California state workers began a one-day strike Wednesday, urging Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration to agree to a new contract that increases workers’ pay, ensures affordable healthcare access and allows more flexibility for remote work. SEIU Local 1000 will picket in cities across the state for the first time since the union’s founding in 2004. The union represents more than 100,000 workers, including auditors, nurses and counselors. The union wants the state to raise workers’ salaries by 20% over the next three years and increase the state contribution toward employees’ healthcare costs. It opposes a mandate by Newsom requiring state workers to report to the office four days a week.
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People protest in support of SEIU Local 1000 state workers during a one-day strike on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
People protest in support of SEIU Local 1000 state workers during a one-day strike on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
A person holds a placard in support of SEIU Local 1000 state workers during a one-day strike on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
People protest in support of SEIU Local 1000 state workers during a one-day strike on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Extreme heat intensified by climate change is creating dangerous conditions for factory workers in Pakistan. From blue jeans to homeware, these factories produce goods for global companies that have pledged to protect their workers’ safety. But experts and local labor rights advocates say those promises remain unfulfilled, as temperatures continue to rise and workers pay the price with their health and safety. The Associated Press interviewed more than a dozen workers in Karachi, all of whom described sweltering workplaces, absent heat protocols and health effects, including fainting.
Siddiqui, who The Associated Press is identifying by surname only because of potential retaliation from her employer, shows her embroidery work that she does for extra income in Karachi, Pakistan, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
A factory worker shows her arm with damage she believes to be from routine chemical exposure in Karachi, Pakistan, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
A man takes a photo of a poster with safety resources for factory workers at a Pakistan Institute of Labour Education & Research office in Karachi, Pakistan, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
Hundreds of thousands of Irish teachers, doctors and civil servants have walked off the job. The one-day strike on Wednesday crippled public services across Ireland as workers demanded higher wages to offset the rising cost of living. Most schools, colleges and universities were closed. And thousands of medical appointments were canceled. The strike was called to pressure Prime Minister Micheál Martin to intervene in the talks which have been stalled since June.