unions

A detailed look of scaffolding that sits in front of a weather-resistant barrier e of an apartment complex under construction.

Commentary

Santa Monica project points the way to easing California’s housing shortage

If wealthy Santa Monica can do it, will less well-heeled CA communities begin accommodating modular home and apartment construction?

By

Dan Walters

• March 31, 2026

A person with long gray hair speaks into a microphone at an outdoor press conference, their expression focused and serious. Several people stand behind them, including individuals in business attire, while additional microphones and a partially visible sign in the background suggest a media-covered public statement.

Justice

UFW president: ‘We do not condone the actions of César Chávez’

Stunning allegations about California labor icon César Chávez led the organization he co-founded, United Farm Workers, to distance itself from him.

By

Sergio Olmos

and

Wendy Fry

• March 18, 2026

César Chávez speaks at a podium, gesturing with both hands, with a microphone in front and a U.S. flag and blue curtain behind him.

Politics

California leaders lionized César Chávez. Now, they face a reckoning with his past

Leaders up and down California, many of whom were personally inspired by his life’s work, are grappling with multiple allegations of sexual assault by César Chávez.

By

,

,

and

• March 18, 2026

Digital Democracy

Why California cops and firefighters are pushing for a new perk on top of their pensions

Unions for California Highway Patrol officers and Cal Fire firefighters are asking the state for a new retirement option that would complement their CalPERS pensions. It might reduce some pension-related payroll costs to the state.

By

Adam Ashton

• March 5, 2026

Several demonstrators hold protest signs reading “On Strike for SF Students & Educators,” “Huelga ¡Escuelas Seguras y Estables Ahora!,” and “SF Stands with the Striking Educators!” while standing together outdoors.

K-12 Education

Wave of California teacher strikes ‘is no coincidence’

The California Teachers Association organized to trigger a wave of negotiations and potential strikes to garner public attention and flex political muscle.

By

Carolyn Jones

• February 27, 2026

Two people walk along a paved path between tall trees and large stone sculptures outside a multi-story office building with glass windows.

Politics

California union pushes work-from-home bill as Newsom calls state employees back to the office

The legislative proposal by the California union known as PECG would require state agencies to offer telework options “to the fullest extent possible” and mandate they disclose how much money they save by allowing remote work.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• February 6, 2026

A person in a crowd holds drumsticks and strikes a white bucket while others stand around them, some wearing red shirts and baseball caps, during a gathering outdoors.

Commentary

Cal State reneged on pay increases for skilled trade workers but gave its executives raises

CSU agreed to a contract with “step” increases for workers, who helped it get state funding. Instead CSU will give them a one-time bonus.

By Ernesto Torres • February 6, 2026

A speaker addresses microphones at a labor press conference on artificial intelligence, with advocates standing behind them and signs reading “Demand Guardrails on Big Tech.”

Technology

Union leaders have a message for Newsom: Regulate AI if you want to be president

Leaders from the AFL-CIO, representing 2.3 million nationwide members, say Gov. Gavin Newsom needs to focus on the technology’s harms to win support for his presidential run.

By

Khari Johnson

• February 4, 2026

A person in a white dress shirt and tie speaks at an outdoor podium with two microphones, hands raised mid-gesture, as a large bridge spans the background and two others stand behind them, while a blue sign on the podium reads “Creating an AI-Ready Workforce.”

Commentary

Union leaders warn Newsom their campaign support hinges on his AI stance

Will Gov. Gavin Newsom, who's expected to run for president, seek to satisfy Silicon Valley and risk angering organized labor?

By

Dan Walters

• February 4, 2026

Technology

California state employees alarmed by demand to prove their citizenship or work eligibility

Close to four thousand employees of the California Department of Public Health were told they must use the federal E-Verify system to keep federal funding. Unions are pushing back.

By

Khari Johnson

• January 29, 2026