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The adage "The taller they are, the harder they fall" has newfound relevance in the world of union organizing. No union personality has stood taller over the past 12 months than the president of the United Auto Workers (UAW), Shawn Fain. He led the much heralded, coordinated strike against the "big three" automakers. He spearheads union organizing efforts among automakers in the Deep South. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the United Auto Workers' (UAW) renewed efforts to unionize Southern auto plants, particularly after their successful strike against the Big Three automakers. It states that the UAW is focusing on breaking through the traditionally anti-union South by organizing many workers at thirteen companies, including at Mercedes-Benz's plant in Vance, Alabama, U.S.

Workers at the New Flyer electric bus manufacturing plant in Anniston, Alabama, have successfully unionized and won a historic contract. The workers, who joined the International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers (IUE-CWA), ratified a contract that includes significant pay raises, restrictions on forced overtime, and expanded vacation time. The organizing drive was made possible by a campaign led by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and community groups such as Jobs to Move America (JMA). The victory is seen as part of a broader movement to bring high-paying, good-quality manufacturing jobs to the South. [Extracted from the article]

The article looks at the existential crisis facing writers and actors in the U.S. entertainment industry. It points out the threat posed by machine learning and artificial intelligence to writers and actors and raises question on the sustainability of streaming services. Focus is given on the difficulty facing writers and actors such as lower salaries, shorter series runs and collapse of residuals. It shows a sense of betrayal by business executives in their treatment of their creative staff.

The article discusses the recent strikes by United Auto Workers against General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, resulting in significant wins for the workers, including a 25 percent pay increase and the elimination of wage tiers. However, the demand for a 32-hour workweek at the same pay was not met. The article argues that Americans work longer hours than their European counterparts, despite research showing diminishing returns from longer work hours. It calls for unions to play a role in advocating for a shorter workweek and highlights the importance of having both enough money and time outside of work. [Extracted from the article]

Workers at a Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, have voted to join the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, marking the first successful unionization of Southern autoworkers not employed by the Big Three car manufacturers. Despite opposition from Republican governors and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, the vote tally was 73% in favor of joining the union. In a separate incident, the University of Southern California (USC) faced criticism for canceling the valedictory commencement address of Asna Tabassum, its 2024 valedictorian. Tabassum believes the cancellation was due to her solidarity with Palestinians and advocacy for human equality, sparking a debate about freedom of speech and the targeting of campuses where Palestinian solidarity and anti-war movements are growing. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the potential transformative power of May Day 2028 for the labor movement. The author, Shawn Fain, highlights the importance of unions in achieving improvements in the workplace and emphasizes the need for collective action. Fain calls for unions to align their contract expiration dates to May Day 2028 as a way to build collective power and bring about significant changes in labor rights and conditions. The article also explores the historical significance of May Day and its origins in the United States. Fain argues that a united working class is essential in countering the influence of the billionaire class and achieving a fairer economy. [Extracted from the article]

This article from In These Times discusses how the United Auto Workers (UAW) union was able to bring back jobs to the town of Belvidere, Illinois after the closure of the Stellantis plant. The closure of the plant had a devastating impact on the town, with many businesses closing as a result. However, through a successful strike, the UAW was able to secure a contract that requires Stellantis to reopen the plant and invest in the community, including the establishment of an electric vehicle battery plant. While there is cautious optimism among workers, they are still waiting for concrete plans from the company. [Extracted from the article]

General Motors (GM) is reportedly in talks to purchase electric vehicle batteries that would use technology from China's Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. (CATL) and be assembled at a new plant in the US. The plant would be funded and operated by TDK Corp., a Japanese company that makes components for consumer electronics. The discussions highlight how US automakers are dealing with declining EV demand and the desire to build a domestic plug-in supply chain to reduce reliance on China. The deal is still subject to change depending on the outcome of the US presidential election in November. [Extracted from the article]

