Core Points - Starbucks Workers United has authorized an open-ended strike if a contract is not finalized by November 13, coinciding with the company's Red Cup Day, potentially affecting operations in over 25 cities [1] - The union represents more than 9,000 workers out of Starbucks' total workforce of over 200,000 baristas and has filed over 1,000 charges against the company for alleged unfair labor practices [3] - The union has been in negotiations with Starbucks since last year, demanding improved staffing, better pay, and on-the-job protections, while both sides blame each other for the breakdown in talks [4] Company Statements - Starbucks claims that any agreement must reflect the reality that it already offers the best job in retail [5]

Core Points - A strike at Boeing's F-15 and F/A-18 factories has entered its third month, involving approximately 3,200 workers at three facilities in Missouri and Illinois [1] - The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union rejected Boeing's latest contract offer, claiming it disrespects skilled workers [2][3] - Union leaders are demanding increased retirement contributions, wage increases to match inflation, and a ratification bonus similar to that given to commercial airplane workers [4] Company Response - Boeing expressed disappointment over the union's vote, which was narrowly decided at 51% to 49%, and stated it would focus on executing its contingency plan [8] - The company’s latest counteroffer included a 24% wage increase over five years, additional vacation and sick leave, a $1,000 retention bonus, and a $3,000 ratification bonus [9] - Boeing CEO stated that the company would manage through the strike and production continues with non-striking employees [13] Financial Impact - Boeing's defense, security, and space business accounts for roughly one-third of the company's revenue, making it a significant military contractor for the US government [11] - The union's proposed changes would cost Boeing an additional $50 million over four years, which is about half the cost of a single F-15 fighter jet [4] Context and Background - The current strike is one of the longest in Boeing's history, following a larger strike last fall involving 30,000 machinists that lasted seven weeks [12] - The striking workers are involved in the production of key military aircraft, including the T-7A Redhawk and MQ-25 Stingray [14] - Boeing is also working to improve its image following several safety incidents affecting its commercial airliner business [15]

Core Points - Striking workers at Boeing Defense in St. Louis rejected the latest contract proposal, extending the strike into its 13th week, which has already delayed the delivery of fighter jets and other programs [1] - Union leadership criticized Boeing for not addressing the needs of approximately 3,200 members, indicating a disconnect between employee expectations and corporate responses [1][2] Contract Proposal Details - Boeing's latest five-year offer was similar to previous proposals that had been rejected, featuring a reduced ratification bonus but including $3,000 in shares vesting over three years and a $1,000 retention bonus after four years [5] - The company improved wage growth for top-paid workers in the fourth year but made trade-offs, including reduced hourly wage increases tied to attendance and certain shift work [6] - Union leaders are advocating for higher retirement contributions and a ratification bonus closer to the $12,000 given to union members in the previous year's strike [6][8] Company Performance and Financial Outlook - Boeing is expected to report another unprofitable quarter, with analysts anticipating a multi-billion dollar charge related to the 777X program, which is significantly delayed and not yet certified [7] - The IAM estimates that their proposed contract would add about $50 million to the agreement's cost over four years compared to Boeing's rejected offer [8] Labor Relations and Impact of Strike - Union officials have filed an unfair labor practice charge against Boeing, accusing the company of bargaining in bad faith [9] - Striking workers are currently relying on $300 weekly strike benefits, second jobs, and personal budget adjustments, as their health insurance coverage ended on August 30 [10] - The strike has notably delayed deliveries of F-15EX fighters to the US Air Force, as stated by military officials [11][12]

Core Viewpoint - Starbucks workers are set to vote on authorizing a strike, which could disrupt CEO Brian Nichol's turnaround plans for the company [1] Group 1: Strike Authorization and Union Demands - Voting on the strike will begin tomorrow and will be open for several days, with the potential for an open-ended strike if approved [1] - Workers United is advocating for a contract that includes better hours, higher take-home pay, and resolution of numerous outstanding unfair labor practice charges, although specific pay figures are not disclosed [2] - Currently, there are no active negotiations between Starbucks and the union, following a mediation process last spring that resulted in the union rejecting a proposal from Starbucks in April [2] Group 2: Company Response and Financial Context - Starbucks stated that Workers United represents only about 4% of its workforce and expressed willingness to resume negotiations if the union is ready [3] - The company is experiencing negative same-store sales for six consecutive quarters, highlighting the importance of the upcoming earnings report and the effectiveness of the turnaround plan under CEO Brian Nichol [3] - The holiday season typically boosts sales for Starbucks, which may be impacted by the potential strike [3] Group 3: Potential Impact of the Strike - If a strike occurs, the specifics regarding duration, location, and timing remain undetermined, making it unclear how many stores will be affected [4] - There are 650 unionized stores among Starbucks' 18,000 licensed and company-operated stores in the US and Canada, indicating that while the unionized workforce is small, it could still have a meaningful impact [5][6]

