In today’s News and Commentary, the WNBA and the WNBPA reach a verbal tentative agreement, United Teachers Los Angeles announce an April 14 strike date, and the California Gig Workers Union file a complaint against autonomous vehicle company Waymo at the California Public Utilities Commission.

On Wednesday, the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association reached a verbal tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement. The agreement, which reportedly increases some salaries fourfold, comes after several months of tense negotiations. The previous collective bargaining agreement was set to run through 2027, but the players’ union triggered an opt out clause, leading to an initial expiration of the contract in October of 2025. The contract finally expired on January 9 after several extensions. During the time without a new collective bargaining agreement, the league had not been able to hold its expansion draft or free agency. Revenue sharing was the key issue holding up negotiations—in the deal reported, the players’ union won revenue sharing of nearly 20% across the agreement. According to ESPN, executive director of the WNBPA Terri Carmichael Jackson said the agreement represented “players coming to the table and standing on business and being reminded of the collective voice and of what it means to be in a union and the power of this union.”

Also yesterday, the Los Angeles teachers union, United Teachers Los Angeles, announced at a rally a strike date of April 14 if the city and teachers are unable to come to an agreement. Hundreds of workers showed up to the rally, including SEIU Local 99 and Associated Administrators of Los Angeles union members. The teachers, who are asking for 17% wage increases over two years, have been working without a contract for over a year. According to the teachers, the raises are necessary to be able to afford to live in Los Angeles. UTLA is also calling for no layoffs, increased staffing, and expanded arts and physical education programs. UTLA represents 37,000 Los Angeles teachers.

On Tuesday, the California Gig Workers Union filed a complaint with the California Public Utilities Commission alleging that by giving unaccompanied minors rides, Waymo is violating its permit. Under a CPUC 2020 decision, autonomous vehicles may not transport unaccompanied minors. According to SFGate, Waymo had requested a change to the rule, which the CPUC denied. The California Gig Workers Union is requesting that the CPUC suspend Waymo’s permit and levy financial penalties against the company. Hector Castellanos, in the union’s press release, pointed to safety concerns, stating that if “something goes wrong, there’s no one there to protect them, comfort them, or make sure they’re safe. It’s against the state’s rules for a good reason.”