Unions
Coverage of Unions in the Nexus archive.
- Unions protest as CSL stake sale revives ‘privatisation’ fears
Unions are protesting the sale of a CSL stake, which has reignited concerns about privatization. The move has been met with fears of increased privatization efforts.
- California’s winery shakedown tests limits of free speech, association
A California county is attempting to compel businesses to pay dues to a trade association they may not support, drawing comparisons to historical union practices that required workers to join and pay dues.
- Thousands protest in Germany as far-right AfD party meets
Thousands of protesters from unions, civil society, and left-wing parties gathered in Erfurt to disrupt the annual conference of Germany's far-right AfD party.
- ‘We won’t tolerate this’: thousands in Germany protest against far-right AfD
Thousands in Germany protested against the far-right AfD party in Erfurt, blocking roads to its annual conference. The protest involved unions, civil society groups, and left-wing parties as police were deployed ahead of the event.
- Jacinta Allan admits criminals infiltrated Big Build but rejects calls for royal commission
Jacinta Allan acknowledged that criminals operated on some of Victoria’s construction sites during the Big Build projects but rejected calls for a royal commission into corruption involving unions and labor hire companies. She argued in an op-ed that a royal commission would not resolve the issue.
- Likely next UK PM Andy Burnham set to ban Palantir from NHS
Andy Burnham, likely next UK PM, is set to ban Palantir from the National Health Service (NHS) due to concerns over the company's work with the Israeli military and US immigration authorities. Burnham is reviewing the government’s artificial intelligence strategy, with an aide noting that 'unfettered tech boosterism' is turning off voters.
- BBC staff fear strike action inevitable after anger at 1% pay rise offer
BBC staff fear strike action after unions reject a 1% pay rise offer, which is below the current inflation rate of nearly triple that level. The pay dispute occurs alongside the corporation's plans to cut thousands of jobs.
- Outcry over supreme court decision to grant Trump power to fire agency chiefs
The US Supreme Court granted President Trump and future presidents the power to fire leaders of independent agencies, overturning 90 years of precedent in the case Trump v Slaughter. Legal and labor experts criticized the decision, warning it could undermine democratic norms, while Trump celebrated it as a 'big win' on Truth Social.
- Andy Burnham 'caved into unions' when he gave bus drivers up to 56% pay rise in one of last acts as mayor
Andy Burnham granted bus drivers a 56% pay rise, which critics claim he conceded to unions. The pay increase was among his final actions before leaving office as mayor.
- Gavin Newsom’s delivers brutal message to workers fighting July 1 return to office mandate
Gov. Gavin Newsom is enforcing a return-to-office mandate requiring 100,000 California state workers to work four days a week starting July 1. Unions warn this could lead to a 'mass exodus' of employees.
- UK business rejects call to set maximum workplace temperature as heatwave deepens
UK businesses have rejected a proposal to set a maximum workplace temperature as a heatwave intensifies, with temperatures expected to reach 39C. Three unions reported over 1,000 members planning a walkout on the hottest day of the year.
- Bolivia deploys army to halt protests after declaration of state of emergency
Bolivia's government deployed soldiers and bulldozers to remove anti-government roadblocks following President Rodrigo Paz's declaration of a state of emergency, which restricts protest rights and authorizes military deployment. The protests, led by unions, Indigenous groups, and coca farmers, have lasted over six weeks and oppose economic reforms.
- Labour MPs beg Andy Burnham not to make Net Zero zealot Ed Miliband the next Chancellor: Business leaders and even unions warn his high tax and green obsessions are toxic
Labour MPs are urging Andy Burnham not to appoint Ed Miliband as the next Chancellor due to concerns over his high tax policies and focus on green initiatives, which business leaders and unions claim are toxic.
- Unions demand Labour lurch to the Left: Andy Burnham-backing Unison boss suggests funding for party depends on public sector pay hikes and immigration U-turn
Unions, including Unison, are pressuring the Labour Party to shift left by demanding public sector pay increases and a reversal of immigration policies. A Unison leader linked potential funding for Labour to these policy changes and higher pay for public sector workers.
- Shaking the magic money tree: Labour under fire for caving into unions after finding more cash to 'bribe' striking doctors while denying crucial funding for defence
Labour faces criticism for allocating funds to 'bribe' striking doctors while denying essential defense funding, as per the article's title. The party is accused of caving into unions to secure the additional cash for the medical strikes.
- UK poised to water down 2030 EV sales targets after industry and union pressure
The UK government is considering less ambitious 2030 electric vehicle sales targets due to pressure from the car industry and unions, which warned that strict goals would penalize manufacturers and risk jobs. Keir Starmer is prepared to override Ed Miliband's stance on the issue.
- Note to Bernie: AI could herald new age for trade jobs, unions
The article argues that Bernie Sanders should support the AI revolution as it may benefit trade jobs and unions, rather than opposing it.
- SF firefighters clash with Blue Shield at meeting over denied cancer care following Ken Jones' death
The cancer death of retired SF firefighter Ken Jones following Blue Shield treatment denials sparked a fierce outcry, leading unions and city employees to a closed-door City Hall meeting with the insurer to demand reform.
- Are Hong Kong civil servants being punished for Tai Po fire with flat 2% pay rise?
Unions in Hong Kong warn that factoring the Tai Po fire into a civil service pay review has hurt staff morale and may create perceptions of populism, as a proposed 2% pay rise is seen as insufficient to offset inflation or reflect performance. Human resources experts argue public sentiment must be considered due to the use of taxpayers' money, with the modest increase having limited impact on the private sector.
- Hong Kong leader defends tougher civil service appraisal system amid backlash
Hong Kong's leader defends a revised civil service appraisal system aimed at improving public trust and morale, despite backlash from unions. The government plans to provide further explanations about the changes, which include a 'fair reward and punishment mechanism'.
