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A planned strike by nearly 375 registered nurses is set to take place June 9–14 following a breakdown in contract negotiations at Henry Ford Rochester Hospital. The nurses' union, OPEIU Local 40, is demanding higher wages and mandated staffing ratios to address burnout and ensure patient safety, and has filed multiple unfair labor practice claims. Union leaders also object to the hospital’s decision to hire out-of-state contract nurses and delay the return of striking staff. Hospital officials dispute the claims, saying the temporary hires are necessary to maintain patient care and that staffing decisions must remain flexible. Both sides accuse the other of failing to negotiate in good faith.

Grocery workers in Pierce County, Washington, represented by UFCW Local 367, have voted to authorize a strike against major retailers Fred Meyer, QFC, Safeway, and Albertsons over alleged unfair labor practices. The union accuses the companies of withholding information from negotiators and restricting workers' rights to protest. Supporters argue the strike vote is a necessary step to demand fair wages, safe staffing levels, and transparency in negotiations. Company representatives deny the accusations, stating they are bargaining in good faith and offering significant wage increases and strong healthcare benefits. While a strike has not been scheduled, both sides remain at odds over what constitutes fair negotiation.

The Metropolitan Opera and the union representing its soloists and chorus have reached a one-year contract agreement that includes a 5% wage increase. Half of the increase is tied to a $5 million allocation in New York state's budget, which the union helped advocate for. Supporters of the deal say it reflects meaningful collaboration between labor and the arts sector during financial strain. Critics, however, may view the temporary nature of part of the raise and reliance on public funding as signs of deeper instability.

Labor unions have filed a formal complaint urging the International Labour Organization (ILO) to investigate alleged abuse and exploitation of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, the host of the 2034 World Cup. The filing outlines concerns such as wage theft, long working hours, and mistreatment under the country’s kafala system. Saudi officials cite recent reforms and a new agreement with the ILO as signs of progress. Labor advocates argue those changes are largely cosmetic and that the continued lack of union rights or independent oversight leaves workers vulnerable. The complaint casts doubt on Saudi Arabia’s commitment to labor protections amid its massive World Cup infrastructure push.

New York lawmakers are considering the Empire Worker Protection Act, a bill that would allow workers, unions, and advocates to sue employers for wage theft and other labor violations. The legislation proposes a $103 million fund to expand enforcement capacity and establishes a system for public enforcement actions with shared financial penalties. Supporters argue it would empower workers, reduce delays in investigations, and address systemic labor abuses. Detractors express concern over expanding litigation and the potential burden on businesses, particularly with new penalties and anti-retaliation provisions. The bill draws inspiration from similar laws in states like California and has sparked debate among state Democrats.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro and opposition leaders have both called for nationwide protests in response to a controversial labor reform referendum. Petro supports the referendum, arguing it’s necessary to advance worker and pensioner protections, and plans to join pro-reform demonstrations on June 11. He contends that an earlier Senate vote rejecting the proposal was invalid due to alleged procedural issues. Opponents, particularly from conservative and far-right parties, claim the move bypasses democratic processes and have labeled it a threat to the country’s political stability. Both sides plan to mobilize supporters, raising tensions over the future of labor policy in Colombia.

South Korea is moving closer to enacting the “yellow envelope law,” a set of labor reforms that would give subcontractor unions greater bargaining power by redefining who qualifies as an employer. The law would allow workers to negotiate directly with large corporations and expand the range of permissible labor disputes. Advocates argue it corrects power imbalances and protects workers from excessive legal penalties during strikes. Business leaders fear it could increase labor disruptions and limit managerial decision-making. The law also raises concerns about the burden of proof in damage claims and the potential impact on Korea’s corporate environment.

Oregon lawmakers advanced a bill that would allow workers, including public employees, to receive unemployment benefits after two weeks on strike. Senate Bill 916 passed the state House in a largely party-line vote and now returns to the Senate for final approval. Supporters argue the policy gives workers more bargaining power and financial security during labor disputes. Opponents warn it could encourage longer strikes, raise costs for school districts and cities, and make Oregon less attractive to businesses. The bill includes amendments to limit benefits if the state’s unemployment fund weakens.

The Trump administration has proposed moving enforcement of veteran anti-discrimination rules for federal contractors from the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) to the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), a smaller Labor Department office. The shift follows the administration’s decision to dismantle the OFCCP, arguing its duties overlap with other agencies. Supporters claim this reflects a continued commitment to veterans and a more streamlined government. Critics warn that VETS lacks the staff, experience, and infrastructure to effectively enforce affirmative action rules, potentially weakening protections for veteran workers.

Grocery store workers at Safeway locations across Colorado have voted to authorize a strike if ongoing contract negotiations with management fall through. The vote does not mean a strike is imminent, as the union must provide 72 hours’ notice before any walkout. Supporters say the vote empowers workers to push for fairer contracts amid rising living costs. Critics caution that a strike could disrupt essential services and harm both employees and consumers in the short term.