General Motors (GM) is in talks to purchase electric vehicle batteries that would use technology from China's Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. (CATL) and be assembled at a new plant in the US. The plant would be funded and operated by TDK Corp., a Japanese company, and is expected to create over 1,000 jobs in the US South. The deal is still being negotiated and could be affected by the outcome of the US presidential election. This move reflects US automakers' efforts to address declining EV demand and reduce reliance on China by building a domestic plug-in supply chain. GM plans to license technology from CATL to make lithium iron phosphate cells, similar to existing partnerships between CATL and Ford and Tesla. This licensing arrangement may help avoid scrutiny from US lawmakers concerned about collaboration with China on strategic technologies. The supply contract would allow GM and other automakers to purchase batteries at a fixed price over the life of a long-term contract, shielding them from price fluctuations and reducing upfront investment costs. This approach also serves as a hedge against political uncertainty, such as the potential rescinding of funding for President Biden's climate law. TDK would bear the cost of any financial penalties if the cells do not comply with regulations seeking to exclude China from the US EV supply chain. This approach offers a more cost-efficient path for automakers and expands TDK's presence in the electric vehicle battery market. [Extracted from the article]

Volkswagen AG is ending job protections for auto workers in Germany as part of its cost-cutting efforts, which has sparked a conflict with unions. The company has canceled agreements that were meant to safeguard employment until 2029, and these guarantees will expire by mid-next year. This move reflects the declining competitiveness of Germany's auto industry, and VW's main focus is on its underperforming passenger car brand. However, implementing cutbacks at VW is challenging due to the influence of labor representatives on the company's supervisory board and the opposition from trade unions. [Extracted from the article]

Volkswagen AG is ending job protections for auto workers in Germany as part of its cost-cutting efforts, which has sparked a conflict with unions. The company has canceled agreements that were meant to safeguard jobs until 2029, and these guarantees will expire by mid-next year. This move reflects the declining competitiveness of Germany's economy and VW's struggle to compete with Tesla and Chinese carmakers. However, implementing cutbacks at VW is challenging due to the influence of labor representatives on the company's supervisory board and the German state's ownership stake. [Extracted from the article]

UAW workers at Cornell University have gone on strike, with negotiations between the university and the United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 2300 proving challenging. The strike involves approximately 1,200 workers, including cafeteria workers, custodians, and groundskeepers. The workers are demanding significant wage increases, including cost-of-living adjustments, to address inflation and rising living costs. They are seeking a 25% wage increase over four years. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses several labor-related issues. Firstly, it highlights the impact of Governor Ron DeSantis vetoing over $32 million in arts and culture funding from the state budget, which has led to concerns about the loss of arts education, jobs, and economic growth. Secondly, it mentions that the United Auto Workers (UAW) has filed a labor complaint against Donald Trump and Elon Musk for comments they made about firing striking workers during a livestreamed interview. Thirdly, it mentions that the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 555 expects to qualify a measure on the November ballot in Oregon that would require owners of cannabis dispensaries and processors to allow workers to unionize without interference. Fourthly, it discusses the introduction of the NO FAKES Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at protecting people's voices and visual likenesses from being exploited with artificial intelligence (AI) re-creations without their permission. Lastly, it mentions that all eight unions representing adjunct professors at public institutions in Florida have been decertified due to a new state law, affecting approximately 8,400 faculty members. Additionally, it mentions that Cornell University workers, represented by UAW Local 2300, have initiated a strike to advocate for significant wage increases and cost-of-living adjustments. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences in Chennai, India, examined the efficacy of motor control therapeutic neck exercises and structured exercise programs in reducing neck pain and improving posture among automobile industrial workers. The study involved 106 participants who were randomly assigned to either the motor control therapeutic neck exercise group or the structured exercise program group. The results showed that the motor control therapeutic neck exercise group had superior outcomes in reducing pain and improving posture compared to the structured exercise program group. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of targeted interventions in occupational health settings. [Extracted from the article]

The United Auto Workers (UAW) has seized on former President Donald Trump's praise of Elon Musk's tactics with employees, using it as a messaging tool against the Republican nominee. In a video posted on social media, the UAW highlighted Trump's comments and accused him of favoring billionaires over workers. The UAW, which has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, has a significant presence in battleground states such as Michigan and aims to sway voters in the upcoming election. [Extracted from the article]

The United Auto Workers Union slammed former President Donald Trump and billionaire X, Tesla and Spacex owner Elon Musk over anti-union comments in an X interview Monday night. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stellantis NV, the parent company of Jeep and Ram, is planning to cut up to 2,450 hourly positions at a pickup truck factory near Detroit. This decision comes as the company ends production of its Ram 1500 Classic truck model at the plant, resulting in a shift reduction from two shifts to one. The Warren, Michigan plant also produces Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models and currently employs 3,700 United Auto Workers union members. Layoffs could begin on October 8, and affected workers will have the opportunity to transfer to other plants. [Extracted from the article]

