Iraq said Saturday it will call in the US charge d'affaires in Baghdad to deliver an official protest against overnight US air strikes that targeted Iran-backed groups in Iraq.

Iraq says to summon US envoy over overnight strikes

The United States launched airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against more than 85 targets linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) and militias it backs, reportedly killing nearly 40 people, in retaliation for a deadly attack on U.S. troops.

US launches strikes in Iraq and Syria, nearly 40 reported killed

US launches strikes in Iraq, Syria, nearly 40 killed: Report

The United States failed to stop a deadly attack on an American military outpost in Jordan when the enemy drone approached its target at the same time a US drone was also returning to base, US officials said Monday. 3 US troops killed and over 40 were injured in drone strike in Jordan. Beijing warns against 'cycle of retaliation.' Watch to know more!

US not looking for war with Iran: White House | US bases attacked in Jordan

The US’ response to the drone attack in Jordan that killed and wounded US service members on Sunday is likely to be more powerful than previous American retaliatory strikes in Iraq and Syria, though the Pentagon and White House are being careful not to telegraph the administration’s plans. Now, the biggest challenge for the Biden administration is how to respond to the drone strike. When it's a known secret that Iran has backed these militias attacking U.S. bases, why won't U.S. attack Iran?

US bases attacked in Jordan: Officials say drone 'mix-up' led to the attack

A strike by train drivers in Germany has brought rail travel to a 'near standstill' with very few trains running across the country.

Germany: Train services halted in longest strike ye

Train drivers walked off the job on Wednesday in Germany's longest rail strike yet, stranding commuters and piling pain on the country's&nbsp;economy, with both sides far from agreement.

Across Europe, transport workers have staged strikes to demand higher wages to cope with the impact of inflation.

Germany's six-day strike, the fourth and longest round of industrial action in a months-long dispute over pay and working hours, began at 2 am (0100 GMT) on Wednesday and is set to last until Monday evening.

Two weeks after a&nbsp;previous strike&nbsp;halted national rail traffic for three days, the new action prompted calls for a resumption of talks between the GDL union and state-owned rail company Deutsche Bahn to try to limit the damage to Europe's largest economy.

"We believe you have to come to the table, you have to find compromises. That is the only way," a Deutsche Bahn spokesperson told reporters, pointing to the strike's "massive impact on the economy". The spokesperson also referred to "massive restrictions" on the rail network.

Drivers of freight trains are holding a simultaneous strike that began on Tuesday evening and also ends on Monday.

Industry figures and economists, who have warned of the impact on production and supply chains, said the latest strike action could cost a billion euros ($1.09 billion).

Transport Minister Volker Wissing said the strike would cost over half a billion euros if it continued through to Monday as planned.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has defended the right to strike from calls from the conservative opposition to make it more difficult for workers in critical infrastructure to do so.

Deutsche Bahn and GDL have traded blame, as politicians push for the two sides to end their dispute.

"We have to strike longer and harder because the railway management is resistant to advice," GDL leader Claus Weselsky told broadcaster ARD.

One of the GDL's main demands is a reduction in working hours to a 35-hour week, from a current 38 hours, while retaining full pay.

Deutsche Bahn has rejected this as too costly and said it would need to employ 10% more workers to fill the gap, when industry analysts are warning of skilled labour shortages.

&nbsp;

Train drivers walked off the job on Wednesday in Germany's longest rail strike yet, stranding commuters and piling pain on the country's economy, with both sides far from agreement.

Train drivers walked off the job on Wednesday in Germany's longest rail strike yet, stranding commuters and piling pain on the country's economy, with both sides far from agreement. Across Europe, transport workers have staged strikes to demand higher wages to cope with the impact of inflation. Germany's six-day strike, the fourth and longest round of industrial action in a months-long dispute over pay and working hours, began at 2 am (0100 GMT) on Wednesday and is set to last until Monday evening. Two weeks after a previous strike halted national rail traffic for three days, the new action prompted calls for a resumption of talks between the GDL union and state-owned rail company Deutsche Bahn to try to limit the damage to Europe's largest economy. "We believe you have to come to the table, you have to find compromises. That is the only way," a Deutsche Bahn spokesperson told reporters, pointing to the strike's "massive impact on the economy". The spokesperson also referred to "massive restrictions" on the rail network. Drivers of freight trains are holding a simultaneous strike that began on Tuesday evening and also ends on Monday. Industry figures and economists, who have warned of the impact on production and supply chains, said the latest strike action could cost a billion euros ($1.09 billion). Transport Minister Volker Wissing said the strike would cost over half a billion euros if it continued through to Monday as planned. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has defended the right to strike from calls from the conservative opposition to make it more difficult for workers in critical infrastructure to do so. Deutsche Bahn and GDL have traded blame, as politicians push for the two sides to end their dispute. "We have to strike longer and harder because the railway management is resistant to advice," GDL leader Claus Weselsky told broadcaster ARD. One of the GDL's main demands is a reduction in working hours to a 35-hour week, from a current 38 hours, while retaining full pay. Deutsche Bahn has rejected this as too costly and said it would need to employ 10% more workers to fill the gap, when industry analysts are warning of skilled labour shortages.

German train drivers ramp up pressure with longest strike yet

The United States carried out fresh strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels Saturday, the military said, targeting an anti-ship missile that was "prepared to launch."

Red Sea Crisis: US central command confirms Saturday's strike on Houthi targets

Strike called by Trade Unions over pay dispute and conditions. More than 1,00,000 public sector workers stage walkout. Schools remain closed in Norther Ireland due to strike.

Northern Ireland witnesses biggest strike amid worsening political crisis

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday slammed the U.S. and British strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen as a disproportionate use of force and accused the two countries of trying to turn the Red Sea into a "sea of blood".

