Hospitality and food service workers in Los Angeles, Seattle and Philadelphia, represented by Unite Here, are warning of potential strikes during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Unions are seeking wage increases above $30 per hour, protections from immigration enforcement, improved health coverage and better staffing as contracts expire or near expiration.
France's minimum wage (Smic) will increase by 2.41% on June 1st, following inflation driven by the Middle East conflict. The hourly gross wage rises to €12.31, and the monthly gross to €1,867.02. While the government hails it as a boost to purchasing power, unions like CGT deem it insufficient to address the social crisis.
France sees 320 May Day rallies across the country as unions CFDT and CGT demand wage increases amid returning inflation. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu visits Haute-Loire to meet bakers and artisans amid debate about allowing certain shops to open on the holiday. International demonstrations occur in Turkey (dozens arrested in Istanbul), Indonesia, and South Korea.