Kamala Harris' campaign events are resembling those of Donald Trump, with raucous crowds, musical guests, and grand entrances. Her rallies have showcased enthusiasm from Democrats, while Trump has relied on press conferences and interviews. Harris' rallies have featured elements similar to Trump's, such as large crowds, upbeat music, and patriotic themes. However, there are differences, including the absence of chants like "lock her up" and a younger, more diverse audience. Harris has emulated Trump's showmanship without venturing into gaffes, and her speeches often reference her career as a prosecutor and emphasize the message of not going back. [Extracted from the article]

Tim Walz, the current governor of Minnesota and a former U.S. congressman, has been chosen as the running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 Democratic presidential ticket. Walz has a strong record on labor issues and has signed several pro-labor bills into law as governor. He also served in the House of Representatives and was involved in negotiations on a law to expedite the firing of Veterans Affairs Department employees. Walz has advocated for delivering the best service to veterans and has supported research on medical marijuana for treating post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain. [Extracted from the article]

Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her Democratic running mate in an effort to create a coalition of voters energized to defeat former President Donald Trump. Walz's selection is expected to appeal to both progressive and moderate Democrats, as well as disaffected Republicans. He is known for his effective communication skills and ability to connect with working-class voters. Walz has a strong policy record as governor, including championing paid leave, marijuana legalization, and tuition-free college for low-income students. His selection as running mate sends a signal to the progressive wing of the Democratic Party that their voices are being heard. [Extracted from the article]

Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, held rallies in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Detroit, Michigan to promote their economic message in crucial Midwest swing states. JD Vance, running mate to Donald Trump, attempted to counter their efforts by speaking at events in Michigan and Wisconsin. Vance criticized Harris over immigration policies and took a jab at her for avoiding the press. The campaign blitz marks the start of a three-month sprint to Election Day, with Harris erasing Trump's lead in the polls and fundraising. [Extracted from the article]

Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz campaigned in swing states to promote their economic message, while JD Vance, Donald Trump's running mate, attempted to undermine their efforts. The Democratic ticket held a rally in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, as part of their campaign swing through key battleground states. Vance criticized Harris over immigration policies and the US-Mexico border crisis during his events in Michigan and Wisconsin. The campaign blitz marks the beginning of a three-month sprint to Election Day, with Harris erasing Trump's lead in the polls and fundraising advantage. [Extracted from the article]

Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz are launching a swing-state blitz to win back rank-and-file union members in swing states. They will hold rallies in Wisconsin and Michigan, with United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain expected to join them in Detroit. The campaign aims to capitalize on Harris' momentum and gain support among blue-collar voters. The swing will also include stops in Arizona and Nevada. The Democratic party is hoping that Walz, a Midwest governor favored by progressives and unions, can help tip industrial states in their favor. [Extracted from the article]

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro met with representatives from Kamala Harris' team as part of the vice presidential selection process. It is unclear whether the meeting was held virtually or who else has been involved in discussions with Harris' team. Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, who is being considered as a potential running mate, has faced opposition from some labor groups due to concerns about his stance on trade unions. However, Kelly has also received support from other parts of the labor movement. Harris is expected to announce her pick within the next week and the chosen candidate will join her on a tour of major battleground states starting on August 6th. [Extracted from the article]

Chinese electric carmaker BYD Co. is seeking to enter the Canadian market, despite the Canadian government's efforts to restrict imports of vehicles from China. Lobbyists for BYD have filed notice with Canada's federal registry, stating their intention to advocate for the company's entry into Canada and address the application of tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs). Canada is currently considering measures to restrict Chinese EV imports, including higher tariffs, to protect Canadian auto workers and the domestic EV industry. Some officials and industry representatives suggest imposing tariffs on Chinese EVs similar to the US rate, while others argue for more affordable EVs to encourage consumer adoption. [Extracted from the article]

United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain suggested that Donald Trump is likely to defeat Joe Biden in the upcoming November election. Fain warned Democrats that they risk a repeat of their 2016 election loss unless they confront "hard truths." While Fain did not directly address Biden's debate performance or the calls to replace him on the ticket, his comments indicate concern within the labor movement about the president's prospects in November. Fain praised Biden's record on labor issues but expressed concern about his ability to defeat Trump. [Extracted from the article]