#union

Which took the heavier impact ?

Not left vs right. This is up vs down.

1. The “manager” title with no direct reports. Federal labor law excludes supervisors from union eligibility, so titling people into that bucket without giving them real authority shrinks who’s even allowed to organize. In a store that’s two assistant managers and a store manager who can’t organize while the reps under them can. Go up the chain and it never stops. District manager can’t. Senior director can’t. VP can’t. It is not accidental who ends up on which side of that line.

2. Coordinated response when union talk starts. Extra staffing so people can “take time off,” sudden one on ones to “hear concerns,” the moment a store shows organizing interest. That is a known playbook, not something that happens organically.

3. The “one unionized store” comparison. “See, nothing’s different, they just pay dues.” That is not proof unions do not work. It is proof one isolated store has no leverage. Power comes from density, not outliers. Funny how those stores rarely get closed while unionized.

4. Reorgs as the vehicle for cuts, not the goal. The org chart does not change because the new structure is better. It changes because headcount needed to shrink and restructuring is the mechanism. “Right sizing” language usually means the number came first and the chart is just catching up.

5. Benefits eroding slowly enough that no single year feels like the moment. Vacation accrual caps shrinking. Tuition assistance cut in half. Stock and incentive programs trimmed. Healthcare costs climbing. Pensions that used to exist for a subset of employees, gone for new hires. None of it happens all at once, so it never feels like a breaking point. It just feels like death by a thousand cuts. This is exactly the kind of thing that gets written into a contract instead of quietly decided for you year after year.

6. Pay secrecy norms. Talking about your raise percentage, your review score, or your pay band feels taboo, even though discussing wages with coworkers is explicitly protected activity.

7. “Family” language. Reframes an adversarial labor conversation as disloyalty to “the team.”

8. The word “union” itself gets the stigma, not the concept. Strip the label and it is just organizing together for bargaining power. People used to have real leverage in the workplace. Now the default is asking nicely for more while getting handed less.

9. The designated fall guy. Bring in a leader on a short runway whose whole job is the unpopular cuts. Once the hard part is done, a successor comes in and gets to be the relief, thank god it is not like it used to be, while the structural cuts already happened.

10. Manufactured internal strife. Departments blaming each other instead of recognizing everyone is on the same side of this. Division between departments is a lot more useful to leadership than solidarity across them.

11. “Savings” from layoffs are often not real savings. Convert corporate stores to franchise and the labor cost doesn’t disappear, it shifts to an indirect operator while the company still takes its cut. Lay off tenured people and rehire for the same functional need at a lower rate, and headcount looks similar in six months but the average cost per employee dropped because tenure and its pay got reset to zero. That’s not reduced need for labor. That’s wage suppression using a layoff as the delivery mechanism.

One more thing worth saying plainly. Not every union is a good union. Organizing does not automatically mean your interests are protected. Corruption can creep into any institution, including the ones built to fight for you. That does not make the underlying idea wrong. It just means accountability does not stop once something is organized, it just shifts to a different table. Our own FIOS and wireline employees are already organized through CWA. It’s not a foreign concept here.

Now let’s talk about “the company isn’t making money”

Verizon has reported a profit every single year since at least 2001. Not one loss year, through the 2008 financial crisis, through COVID, through every merger. 2020 net income was $17.8 billion. 2021 was $22.1 billion, the highest of the decade. Those were not sacrifice years where the company ate a loss to protect jobs. Those were some of the most profitable years the company has ever had.

2025 net income was $17.6 billion. Dan Schulman’s 2025 total compensation was $34.3 million, on a new contract that includes performance equity worth up to $59.5 million more. The six highest paid named executives combined made about $120 million in 2025, and that’s only the publicly disclosed portion of the leadership team.

