In today’s news and commentary, Fenway Park union alleges retaliation against striking workers; Washington Post columnist files a grievance after being fired for comments on Charlie Kirk; and the Trump administration previews possible permanent firings from a government shutdown.

Yesterday, the Boston Globe reported that concession workers at Fenway Park had filed an unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB alleging retaliation by Aramark, the concessions provider at the park. The workers, represented by UNITE HERE Local 26, went on strike for three days in July — the walkout was the first of its kind in the 113-year history of the park. The union alleges that Aramark has responded by reducing hours, denying overtime, and increasing surveillance and threats against strike participants. The Globe also reports that the filing was precipitated by Aramark’s suspension of Peter Dankens, a beer vendor who has worked at Fenway for 50 years. Contract negotiations between the union and Aramark are ongoing, and the union says another walkout is possible before the end of the season. 

Meanwhile, the New York Times reported yesterday that former Washington Post columnist Karen Attiah has filed a grievance alleging the Post violated a collective bargaining agreement by firing her for comments made about Charlie Kirk following his assassination. The Post fired Attiah after she drew criticism for comments about Kirk, including allegedly misquoting his statements about Black women. Attiah issued a correction and defended herself online, and the Washington Post Guild (the union representing Post columnists) also condemned the firing. The grievance and an accompanying letter allege that the firing violates the Post’s collective bargaining agreement, noting that sharing opinions is part of the job of being an opinion columnist. 

Finally, yesterday the White House told federal agencies to prepare for the possibility of mass firings in the event of a government shutdown. In a memo reported yesterday by Politico, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directed agencies to consider “Reduction in Force” (RIF) notices for programs where funding lapses if they are “not consistent with the President’s priorities.” As Politico reports, these RIF plans may result in permanent firings, a significant break from the temporary furloughs typical of past shutdowns. The memo notes that Congress can avert the firings by passing a funding bill prior to September 30; Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the memo an “attempt at intimidation.”