Labor In The News

​

May Day Rally & March in Sonoma County

The war against federal workers and their unions has proceeded on multiple fronts during Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office.

"Billionaires are attacking unions and immigrants because they fear our collective power. But we're not afraid."

Under the new administration, President Trump and DOGE leader Elon Musk announced their plan for mass layoffs in several federal agencies.

The Postal Service is enshrined in the Constitution and is older than the nation. Don’t let this cherished institution be privatized by greedy individuals who know the price of everything and the value of nothing.

A marked payday on the calendar represents the upcoming wage increase for Sonoma County workers, as the revised living wage ordinance raises hourly rates to $23.15, effective July 1, 2025.. Ron Stik photo.

Legislature's Special Session to Get Ready for Trump

In April, more than 550,000 California fast-food workers received a raise to $20 an hour as mandated by a state law passed last year.

In addition to the statewide increases, cities in Marin and Sonoma counties are raising their minimums. At least four cities in the North Bay can expect a minimum-wage increase in 2025 — a continuation of a trend to raise the minimum wage in some cities.

The bounced checks and unpaid wages for field hands represent the latest public fallout from one of a pair of now-bankrupt businesses linked to Joe Reynoso, a longtime investments trader and financial technology entrepreneur.

In California, Democrats rarely criticize organized labor, one of their biggest and wealthiest allies, so it’s remarkable that Democrats have harsh words against a union for attacking a vulnerable Democratic senator in a close race.

Gig Workers are now organizing for better pay, improved working conditions and the right to join a union.

Rep. Adam Schiff headlined a North Bay Labor Council pancake breakfast that featured a slate of Democratic politicians urging an all-out push to elect Vice President Kamala Harris this November.

California vineyard workers are fighting for disaster pay, which would guarantee pay for work missed due to extreme heat and other weather events.
Mason Trinca/Special to The Chronicle

After five years, a state occupational health board approves rules to protect workers from extreme heat indoors. They could take effect in August, but state prisons will not be covered.

Update: This law officially took effect July 23, 2024

The Federal Wage Division ordered Agave Mexican Restaurant and Bar and its owner, Octavio Diaz, to pay more than $82,000 following a federal investigation

​

The state Supreme Court takes a business-backed initiative to make it more difficult to raise taxes off the Nov. 5 ballot. Gov. Newsom and legislative leaders sued to kick it off.

The boycott of Amy’s Kitchen products that began in January 2022 over labor violations and unsafe working conditions has ended, activists announced Wednesday.