In today’s news and commentary, Lori Chavez-Deremer’s confirmation hearing, striking King Soopers workers return to the bargaining table, and UAW members at Rolls-Royce authorize a strike.
Lori Chavez-Deremer, President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Labor, faces a Senate confirmation hearing today. Chavez-Deremer may face more No votes from Republicans than other Trump cabinet members. Rand Paul, a senior member on the committee that must advance her nomination, called for her to publicly renounce her support for the PRO Act. Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama said he could support Chavez-Deremer if she comes out as “pro-right-to-work.” Across the aisle, John Fetterman has said he will support Chavez-Deremer, meaning she can lose as many as four Republicans and still be confirmed.
Striking King Soopers workers will return to the bargaining table, UFCW Local 7 announced Monday night. The workers had been on strike since February 6, after their contract ended January 17. Striking workers risked losing health insurance coverage starting in April if the strike continued; under the return-to-work agreement, King Soopers agreed to maintain their coverage. King Soopers is a Colorado grocery chain owned by Kroger. Local 7 is also negotiating a new contract with Albertsons, which attempted to merge with Kroger last year.
UAW members at a Rolls-Royce plant in Indianapolis have authorized a strike if necessary as their contract’s expiration date approaches. The Rolls-Royce complex employs over 800 members of UAW Local 933 and “is the primary Rolls-Royce facility making aircraft engines for U.S. government contracts,” according to a UAW press release. The workers’ contract expires on February 26. On Thursday, workers voted by 99.5% to authorize a strike, with 86% of the membership participating in the vote. A UAW video calls for ending tiers and notes that new employees at the plant pay as much as $16,000 a year for health insurance.
Daily News & Commentary
Start your day with our roundup of the latest labor developments. See all
March 19
Colorado unions push to join Montana on just cause protection, Starbucks advocates for the Counterman standard
March 16
Trump scraps $15 federal contractor minimum wage, redirects investments away from union-friendly employers; Utah workers launch campaign to overturn ban on public sector unions.
March 14
In today’s news and commentary, a judge orders federal probationary workers reinstated, AFGE and other unions sue the Department of Homeland Security, and the Postmaster General announces intentions to work with DOGE. Yesterday, a federal judge in California ordered the reinstatement of thousands of probationary employees who were fired from federal agencies last month. The […]
March 13
District court judge orders reinstatement of FLRA board member unlawfully removed by Trump, and the UAW files unfair labor practices charges against Volkswagen.
March 12
SAG-AFTRA complains about major video game studios’ AI proposal amid a months-long strike, and German unionized Ford workers criticize the automaker for rescinding an economic agreement in place since 2006.
March 11
Chavez-DeRemer confirmed as Labor Secretary; NLRB issues decisions with new quorum; Flex drivers deemed Amazon employees in Virginia