The year 2026 is proving to be demanding for labor politics. Across the nation, numerous major private-sector union contracts are set to expire as the summer progresses. Among these are contracts involving 20,000 Verizon workers located in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, as well as 25,000 steel-mill workers in the Midwest.

Earlier in the year, a significant negotiation unfolded with Stop & Shop, a major grocery chain. To prevent a strike, they reached agreements with 28,000 food workers in New England. These developments highlight the ongoing tensions and negotiations in the labor sector.

Although the influence of organized labor has waned over the years, there is a noticeable shift occurring. New allies from both the political Left and Right are emerging, bringing a renewed focus on labor issues. This trend suggests a changing landscape for organized labor, with cross-political support redefining traditional labor dynamics.