In today’s news and commentary, some California union locals defy their statewide leadership to back the state’s billionaire tax proposal, a Brown University technology center releases a map of the hidden global workforce behind AI, and the National Women’s Soccer League and its players union settle six grievances. 

First, a handful of powerful statewide unions opposed California’s Proposition 40, a proposal to impose a 5% one-time tax on the assets of the state’s billionaires, but some of their locals are now expressing support for the proposition. SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West, which proposed the measure, projects it would raise roughly $100 billion over five years, mostly to offset federal cuts to healthcare programs, including Medi-Cal. The California Teachers Association and the State Building & Construction Trades Council oppose it, arguing it would drive billionaires out of the state and hurt the budget. But United Teachers Los Angeles, United Educators of San Francisco, the San Diego Building Trades Council, and Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104 have endorsed it over their statewide leaders’ objections, joining the California Labor Federation, the California Federation of Teachers, the National Union of Healthcare Workers, and the California Nurses Association. California Building Trades president Chris Hannan said most of his members still oppose the measure. A recent poll found likely voters narrowly in favor, 46% to 43%.

Next, Brown University’s Center for Technological Responsibility, Reimagination and Redesign has released a new interactive map tracing the global supply chain of low-paid data workers supporting AI development. The tool was developed by a Brown undergraduate working with the center and is freely available online. The center’s director, Brown computer science professor Suresh Venkatasubramanian, said the project shows that “it’s all humans underneath” AI. The tool highlights the use of low-wage labor in the Global South to create AI products for consumers in the Global North.

Finally, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and its players union settled six grievances, a win for the union in enforcing its collective bargaining agreement against what it called the league’s unilateral decision-making. The settlement resolves six outstanding grievances, including the league’s rejection of Trinity Rodman’s contract with the Washington Spirit and its shoe brand policy. The dispute centers on the “Rodman rule,” which the league created in December 2025 without bargaining with the union. The rule lets teams spend $1 million above the salary cap on a player, but initially only for players meeting at least one of eight criteria. Beginning January 1, the criteria will be eliminated, and any player whose salary is at least 12% of the team’s cap can qualify, so more players can earn top salaries. The league must also give the union written notice, and an explanation within 72 hours, when it rejects a player contract. Other terms include expanded performance bonus categories and the removal of fines issued under the league’s footwear sponsorship policy. “Players have earned a seat at the bargaining table, and our Union will enforce it,” said NWSL Players Association executive director Meghann Burke.