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UPDATES: Starbucks workers and federal workers continue fighting for their rights, labor unions protest ICE.

FEBRUARY 13, 2026 | TEAM COWORKER

In this edition of the Lunch Break Labor News, we have updates on Trump’s attacks on federal workers, Starbucks baristas refusing to back down from their strike, corporations using AI to justify layoffs (“AI-washing”), and labor unions protesting ICE.

As workers, and the entire country, grapple with violent ICE raids, union-busting, and CEOs pushing for an AI takeover, we fight alongside each other in solidarity. Here are some of the most important updates for workers right now:

Starbucks Workers Are Still On Strike, and the Movement is Growing

Over 1,000 Starbucks workers remain on strike in protest of CEO Brian Niccol’s refusal to meet worker demands for better pay, working conditions, protections, and a resolution to historic unfair labor practice charges against the company.

The strike started on November 13 and is stretching into its 3rd month as Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) strategize for the continued fight — all until Starbucks executives agree to a fair contract with unionized baristas across the country. As the strike persists, baristas at two Starbucks shops recently voted to unionize in Philadelphia and Manchester, VT.

You can sign SBWU’s No Contract, No Coffee pledge here in order to stay in solidarity with striking baristas, and follow their latest call to action to delete the Starbucks app from your phone.

U.S. Companies Use AI as Misdirect for Layoffs

Big U.S. companies cited AI as the reason it was laying off tens of thousands of workers over the last year. They claimed they didn’t need as many people to do the work that artificial intelligence technology could do. Economists and technology experts say that was very likely a misdirect — some accusing the corporations of “AI-washing” their layoffs instead of admitting the real reasons behind cutting their workforce.

Experts say many of these layoffs were likely the result of tariff policies, over hiring during the pandemic, and simply trying to maximize profits. But using AI as the reason for “lowering headcount” can help boost stock value and avoid financial or political blowback that would come if CEOs stated real reasons.

More and more, corporations are overstating how AI is replacing humans at work. Amazon, Salesforce, and Hewlett-Packard have all made suspect claims about AI tech replacing its laid off workers as part of this insidious “AI-washing” trend.

Trump's Attacks on Federal Workers is "The Biggest Act of Union-Busting in U.S. History"

“There’s so little hope left,” said Ellen Mei, a federal worker that the Trump administration fired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in October. The admin fired her after she explained on MSNBC that Americans would struggle to access SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown. She’s fighting her termination to bring some hope back to a federal workforce that the Trump administration has decimated.

Trump has cut the federal workforce by over 300,000 employees since taking office last January. He signed an executive order in March to strip collective bargaining rights from more than a million workers. Joseph McCartin, a labor historian at Georgetown University, called the order the “biggest act of union-busting in U.S. history.”

The White House’s attacks on unionized federal workers has brought some anger and energy back to organized labor within the federal workforce. Resilience is at the center of federal unions that are under attack. It’s critical that workers continue fighting back and keep building towards a better future.

Labor Unions Organize Against ICE

ICE has brought terror from city to city. Kids are afraid to go to school. Workers are afraid to go to work. So, labor unions are stepping up to unite behind ending ICE violence.

The AFL-CIO, American Postal Workers Union, Communications Workers of America, and SEIU are among the many unions who took a stand recently to tell ICE to stay out of our communities. National Nurses United even called for the abolition of ICE.

Organized labor recognizes that the administration’s violence severely hurts workers, and everyone else. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said, “The Trump administration’s reckless Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations are trampling on working people’s fundamental rights and freedoms: to work with dignity and raise our families without the threat of violence from our government, and to safely return home to our loved ones at the end of the day.”

Our Take

Unionized workers have faced unique challenges in the last year. Federal workers try to remain strong against the White House’s union-busting, Starbucks workers refuse to give in to ultra-wealthy executives ignoring demands for basic rights and protections, and labor unions join the fight to protect workers, and all communities, from ICE violence.

During such a fragile, uncertain time in the nation’s history, we cannot waver. Workers have power when we band together to win change against anti-democratic policies and employers.

Corporations and their CEOs won’t slow their chase after maximum profits at the expense of workers. We, in turn, cannot slow our organizing for better workplaces.

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.