Labor & Workers
Labor unions, workers' rights, and employment
RI Jobless Claims Nearly Double in a Single Month
Rhode Island lost 400 jobs in July and the unemployment rate rose to 4.5 percent — but the number that matters is new unemployment claims, which nearly doubled from June to an average of 1,559 a week.
Teamsters File for Union Vote at RISD Cafeteria
RI Was In the Federal Audit of Who Needs Medicaid
Feds Move to Scrap 60-Year Workplace Race Data
RI Adds 300 Jobs in June, But Down 1,900 for Year
Rhode Island added 300 jobs in June and its unemployment rate fell to 4.1 percent, but the state has lost 1,900 jobs over the past year even as national employment grew.
Rhode Island Just Put Its Warehouse Quotas Under the Microscope. Here's What Changes in 2027.
Governor McKee ceremonially signed the Rhode Island Warehouse Worker Protection Act on July 13. Effective in 2027, it forces large warehouse operators like Amazon's Johnston center to disclose productivity quotas and protects workers' break and restroom rights.
Uber and Lyft Drivers Strike in Rhode Island for Better Pay and Working Conditions
Ride-sharing drivers for Uber and Lyft went on strike in Rhode Island, protesting low pay and poor working conditions. The strike led to driver shortages and surge pricing, but the increased fares did not benefit the drivers. Similar strikes occurred in major cities across the US.
Adequate pay needed for those who work with Rhode Islanders with with developmental disabilities
Because the work is demanding and the pay is well below a living wage, agencies have struggled to recruit and retain the staff they need.
Rhode Island carpenters union fights wage theft & tax fraud at annual tax day of action
Carpenters Union Local 330 hosted their fourth-annual Tax Day of Action event, demanding lawmakers address rampant wage theft and employer tax fraud in Rhode Island. With tens of millions in lost tax revenue and wages, political leaders and union workers gathered to push for legislative change.
Art school's unseen heroes: RISD workers strike for fair wages and respect
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) facility staff represented by Teamsters Local 251 take to the picket lines, demanding fair wages and an end to hypocrisy on equity and inclusion. Striking workers, like 10-year RISD employee Gina Sandos, stress the urgency of their situation as they struggle to make ends meet.
RISD facilities staff hold one-day strike for better pay
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) facility staff, represented by Teamsters Local 251, held a one-day unfair labor practice strike on Thursday. Prior to the strike, Local 251 filed unfair labor practice charges against RISD for failing to pay a general wage increase and changing starting rates for workers without providing them with notice or an opportunity to bargain.
Rep. Magaziner promotes PRO Act, seeks to expand union membership nationwide
Recently elected United States Representative Seth Magaziner hosted a press conference Thursday morning with local labor leaders and former Starbucks employees to advocate for the passage of the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act) and call attention to Starbucks’ recent history of anti-union practices.
Breaking Bread: The Story of the Seven Stars Union
"At one of Providence's most iconic coffee and pastry spots, workers are speaking up again for their right to dignity on the job," writes Maddie King, in their third labor history comic for Uprise RI.
Butler Hospital workers picket over ARPA funds, staffing levels
“We want the same dignity and respect from management that we’re expected to give to our patients. We want them to sit down and talk to us about long-term, sustainable solutions for what’s happening at our hospital," said said Butler Hospital registered nurse Amy Smith, who has worked at Butler for 23 years.