Hannah Finnie is a writer in Washington, D.C. interested in the intersections of work and culture. She is a graduate of Harvard Law School.
Union leaders and the parent company of Nabisco (Mondelez International) reached a tentative agreement this week on a contract which, if agreed to by the workers, would end the five-week long strike by Nabisco workers. Nabisco workers in Portland, unionized with the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union, began striking in early August after their contract expired in May and they felt as though Mondelez’s offers were subpar. Portland workers specifically railed against the contract’s provision that could have them working 12-hour shifts while offering less possibility of overtime, which would amount to significant losses in their pay each year. During the pandemic, workers at Portland’s Nabisco plant say they’ve been working 16-hour days while Mondelez International’s revenue increased by 2.8 percent in 2020 and its CEO earned approximately $16.8 million.
Even though union leaders have agreed to the prospective contract, union workers must vote on it in order for it to be binding. So far, representatives from Portland’s Nabisco factory say they are voting against the proposed contract, though the official tally has not yet been counted.
Meanwhile, here at Harvard the Harvard Graduate Students Union-UAW Local 5118 is in the midst of a strike authorization vote after negotiations with Harvard University leadership stalled and the workers’ contract, representing approximately 5,000 workers, expired earlier this summer. The union listed just a few of the continuing points of contention here, including: that Harvard’s proposed 2.5 percent raise does not align with the 4 percent cost of living increase in the Harvard area last year; that hourly workers do not have adequate access to benefit funds; that Harvard’s contributions to cover its health care plan do not do enough to make the plan affordable; that Harvard must enhance its Title IX and non-discrimination protections and procedures for students; and more. The strike authorization vote, if it passes, would not guarantee a strike but would allow the union to go on strike anytime between October 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021. The vote is ongoing – the union says of Tuesday at 5p.m., members have cast 1,014 votes. The union needs two-thirds of votes to authorize the strike.
Lastly, the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA), which represents athletes in the NWSL, announced yesterday that it has become an affiliate of the AFL-CIO, which also represents other players associations like the NFL Players Association. The NWSLPA says it hopes this move will allow it to tap into the AFL-CIO’s broader training and organizing efforts and boost their efforts to negotiate a strong contract with the NWSL. The NWSLPA seeks to significantly raise the minimum salary, which is currently $22,000, improve working conditions, and gain free agency for its players. The organization represents 200 players.
Daily News & Commentary
Start your day with our roundup of the latest labor developments. See all
October 8
In today’s news and commentary, the Trump administration threatens no back pay for furloughed federal workers; the Second Circuit denies a request from the NFL for an en banc review in the Brian Flores case; and Governor Gavin Newsom signs an agreement to create a pathway for unionization for Uber and Lyft drivers.
October 7
The Supreme Court kicks off its latest term, granting and declining certiorari in several labor-related cases.
October 6
EEOC regains quorum; Second Circuit issues opinion on DEI causing hostile work environment.
October 5
In today’s news and commentary, HELP committee schedules a vote on Trump’s NLRB nominees, the 5th Circuit rejects Amazon’s request for en banc review, and TV production workers win their first union contract. After a nomination hearing on Wednesday, the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee scheduled a committee vote on President Trump’s NLRB nominees […]
October 3
California legislation empowers state labor board; ChatGPT used in hostile workplace case; more lawsuits challenge ICE arrests
October 2
AFGE and AFSCME sue in response to the threat of mass firings; another preliminary injunction preventing Trump from stripping some federal workers of collective bargaining rights; and challenges to state laws banning captive audience meetings.