Core Points - Boeing defense workers in Missouri voted against the company's modified contract offer, leading to the continuation of a strike involving over 3,000 workers, marking the first walkout in nearly three decades [1][2] - The union criticized Boeing's offer for lacking a sufficient signing bonus and an increase in 401(k) benefits, emphasizing the determination of approximately 3,200 IAM Union members to stand united until their demands are met [2] - The rejected deal proposed a 45% average wage growth, raising the average salary from $75,000 to $109,000, but was deemed insufficient by the workers [3] - The striking workers primarily assemble and maintain F-15 fighter jets and missile systems, and had previously rejected an offer that included a 20% general wage increase and a $5,000 signing bonus [3] - In response to the strike, Boeing is hiring additional workers to replace those on strike to meet increasing demand [4]

Core Points - Air Canada flight attendants have reached a tentative agreement to end a strike that resulted in over 2,700 flight cancellations [1][2] - The strike began early Saturday morning, leading to the cancellation of almost all of Air Canada's 700 daily flights, affecting hundreds of thousands of passengers [2] - The union, representing over 10,000 cabin crew members, had previously indicated a strong willingness to strike, with 99.7% of members voting in favor if necessary [3] Group 1: Strike Impact - Analysts at Raymond James estimated the strike could impact Air Canada's third-quarter earnings by 150 million to 400 million Canadian dollars (approximately $109 million to $289 million) [3] - Air Canada suspended its guidance for the third quarter and the full year due to the strike's impact [3] Group 2: Negotiation Details - The union accused Air Canada of withdrawing from negotiations, prompting the union to issue a strike notice [4] - Details of the tentative agreement have not been disclosed, but the union is set to present it to its members [10] - Air Canada had previously proposed pay increases of 38% over four years, which the union argued was effectively only 17.2% when accounting for inflation [10]

Core Points - Air Canada flight attendants are on strike, leading to the grounding of most of the airline's 700 daily flights and stranding over 100,000 passengers [1][2][9] - The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is demanding better pay and working conditions, particularly full compensation for unpaid ground time [5][8][12] - Air Canada has proposed a compensation package that includes a 38% overall increase over four years, but the union argues that the offer does not adequately address ground duty pay [12][15][16] Summary by Category Strike and Impact - The strike began shortly after 1 a.m. on Saturday, resulting in the cancellation of approximately 240 flights scheduled for Sunday afternoon [1][2] - The airline had to delay its service restart plans due to the ongoing strike [2][9] Union Demands - CUPE represents over 10,000 flight attendants and is advocating for full pay during boarding, deplaning, and ground delays, which they currently do not receive [5][8] - The union claims that the strike is a response to Air Canada's practice of requiring employees to work unpaid hours [9][12] Government Intervention - The Canadian government intervened by asking the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to impose binding arbitration, which the union opposed [6][8] - The government has the option to seek a court order to enforce compliance with the CIRB's order [8] Compensation Proposal - Air Canada's proposal includes a 12% to 16% increase in hourly rates, with senior flight attendants potentially earning an average of 87,000 Canadian dollars ($63,000 U.S.) by 2027 [16] - The airline claims that its compensation package would make its flight attendants the best compensated in Canada, with hourly rates rising to 94 Canadian dollars ($69 U.S.) in the first year [15][16]

Core Points - Boeing's defense unit workers went on strike after rejecting a contract offer that included a 20% wage increase and a $5,000 ratification bonus [1][2] - The rejected offer also included wage increases for top-paid employees and improved retirement benefits [2] - Union representatives emphasized the need for a contract that reflects the workers' skills and contributions to national defense [3]

Boeing - Boeing's defense workers are striking for the first time since 1996, with approximately 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers walking off the job after rejecting a modified four-year labor agreement [3][4] - The strike threatens to add strain to Boeing's defense and space division, which accounts for about 36% of the company's overall revenue and is currently undergoing a major restructuring effort [4] - Boeing expressed disappointment over the rejected offer, which included a 40% average wage growth and addressed alternative work schedules [4] Coffee Exports - China has authorized 183 new Brazilian coffee companies to export to the Chinese market, valid for five years, amid U.S. trade tensions [5][6] - The U.S. is imposing a 50% tariff on certain Brazilian goods, including coffee, due to trade policy disputes [6] Box Office Performance - Disney/Marvel's "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" held the No. 1 spot at the box office, earning an estimated $40 million in its second week, bringing its domestic total to $198.4 million and worldwide total to $368.7 million [7]

Core Points - Boeing's St. Louis defense factories faced a strike initiated by approximately 3,200 workers after rejecting a contract offer that included a 20% wage increase [1][2] - The strike marks the first walkout at Boeing's St. Louis defense hub since 1996, highlighting significant labor unrest within the company [1][4] - The union representing the workers, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, indicated that the previous contract proposal did not adequately address the workforce's priorities and sacrifices [2][3] Company Background - The last strike at Boeing's St. Louis facilities occurred in 1996, involving over 6,000 workers and lasting 99 days [4] - Boeing experienced a larger machinist strike in 2022, with around 33,000 workers in Washington factories walking off the job for 53 days, resulting in a contract that secured a 38% raise over four years [4] Current Challenges - Boeing is currently under regulatory pressure due to safety concerns, particularly following an incident involving a 737 MAX 9 aircraft [5] - The company reported $22.7 billion in earnings for the second quarter of 2025, marking its highest earnings since 2019, and delivered 150 commercial airplanes, a significant increase from 92 in the same period of 2024 [6] - Boeing's losses for the quarter were halved to $612 million compared to $1.2 billion in the same quarter the previous year, indicating a notable improvement in financial performance [6]