Labor & Workplace Rights

Medical Clinicians Vote to Unionize, Bargain over Care and Working Conditions

Primary-care doctors, physician associates and nurse practitioners at 24 Samaritan Health Services clinics in three Oregon counties voted 82–13 to join Northwest Medicine United. Approximately 120 clinicians were eligible to vote. The new bargaining unit will develop contract proposals addressing staffing, working conditions and the resources clinicians say they need to provide appropriate patient care.

Financial & Economic System Labor Organizing

Lincoln Chronicle • OR • Oct 22, 2026

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Thousands of California State Workers Walk Off the Job in Contract Dispute with the Governor

Thousands of state employees participated in a one-day strike and rallied outside government buildings across California. SEIU Local 1000 union members are seeking higher pay, more flexible telework policies and affordable health coverage after their contract expired in June. It was the union’s first strike in its 44-year history.

Financial & Economic System Peaceful Protest/Demonstration Strike

Cal Matters • Multiple Cities, CA • Oct 21, 2026

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Salon & Spa Employees Organize 'Sick-Out' in Response to Proposed Pay Cuts

More than 60 Gene Juarez salon and spa employees called in sick together on October 16, producing appointment cancellations across the Puget Sound region. Workers characterized the coordinated sickout as opposition to a proposed compensation change that they say could reduce their pay.

Financial & Economic System Concerted Activity

Fox 13 Seattle • Seattle, WA • Oct 16, 2026

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Obama Foundation and Presidential Center Workers to Unionize

Sixty-eight employees signed an open letter announcing a union campaign. Organizers greeted colleagues outside work, distributed buttons and information, and began soliciting union-authorization cards. The proposed unit could cover more than 250 employees working at the Chicago presidential center, in Washington and remotely.

Financial & Economic System Labor Organizing

Chicago Sun-Times • Chicago, IL • Oct 7, 2026

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