Where does the profit actually go? $11.5 billion in dividends paid to shareholders in 2025. A $25 billion stock buyback authorized on top of that. Buybacks don’t hand cash to executives directly, they buy shares on the open market mostly from large institutional holders like index funds and pension funds, while propping up the stock price for everyone who keeps holding. Compare that to the severance cost of the November layoff of 13,000 people: $1.6 to $1.8 billion, a one time charge that’s smaller than what gets paid out in dividends alone in about six or seven weeks.

Yes, some of the money goes back into the network. $17 billion in capital expenditures in 2025. That’s real and legitimate. But that number is also being cut for 2026, down to $16 to $16.5 billion, because the heavy build phase is mostly done. Meanwhile the buyback authorization just grew.

If someone tells you layoffs are happening because the company can’t afford to pay people, that claim does not survive contact with the company’s own numbers.

So what’s the actual moral here

This was never about whether the company can afford to treat people well. It’s about a choice, made over and over, about where the money goes. And the tools used to make that choice feel inevitable, the misclassified titles, the reorg-as-cover, the stigma on the word union, the vague streamlining language, all serve one purpose: making a distributional choice look like a structural necessity. Making “we decided you get less so someone else gets more” sound like “there wasn’t enough to go around.”

US union density peaked around 1954 at roughly 35% of all workers. Today it’s about 9%. Most people in this workforce right now grew up hearing “we don’t need a union, look how well we’re treated,” during a period when that was actually true. That belief never got re-examined as conditions changed underneath it. We’re applying an old conclusion to a reality that no longer matches it.

Is it going to be perfect if we organize? No. But right now we’re fighting each other instead of the actual problem, and giving away power for free in the process. Density is the only thing that turns this from a list of grievances into actual leverage at an actual table. We’re all in the same boat here, just on different floors. What would it take to stop having this conversation store by store, department by department, and start having it together?

For nothing management gets the axe again. Brownosing for nothing lol bet your wishing you joined a union NOW!!!! Lol and tell me can you hear me NOW keep your service with us too DS needs a new Ferrrari vroooooooooooom.

Why can’t union reps get laid off seems unfair

Supervisor said he has meeting 11-1230pm. We are in wireline… Cssc rep union . We are doomed

Hey I was laid off in the last batch one thing that I was told was we should've tried to unionize. It's the only thing that would protect your jobs. Fight back!

Meeting were held with the general manager, members and union to discuss the closing of call centers in Tustin CA and Cerritos CA. Management said they will consolidate both offices into a new office space. They are pushing propellor out of the business. The union hasn’t sent out a single message to its dues payers. We really don’t know what the union does here except sit in meetings and say nothing.

The board is getting harder to use due to what looks like coordinated astroturfing—which may be the whole point. So, I’ve pivoted to calling union reps and coworkers directly, since I'm not based near a major office. The reception has been remarkably positive. People are bringing up the Teamsters, UAW, and others. If you're exploring this route, start at the AFL-CIO site (https://aflcio.org/formaunion); it’ll point you toward local chapters.

Got the rug pulled from under us, no longer going to be working from home full-time, actually need to be in the office more of the time. Union apparently knew about this and didn’t object. Maurice is a clown.

A nurses union has filed a lawsuit against Sturgis Hospital. The union alleges the hospital violated state employment law. This action follows recent layoffs at the facility. The lawsuit seeks to address the alleged legal infractions. The hospital has not yet publicly responded to the suit.

Sturgis, MI

https://www.woodtv.com/video/nurses-union-sues-sturgis-hospital-after-layoffs/11972278/

Carlex will permanently lay off 325 employees in Tennessee. The company filed a WARN notice with the state labor department. These layoffs are scheduled to begin on September 7, 2026. Employees affected are part of a collective bargaining agreement and have no bumping rights. The rapid response team will assist those impacted by the job reductions.