- Here’s why California’s gas-tax insanity keeps getting worse
California's latest gas-tax increase occurs as voters rejected local tax-hike measures in LA County, San Diego, San Francisco, and Riverside. Residents express frustration over rising prices for poor government services, payments to unions, and climate-related policies.
- Portugal: General strike causes disruption to services
A general strike in Portugal has led to canceled flights and closed schools as unions protest government labor reform plans. This is the second major strike in the country in six months.
- Zero-hours contracts: ministers’ detailed plans for ban criticised by firms and unions
UK ministers' proposed ban on zero-hours contracts, requiring guaranteed weekly hours based on regular work patterns, faces criticism from unions and employers. The plan, set to take effect next year, mandates employers to offer staff, including agency workers, a minimum weekly hour guarantee.
- Billionaires vs. unions: A tax fight that’s really a battle for SF’s soul
The article discusses Measures C and D, which propose changes to San Francisco's tax system. It highlights the conflict between billionaires and unions over funding and the implications for the city's future.
- About 3 million workers on minimum wage to receive 4.75% pay rise in Fair Work Commission ruling
Approximately 3 million minimum wage workers in Australia will receive a 4.75% pay increase, with 100,000 of the lowest-paid workers getting a 6% raise, following a ruling by the Fair Work Commission. The minimum hourly wage will rise from $24.95 to $26.44.
- Lurie’s budget spares city jobs for now — but axe may still fall next year
Lurie’s budget avoided layoffs for city jobs in the current year due to a surprise surplus and hiring freeze, but a projected $1B deficit by 2029 could lead to future job cuts.
- Samsung memory chip staff in line for £310,000 bonuses after AI profit-sharing deal
Samsung Electronics memory chip division employees will receive average £310,000 bonuses via a profit-sharing agreement, averting a strike and reflecting the AI boom's impact. The deal, backed by 74% of voting workers, highlights rising chipmaker profits as two more firms join the $1tn market cap club.
- Samsung memory chip staff in line for £310,000 bonuses after AI profit-sharing deal
Samsung Electronics' memory chip division employees will receive average £310,000 bonuses via a profit-sharing agreement, averting a strike. The deal highlights the AI boom's impact, with two additional chipmakers joining the $1tn market capitalization club.
- Resurgent Political Risk Derails Rallies Across Emerging Markets
Protests against Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz escalated on May 23, 2026, with demonstrators blocking roads in El Alto. The Bolivian government announced a police and military operation to clear roadblocks and ensure the passage of goods into La Paz, as unions and Indigenous groups demand Paz's resignation.
- Unions plot worst ever school strikes: Mail on Sunday uncovers 'war plan' to exploit Labour law change and cripple education system with national walkout
Unions are planning large-scale school strikes in the UK, exploiting a recent Labour law change to organize a national walkout that could disrupt the education system. The Mail on Sunday reports that the strikes could be the worst in history, targeting vulnerabilities in the new legislation.
- Police, protesters clash in new marches against Bolivian leader
Bolivian riot police clashed with anti-government protesters in La Paz on Friday for the second time in a week as unions and Indigenous groups demanded President Rodrigo Paz's resignation.
- Unions warn Carney government is considering sweeping changes to labour law — including the right to strike
Canadian unions are warning that the Carney government is considering significant changes to labor laws, including the right to strike, as Ottawa consults on reforms affecting over a million workers in federally regulated industries amid claims of 'immense stress.'
- Unions have already funded Andy Burnham's bid for No 10 to the tune of £20,000 as Labour backers plan for life post-Starmer
Unions have donated £20,000 to Andy Burnham's campaign for the UK prime minister's office (No 10). The funding reflects Labour Party backers' strategic planning for a potential leadership transition following Keir Starmer.
- Bolivian president Rodrigo Paz targeted by new mass protests
Bolivian riot police used tear gas against anti-government protesters in La Paz as unions and Indigenous groups demanded President Rodrigo Paz's resignation amid an economic crisis and nationwide unrest.
- Council speaker tries new ‘buffer bill’ after Mamdani rebuff
City Council Speaker Julie Menin is re-introducing a revised version of a bill to establish anti-protest buffer zones around K-12 schools after Mayor Zohran Mamdani vetoed an earlier version. The new bill excludes colleges, universities, and other educational facilities, aiming to address concerns raised by Council members about the original scope. The proposal, Intro 175, remains controversial, with support from some Jewish and Catholic school groups and opposition from civil rights and union organizations.
- French PM fuels row with trip to buy baguettes
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu sparked controversy by visiting a bakery on Labour Day, a public holiday, despite unions' demands that May 1 must remain a mandatory rest day. His actions defied union protests and highlighted tensions over labor rights.
- Turkish police arrest more than 500 people at May Day rallies
Turkish police arrested over 500 individuals during May Day rallies on May 1, 2024. The arrests occurred as part of annual demonstrations organized by workers and unions, which are met with heavy police deployments each year.
- Turkish police arrest more than 500 people at May Day rallies
Turkish police arrested over 500 individuals during May Day rallies in Turkey, where annual worker and union-led marches are held. The event saw significant police presence as part of routine deployments on May 1.
- Palantir's NHS future in doubt as ministers eye contract break
The UK government is considering terminating Palantir's £330M NHS contract due to criticism over the lack of software ownership by the NHS and concerns from MPs, unions, and campaigners.
- LAUSD strike averted; schools open Tuesday as unions reach tentative deals with raises
A planned strike by Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) was averted after tentative agreements were reached with three unions, allowing schools to open on Tuesday. The settlements, which include raises, prompted widespread relief.