French Senate votes to implement strike-free days in transport sector ahead of Olympics – POLITICO

“The struggle French people face (during transport strikes) underlines the responsibility that weighs on companies and unions to avoid ending up in these situations,” Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete said. “I believe that we must first and foremost reinforce dialogue within the transport sector to avoid strikes.” But not all supporters of French President Emmanuel Macron … Read more

Denver City Council members back worker unionization ballot measure

Denver voters this fall may be asked to decide whether park rangers, human services caseworkers, city planners and a wide swath of other municipal employees should have the right to unionize and negotiate labor contracts with the city. The move, long sought by labor interests in Denver, has gained steam with backing from four City … Read more

Slovak presidency goes to PM Fico’s proxy – POLITICO

The opposition-backed Korčok said he saw no reason to send Slovak soldiers to fight in neighboring Ukraine, but added that he supported Kyiv in its war against invading Russian forces because “Ukraine’s security increases our own security … It’s clear that if Ukraine loses the war, it brings war that much closer to our own … Read more

California bill aims to stop employers from reaching out during off hours

A new California bill aims to prevent employers from reaching out to their employees outside of work hours.  The bill, AB 2751, introduced by State Assemblymember Matt Haney, aims to bring greater work-life balance to employees in California by creating a “right-to-disconnect” from calls, texts and emails after work hours.  The legislation would have California … Read more

AP report of Indian shrimp industry reveals human rights violations an

Noriko Kuwabara was excited to try a new recipe she’d seen on social media for crispy shrimp spring rolls, so she and her husband headed to Costco’s frozen foods aisle. But when she grabbed a bag of farm-raised shrimp from the freezer and saw “Product of India,” she wrinkled her nose. “I actually try to … Read more

Assault weapons ban, housing, excited delirium in Colorado legislature

After last week was disrupted by the snowpocalypse, the Colorado Capitol is back on track this week, and it’s kicking off the latter half of March with what will almost certainly be the longest committee hearing of the session. A bill to ban the purchase and transfer of so-called assault weapons (HB24-1292) is set for … Read more

Steelworkers union president expects Biden endorsement soon

United Steelworkers appears likely to endorse President Joe Biden for the 2024 election, with the union set to decide on its endorsement in the coming weeks. Union President David McCall said Tuesday that an endorsement for former President Trump would not align with what happened during his first administration. “[A Trump presidency] didn’t work too … Read more

Yair Golan receives endorsements to head Labor party – Israel Politics

Labor Members of Knesset (MKs) Gilad Kariv and Naama Lazimi announced on Sunday that they support former IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Yair Golan as the party’s next leader. The endorsement signals Kariv and Lazimi’s support for Golan’s plan to merge Labor into a larger party that will include supporters of the left-wing party … Read more

Fed judge blocks rule to ease unionization; Lead-tainted cinnamon recalled

A federal judge in Texas has blocked a new rule by the National Labor Relations Board that would have made it easier for millions of workers to form unions at big companies. The rule, which was due to go into effect Monday, would have set new standards for determining when two companies should be considered … Read more

Europe’s Socialists scramble for ideas to fight far-right surge – POLITICO

“The very soul of Europe is at risk,” warned Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. During the two-day meeting in Rome, politicians cast around for ideas and strategies to reverse the curve. “We should respond to the worries of our citizens,” Belgian Socialist Party lead candidate Elio Di Rupo told POLITICO, noting that the far right … Read more