Vonore, Tennessee

https://fox17.com/news/local/over-300-employees-to-be-impacted-by-permanent-layoffs-at-carlex

Sadly it will probably be the regular one.In which case there maybe a few that are planning on leaving soon so they will benefit.But the rest who are not close to Medicare eligible will stay the next 4 to get closer to that age.Me being one !!!The current medical retirement disaster was one of the biggest mistakes of the last few negotiations on the part of the union .Probably right after the worst one deciding to give up new members pensions.I remember adamantly saying no way to both issues .While most of my brainwashed fellow members kept repeating what the union told them that we will get it all back later when things are better with economy and people are more on our side .Ya right.I will say union wise it has provided some job security and little better treatment then being non.We have also watched the mismanagement within the ranks become a neutered company run union .Wishing luck to all my long term buddies that you get that big Eisp your waiting for but sadly it may be more disappointing

A judge has indicated the possibility of a buyer for the Schwebel Baking Company, which had announced plans to cease operations. This development comes after the Teamsters Union filed a lawsuit contesting the closure. The company, in business for over 120 years, is reportedly considering an expedited Chapter 11 bankruptcy to facilitate a sale. Discussions are ongoing between parties to determine the feasibility of this potential purchase. The identity of the prospective buyer has not yet been disclosed.

Youngstown, Ohio

https://www.wtae.com/article/schwebel-baking-company-buyer/71921509

Union representatives at WK Kellogg's Memphis plant allege the company is violating their collective bargaining agreement. The Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM) claims WK Kellogg is disregarding seniority rules for job placements during workforce reductions. Union leaders state their proposals to preserve jobs and honor seniority have been met with resistance. They believe the company is prioritizing profit over its dedicated workforce. The union plans to monitor the situation and pursue legal action if necessary.

Memphis, Tennessee

https://www.memphisflyer.com/union-kelloggs-not-following-agreements-on-layoffs/

So most thought by July a package would come .Now I hear there’s discrepancy on how many or who even on the amount

Over 400 employees, including many teachers and aides, were initially laid off by the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Nearly 130 of these individuals have since been recalled to their positions. This recall process is guided by a union contract that prioritizes laid-off staff for open roles. Despite these recalls, the district anticipates a significant reduction in overall staff for the upcoming school year. The district attributed its ability to rehire staff to creative resource reallocation and public pressure.

Cleveland, Ohio

https://signalcleveland.org/since-layoffs-dozens-of-cleveland-educators-have-been-recalled-to-cmsd/

Bethesda union workers are organizing a "Save Our Devs" march to protest recent Xbox layoffs. The OneBGS union represents affected employees and seeks better protections. The protest will occur at multiple ZeniMax office locations. Workers are demanding improved severance packages and healthcare support. They also want opportunities for affected employees to transfer to other roles.

Rockville, Maryland

https://chshyd.in/gaming/bethesda-union-members-plan-july-15/

With all the constant talk regarding RIF and layoffs. Plus, rumors of a reorganization of the lines of business. The company has not asked for any reduction of headcount on the union side. What gives?

I hear a vote is on the horizon

Jersey City officials confirmed that over thirty municipal employees will be laid off. The announcement came during a city council meeting on Friday afternoon. Union leaders also acknowledged the impending job losses. The Solomon administration is implementing these workforce reductions. The exact reasons for the layoffs were not detailed in the report.

Jersey City, New Jersey

https://jcitytimes.com/five-city-councilmembers-decry-solomons-scare-tactics-on-worker-layoffs/

After five mass RIFs in less than four years and many other unacknowledged workforce reductions, the only way for coworkers to achieve any transparency or fairness is through collective bargaining. I’m shocked that the Teamsters haven’t already organized the warehouses.

While organizing “knowledge workers” is more difficult, the CWA has had some success with bargaining for better severance packages, standards governing reductions, and guardrails around AI (and company’s false narratives about “efficiency gains”) at Google and Microsoft. If you’re an individual contributor, your right to discuss pay, benefits, and working conditions and organize a union is protected under the National Labor Relations Act.

