custodians.
UFCW in Colorado votes to strike at JBS Denver plant
Meat + Poultry
By Ryan McCarthy
Dec. 12, 2022
United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7 announced on Dec. 10 that 200 workers at a Denver JBS beef and pork processing plant would be going on strike after months of labor negotiations. The union said it voted unanimously to strike after bargaining with the meat producer for its latest contract since Sept. 10. “Management at the Denver Processing plant and its JBS leadership need to stop unfair labor practices and come to the table with proposals for an industry-leading agreement that honors these workers,” said Kim Cordova, president of UFCW Local 7. “If they fail to do so, workers have told us loud and clear, they are prepared to walk out.”
IN THE STATES
N.J. public workers, towns push big changes to avert massive health insurance rate hikes
NJ.com
By Derek Hall
Dec. 12, 2022
“Much of the positive work the legislature has done to stabilize property taxes over the last several years is going to be marginalized if nothing is done to address this massive cost increase in local government health care insurance,” NJ State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech said in a statement. “It’s not often that unions and local government management see eye-to-eye on an issue, but on this issue we are unified.”