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The labor market remained stable last week as unemployment benefit applications remained steady at 224,000, aligning with analyst expectations. Weekly jobless claims have stayed within the typical range of 200,000 to 250,000, indicating that companies are retaining workers. The impact of federal workforce layoffs under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has yet to fully appear in reports, though economists expect it may show up in the March jobs data. Despite some signs of softening, hiring remains strong, and the unemployment rate is still at historically low levels.

Columbia University is at the center of a legal battle after the Trump administration cut $400 million in funding, a move that unions argue violates the First Amendment and threatens critical public health research. The cuts follow student protests over Israel's actions in Gaza, which led the administration to pressure Columbia into adopting stricter policies on antisemitism and campus demonstrations. In response, the American Association of University Professors and the American Federation of Teachers filed a lawsuit, warning that the government is using financial penalties to limit academic freedom. While the university has complied with some demands, the broader dispute over federal funding and free speech is expected to continue in court.

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a major overhaul of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which includes cutting 10,000 jobs and closing half of the department's regional offices. The cuts will impact agencies like the FDA, CDC, and NIH, with significant job losses across these organizations. Kennedy argues that this restructuring is necessary to eliminate inefficiencies and improve services, though critics warn it could delay critical health services, such as drug and medical device approvals. The reorganization will also centralize functions like IT and communications to streamline operations, but the broader impact on public health services remains uncertain.

A federal agency that mediates labor disputes, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), has effectively shut down following an executive order from Donald Trump. The Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) implemented the closure, placing employees on administrative leave with firings expected to follow. FMCS, which has operated since 1947, played a key role in preventing and resolving labor disputes, including last year’s Boeing strike. Critics argue that the shutdown will worsen labor strikes and lockouts, despite FMCS costing just 0.0014% of the federal budget while saving the economy hundreds of millions annually.

Argentina’s largest labor union, the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), has announced a 24-hour strike on April 10 to protest President Javier Milei’s economic policies. While Milei has made progress in reducing inflation, unions argue that his austerity measures have led to layoffs and diminished purchasing power. This will be the third strike against Milei’s administration, with labor leaders emphasizing rising unemployment as a key concern. The government, however, dismisses the strike as politically motivated, with a spokesperson stating that union leaders aim to undermine the administration.

Hundreds of Canadian steel and aluminum workers have been laid off due to tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Union leaders warn this is just the beginning, with a wave of additional job losses expected when a temporary reprieve expires on April 2. Companies like Canada Metal Processing Group and Algoma Steel have already cut workers, citing the impact of U.S. trade policies. In response, the Canadian government has introduced aid programs and employment insurance measures, though advocates argue more support is needed. The uncertainty has left workers struggling to plan for the future.

A federal judge’s ruling ordering the rehiring of thousands of fired federal workers is being challenged in the Supreme Court. The Trump administration filed an emergency appeal arguing that the judiciary cannot force the executive branch to rehire around 16,000 probationary employees. The order, issued by U.S. District Judge William Alsup, found that the mass firings violated federal law and required immediate reinstatement offers. The affected agencies include the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, the Interior, and the Treasury. The case is part of a broader legal battle over the administration’s efforts to downsize the federal workforce.

CSX, a major U.S. freight railroad company, has reached a five-year tentative agreement with the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS), which represents over 1,200 workers maintaining railway signals and points. The deal includes wage increases, improved healthcare, and expanded paid time off, similar to recent agreements CSX has made with other unions. The contract now awaits ratification by BRS members. This agreement is part of ongoing efforts to improve benefits for freight rail workers following pressure from the Biden administration.

Former Trump administration official Julie Hocker has been nominated to lead the U.S. Department of Labor’s disability employment policy office. If confirmed, she will oversee grants and policies aimed at expanding job opportunities for workers with disabilities. Hocker previously held a similar role at the Department of Health and Human Services and was nominated for this position in 2020 but was never confirmed. Before this nomination, she worked as a director at consulting firm Guidehouse. Her appointment is now awaiting Senate approval.

Ohio labor unions are preparing to fight Senate Bill 1, which would ban most mandatory diversity training in higher education and prohibit university faculty from striking. Critics, including the Ohio Education Association, argue that the bill is a major attack on collective bargaining, reminiscent of the 2011 Senate Bill 5 fight. Supporters claim faculty strikes can disrupt students’ education, but union leaders point out that such strikes are rare. While opponents are urging Governor Mike DeWine to veto the bill, he has indicated he will likely sign it. Unions are weighing their next steps, including potential legal or political action.