Power concedes nothing without a demand. If you’re tired of CDW’s coworker last decisions such as authorizing a $1 billion stock buyback that they paid for with your former coworkers’ jobs, demand change collectively.

I’ve got a feeling that as AI invoked layoffs pick up, we will see a rise in white collar unions. Anyone here open to starting a trend here?

Workers represented by OneBGS will march at four studio locations on July 15 to protest the elimination of 440 union positions. This action follows recent mass layoffs impacting Bethesda and ZeniMax. The union aims to hold Xbox accountable for its treatment of laid-off employees and future workforce reductions. The marches are intended to signal the union's commitment to negotiations over severance and benefits. This dispute highlights ongoing labor tensions within the gaming industry.

https://gameluster.com/onebgs-save-our-devs-march-xbox-layoffs/

Bethesda Game Studios union members are organizing protests at four studio locations next week. These demonstrations are in response to nearly 450 job cuts across ZeniMax. The union plans to demand preferential transfers and stronger severance packages. They aim to show Xbox management their commitment to protecting affected workers. Protests are scheduled for July 15th at Bethesda offices.

Rockville, Maryland

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/bethesda-union-confirms-xbox-layoff-protests-we-wont-quietly-disappear/

Portland State University is reconsidering some layoff notices issued to 52 faculty members. These notices were initially sent to address a $35 million structural budget deficit. The university is currently in negotiations with its faculty union to find alternative solutions. PSU aims to minimize involuntary job losses while still managing its financial challenges. The final plan for retrenchment has been delayed to explore these possibilities further.

Portland, Oregon

https://www.registerguard.com/story/news/education/2026/07/09/portland-state-university-faculty-layoffs/90838346007/

Is has been noted that ISP offers will be going out to union positions across Frontier July 16-17. Mainly copper related positions will be affected and to be followed by a massive force realignment for those who stay. For copper technicians this is basically your time to go! Verizon will also see mass layoff announcements come July 16th. CTF, California Texas Florida

A labor union has reported that approximately a dozen employees were laid off at Bethesda Game Studios Montreal. These workers were union members and reportedly received the news via a brief video call. The union claims these employees had dedicated up to a decade to the studio. They are criticizing Microsoft's handling of the situation, describing it as abrupt and lacking in communication. The union plans to pursue legal and contractual actions to advocate for affected members.

Montreal, Quebec

https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-employers-are-ruthless-cwa-canada-slams-microsoft-over-handling-of-bethesda-layoffs

Microsoft has implemented significant layoffs impacting its Xbox division, with 1,600 employees losing their jobs. This reduction is part of a larger company-wide restructuring, affecting approximately 4,800 employees in total. Unionized video game workers, represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), are among those affected by these cuts. The CWA expressed extreme disappointment, citing a slow-walk of contract negotiations despite prior neutrality agreements. This action comes after thousands of Xbox workers unionized with the CWA since 2022.

https://variety.com/2026/gaming/news/gaming-news-roundup-week-of-july-6-1236803788/

Is has been noted that ISP offers will be going out to union positions across Frontier July 16-17. Mainly copper related positions will be affected and to be followed by a massive force realignment for those who stay. For copper technicians this is basically your time to go! Verizon will also see mass layoff announcements come July 16th. CTF, California Texas Florida

34.78 BILLION with a "B" !!!! Only 3.3 Billion left to use in revolving debt . Think about that ! They still hang on to the idea of sending a huge amount of money to Tulsa operations . Other airlines farm out maintenance and don't have to pay for health insurance , retirement , costly union rules etc . One twister in Tulsa could wreck the maintenance system of the airline for years . Playing Russian roulette ... Is Tulsa an asset or a drain ???

After five mass RIFs in less than four years and many other unacknowledged workforce reductions, the only way for coworkers to achieve any transparency or fairness is through collective bargaining. I’m shocked that the Teamsters haven’t already organized the warehouses.

