Folks,
Greetings from the Burgh, where I am slowly getting back to work after struggling with some COVID issues. A massive thanks to everyone, who donated over the past month, which allowed me to take time off without worrying about money.
Utah Lawmakers Repeal Anti-Public Union Law
Earlier this year, Utah lawmakers passed a law that would ban municipal unions in the state from engaging in collective bargaining. The law was set to come up for a ballot referendum on whether or not it should be repealed.
However, before the referendum, Utah lawmakers, facing public backlash, decided to repeal the law themselves.
“I’m appreciative that the Legislature listened to the people,” Utah Education Association President Renee Pinkney told the Salt Lake Tribune. “During the session, we did not feel like they were listening to the people. And when we called on the governor to veto, we had that huge rally — it just felt like it landed on deaf ears," Pinkney said. “And so now the people’s voice is in the room.”
For more, check out the Salt Lake Tribune.
13 House Republicans Join Democrats in Reversing Trump’s Anti-Union Executive Order
In a sign of the growing weariness of Republicans in taking on unions, 13 House Republicans joined Democrats in voting to repeal a Trump executive order that took away collective bargaining rights for tens of thousands of workers.
“A bipartisan majority affirmed that protecting America’s security and respecting America’s workers are not competing priorities — they are inseparable,” Pennsylvania Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick said in a statement. “Federal workers, many of whom are veterans, are the backbone of our public service. When they have a voice in the decisions that shape their work, our government is more stable, more capable, and better prepared to serve the American people.”
700 Texas Nurses Unionize
In Bryan, Texas, more than 700 nurses at St. Joseph’s hospital have voted to unionize in one of the largest victories for unions in Texas in recent memory.
“It feels great to know that we have so much support behind us and that we’re here to make a difference. It’s definitely a relief to have our results,” Jessica Crouch told KBTX.
Federal Judge Orders Release of SMART Union Member Abrego Garcia
Finally, a federal judge today ordered the release of SMART union member Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
"The circumstances of Abrego Garcia's detention since he was released from criminal custody cannot be squared with the 'basic purpose' of holding him to effectuate removal," federal judge Paula Xinis said in her decision.
Florida Accuses Starbucks of “Discriminating” Against White People
As a strike of 1,500 Starbucks workers enters its 4th week, right-wing Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that he was suing Starbucks for “discriminating” against white people.
“Starbucks used DEI to implement illegal race-based policies for hiring and advancement,” Ulthmeier wrote on Twitter. “Using DEI as an excuse to hire, promote, or humiliate an employee based on race violates Florida's civil rights law, and we just filed a lawsuit to hold Starbucks accountable.”
News & Headlines Elsewhere
- 1,400 West Contra Costa Unified staffers win strike & protections for H-1B visa workers
- Penn State faculty file paperwork to unionize, vote expected next year
- Ohio Governor DeWine vetoes dangerous child labor bill in Ohio
- Portugal goes on its first general strike in 12 years
- Abbott Elementary production assistants unanimously vote to unionize
- Finally, Telluride ski patrollers reject resort’s pay plan, setting the stage for a holiday strike
Alright folks, that’s all for today. Keep sending tips, story ideas, and comments to melk@paydayreport.com
