That Union Thing
Restaurant, concessions, and banquet workers at the Orlando Convention Center will receive an $18 minimum wage and a $3 raise for those making above the minimum under the terms of a new contract with Unite Here.
They will also for the first time receive a pension benefit. Workers previously had a $13 minimum, and the raise now makes them the standard-setter. Disney workers previously negotiated a $15 minimum that took effect in 2021.
Disney workers have rejected a contract proposal offering a $1 an hour raise. The Disney workers are represented by six different unions and 96 percent of them voted against the proposal. 75 percent of them currently earn the $15 minimum, and they are asking for at least a $3 an hour raise.
AFGE workers are seeking an 8.7 percent raise. The raise is included in the recently-introduced Federal Adjustment of income Rates Act. Federal worker pay is about 23 percent behind private sector pay, which has made it difficult to attract top talent.
Harvard University researchers and lecturers have announced that they wish to be represented by Harvard Academic Workers, a division of UAW. They hope to make their positions more secure and to improve their wages, conditions, and benefits.
Workers at NBC Digital have staged a one-day walkout. They are currently negotiating their first contract, and are demanding that NBC reinstate laid-off workers and negotiate in good faith.
Actors Equity has made their Open Access membership policy permanent. Previously, in order to join you must have worked for an Equity employer. Under Open Access, a trial program began in 2021, any actor or stage manager with professional experience, regardless of employer, is now eligible to join.
Toyota workers are receiving their biggest raise in 20 years. At the first round of bargaining, Toyota agreed to the union's demands for wages. Workers will also receive a one-time bonus equal to 6.7 months of wages.