While organizing “knowledge workers” is more difficult, the CWA has had some success with bargaining for better severance packages, standards governing reductions, and guardrails around AI (and company’s false narratives about “efficiency gains”) at Google and Microsoft. If you’re an individual contributor, your right to discuss pay, benefits, and working conditions and organize a union is protected under the National Labor Relations Act.

Power concedes nothing without a demand. If you’re tired of CDW’s coworker last decisions such as authorizing a $1 billion stock buyback that they paid for with your former coworkers’ jobs, demand change collectively.

https://www.reuters.com/business/world-at-work/volkswagen-ceo-faces-acid-test-unions-over-swingeing-job-cut-plans-2026-07-06/

Oregon's registered nurses receive the nation's top hourly pay when adjusted for living costs. Asante and the Oregon Nurses Association are currently engaged in contract negotiations. Nurses express unease due to past economic uncertainties and recent layoffs. The union's bargaining chair states trust has significantly eroded with Asante's administration. This lack of trust complicates negotiations and problem-solving efforts.

Medford, Oregon

https://kobi5.com/news/top-stories/trust-important-in-asante-nurses-union-contract-talks-310424/

LiUNA Local 955 plans a protest and march on Monday. This follows 74 employee layoffs at MU Health Care. The union demands good-faith bargaining and living wages. MU Health Care cited financial challenges for its restructuring. The union alleges these cuts violate existing bargaining rules.

Columbia, Missouri

https://www.komu.com/news/midmissourinews/liuna-local-955-to-picket-following-mu-health-care-layoffs/article_b955b77e-32f7-42fd-8a09-1bfcf29404ad.html

General Motors laid off over 1,000 workers at its Detroit Factory ZERO. The company then introduced 50 AI-powered collaborative robots at the same plant. GM stated the layoffs were temporary and unrelated to the new machines. UAW leaders expressed outrage, believing automation is displacing human labor. The union also faces internal controversies and leadership disputes.

Detroit, Michigan

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/insight/gm-layoffs-spark-uaw-backlash-amid-robot-rollout/gm-GM40D9CBE5?gemSnapshotKey=GM40D9CBE5-snapshot-0

Happy Birthday America.

God bless the USA.

The New York State Nurses Association alleges Montefiore Health System plans to replace nurses with AI. The union claims 12 utilization review nurses are slated for layoff. These nurses use their clinical judgment to review insurance denials. Montefiore denies the union's claims as inaccurate and misleading. Concerns include compromised patient care and potential data privacy issues.

Bronx, New York

https://www.norwoodnews.org/nysna-allege-montefiore-plans-to-replace-some-nurses-with-ai-systems/

Unionized workers at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike. This action follows ongoing negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement since December 2025. The union, UAW Local 2110, seeks to address healthcare costs and inflation. They propose significant salary increases and reduced healthcare costs for lower-earning staff. Museum management has offered a different four-year contract with smaller raises. No specific strike deadline has been set yet.

New York, New York

https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2026/06/30/guggenheim-museum-workers-new-york-vote-authorise-strike

Dear Larry

We the employees find your financial stewardship and guidance now lacking. You have installed two incompetent leaders, who do nothing more than to create strife, and one is like so socially awkward it’s embarrassing (we all know who) You over paid for a CFO who is laughing at you with a $25m pay day. All while….

The market calls you bluff
Your employees think you are dead in your bedroom and may be ai generated (Thanks Elon)
Open AI will bail and not pay the money
Trumps going to bail on you too

And even better Oracle will become a bigger meme stock than Game Stop was

Wake up and smell the roses guys because if you don’t we will unionize. Fire us all if you dare !

Union members at United Videogame Workers-CWA established the Game Worker Hardship Fund. This fund provides financial support to game developers impacted by layoffs. It assists workers across the United States and Canada. Eligible applicants can request up to $5,000 for basic life expenses. The fund is financed by membership dues and an itch.io charity bundle.

https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/union-workers-establish-hardship-fund-to-support-devs-impacted-by-layoffs