UPDATES: WNBA players negotiate landmark deal, Starbucks union progress, and workers taking on AI
April 21, 2026 | TEAM COWORKER
In this edition of the Lunch Break Labor News, we have updates on a landmark union agreement won by WNBA players, Starbucks baristas forcing executives to the bargaining table, Trump’s latest assault on the federal workforce, and how workers are dealing with the onslaught of AI tech.
Workers are organizing in the face of union-busting, a hostile federal government, dangerous technology, and billionaires pushing for profits no matter what. Here are some of the most important updates for workers right now:
WNBA Players Win Historic Collective Bargaining Agreement
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) negotiated a landmark collective bargaining agreement that includes player salary increases, a historic revenue-sharing deal that gives players a cut of league profits, and wins on travel, health, and wellness.
"This agreement delivers what players set out to do from the beginning, transforming the economics of this league," said WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson. "It marks a new era led by players who know their power and chose to use it."
Players voted unanimously to ratify the agreement, which will last for seven years. It includes yearly reviews of the revenue-sharing model based on the growth of the league to ensure players are getting their fair share.
Starbucks Workers United Force Executives to the Negotiating Table
After unionized Starbucks baristas with Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) held a months-long strike, rallied support across the country, and used their power as workers to pressure executives, Starbucks executives will return to the negotiating table and discuss a fair contract with thousands of its workers.
"This progress is a direct result of our collective action, and the power our union continues to build as we fight for a better Starbucks," SBWU said in a statement.
Baristas continue making reasonable demands for a wage people can live on (starting at $17/hour), better working conditions including adequate staffing and health and safety policy improvements, annual raises, an end to unfair labor practices that violate worker's rights, and more.
As SBWU prepares to negotiate again with Starbucks, the union is still asking supporters to delete the Starbucks app and not buy Starbucks.
AI vs. Workers: AI Brain Fry, and More Entry-Level Warnings
Artificial intelligence technology is continuing to cause problems for workers, while CEOs and AI companies continue trumpeting its ability to replace significant portions of the workforce.
Where companies are implementing AI, the tech is straining employee workloads. According to a recent study, workers who use AI are spending over 3x as much time on routine work tasks and engaging in focused work sessions 9% less. “The data is unambiguous: AI does not reduce workloads," the study concluded.
Another study coined the term "AI brain fry" to describe the burdensome stress and discomfort caused by overseeing AI agents at work. This comes after Harvard Business Review came up with the phrase “AI workslop” to label how AI is failing in workplaces across industries, and making jobs more difficult for actual workers.
Meanwhile, Anthropic's CEO is doubling down on the industry claim that AI is going to massively reduce white-collar entry-level jobs over the next few years. Labor Notes published an article on how unionized workers can thwart this AI takeover and improve conditions in workplaces pushing AI.
New Trump Rule Takes Rights Away from 50,000 Federal Workers
The Trump administration finalized a new rule recently that takes job protections away from 50,000 federal workers. As part of the administration's attack on the federal workforce, the new policy makes it easier for the government to discipline or fire these thousands of workers.
“This rule is a direct assault on a professional, nonpartisan, merit-based civil service and the government services the American people rely on every day,” said Everett Kelley, president of American Federation of Government Employees, the largest federal workers union.
Trump has cut the federal workforce by over 300,000 employees since taking office last January. The administration is attempting to dismantle much of the government and oust the people that serve tens of millions of people.
Our Take
Workers in America are facing challenges from every angle. Rising prices and stagnating wages, all as economic inequality gets worse and worse. Corporations and CEOs rake in profits and look for ways to exploit their employees.
Workers are still finding ways to come together and remain resilient. Starbucks baristas continue forming unions at stores while they advocate after years for their first union contract. With greater power, WNBA players won a greater share of the league's profits.
We all have power in the workplace when we band together. During such a fragile, uncertain time in the nation’s history, we cannot waver.
Trying to Win Change in Your Own Workplace?
If you’re seeking change in your workplace, company, or field, you can start your own petition at Coworker to build momentum and win. Your petition can take on any labor issue — from safer working conditions and better pay, to stopping hour cuts and layoffs, and even putting an end to unfair or abusive policies for workers.
With workers uniting across the country to organize, it’s a great moment to launch your own petition. It’s easy to start one, and it’s even easier to share it and start building support. You can get started on your Coworker petition here.