Turkey's Erdogan slams US, UK for turning red sea into sea of blood

Bangladesh is having its 12th parliamentary elections today (January 7, 2024). Sheikh Hasina's Awami league is set for fourth consecutive term.

Bangladesh Elections: People vote amid strike, arson | General Elections 2024

Bangladesh police, garment workers clash during protest over low wages. Garment workers sacked after wage protests. The garment industry slowdown is key risk for Bangladesh. Watch the video to know more!

Explained: Bangladesh's garment workers strike

Iran blamed Israel and the United States on Wednesday for twin bomb blasts that killed at least 95 people in the country's south, ripping through a crowd commemorating Revolutionary Guards general Qasem Soleimani four years after his death in a US strike.

Iraq moves to expel US forces, calls drone strikes a 'blatant aggression'

Indian truckers' strike came to a halt late Tuesday (Jan 2) evening after Indian Home Minister Amit Shah put a hold on the new hit-and-run law that triggered the trucker protests across country, media reports said quoting&nbsp;President of All India Motor Transport Congress Amrit Lal Madan.&nbsp;

This came after the truckers' representatives held a meeting with Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla.&nbsp;President of All India Motor Transport Congress Amrit Lal Madan reportedly said, "You are not just our drivers you are our soldiers...We do not want you to face any inconvenience...Union Home Minister Amit Shah has kept the ten years of punishment &amp; fine that was imposed, on hold. Until the next meeting of the All India Motor Transport Congress is held no laws will be imposed."

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said, "We had a discussion with All India Motor Transport Congress representatives, govt want to say that the new rule has not been implemented yet, we all want to say that before implementing Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 106/2, we will have a discussion with All India Motor Transport Congress representatives and then only we will take a decision."

However, it is still unclear whether the talks will result in any potential resolution or whether the protestors will call off the strikes, which started on Monday (Jan 1) and continued through Tuesday (Jan 2) as well.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Indian government and the transporters have appealed to the truckers to get back to their work putting a stop to the strikes.&nbsp;

To hold the talks over the matter that has been brewing following a major overhaul in India's colonial-era criminal laws during the winter session, ANI news agency reported that the members of All India Transport Congress arrived at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in Delhi.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-narendra-modi-launches-projects-worth-24-billion-in-tamil-nadu-675937">Indian PM Narendra Modi launches projects worth $2.4 billion in Tamil Nadu</a>

"There is strictly no nationwide strike called by All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) in the country and all the issues will be resolved amicably. They are meeting Home Secretary (Ajay Bhalla) later in the evening today," PTI news agency reported earlier citing official sources.

<h2>What are the truckers demanding?&nbsp;</h2>

Truckers want&nbsp;the Indian government to backtrack on its provisions of the hit-and-run cases in the new Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the old Indian Penal Code (IPC). AIMTC President Amritlal Madan has&nbsp;demanded the government withdraw the contentious provisions.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-consecration-arrest-from-karnataka-in-connection-to-1992-babri-masjid-riots-opens-fresh-row-675891">Ram temple consecration: Arrest from Karnataka in connection to 1992 Babri Masjid riots opens fresh row</a>

As per the new law, negligent drivers causing serious road accidents and running away without informing the police can face imprisonment of up to 10 years or a fine of Rs 7 lakh ($8400).

<h2>Current situation&nbsp;</h2>

Nearly 1 lakh trucks help transport fuel, including petrol, diesel, and LPG, from oil company depots to petrol pumps and gas distribution agencies.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-navy-steps-up-arabian-sea-security-deploys-frontline-destroyers-675942">Indian Navy steps up Arabian Sea security, deploys frontline destroyers</a>

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With truckers on strike, nearly 2000 petrol pumps have no fuel. It is causing trouble for transport vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and tankers. The situation is especially dire in northern India and Hyderabad in the South. Moreover, petrol pumps, in the Indian states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Punjab also went dry given the sharp increase in demand, reports said citing industry officials.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian truckers' strike came to a halt late Tuesday (Jan 2) evening after Indian Home Minister Amit Shah put a hold on the new hit-and-run law that triggered the trucker protests across country, media reports said quoting President of All India Motor Transport Congress Amrit Lal Madan.

Indian truckers' strike came to a halt late Tuesday (Jan 2) evening after Indian Home Minister Amit Shah put a hold on the new hit-and-run law that triggered the trucker protests across country, media reports said quoting President of All India Motor Transport Congress Amrit Lal Madan. This came after the truckers' representatives held a meeting with Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla. President of All India Motor Transport Congress Amrit Lal Madan reportedly said, "You are not just our drivers you are our soldiers...We do not want you to face any inconvenience...Union Home Minister Amit Shah has kept the ten years of punishment & fine that was imposed, on hold. Until the next meeting of the All India Motor Transport Congress is held no laws will be imposed." Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said, "We had a discussion with All India Motor Transport Congress representatives, govt want to say that the new rule has not been implemented yet, we all want to say that before implementing Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 106/2, we will have a discussion with All India Motor Transport Congress representatives and then only we will take a decision." However, it is still unclear whether the talks will result in any potential resolution or whether the protestors will call off the strikes, which started on Monday (Jan 1) and continued through Tuesday (Jan 2) as well. Meanwhile, the Indian government and the transporters have appealed to the truckers to get back to their work putting a stop to the strikes. To hold the talks over the matter that has been brewing following a major overhaul in India's colonial-era criminal laws during the winter session, ANI news agency reported that the members of All India Transport Congress arrived at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in Delhi. Also Read | Indian PM Narendra Modi launches projects worth $2.4 billion in Tamil Nadu "There is strictly no nationwide strike called by All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) in the country and all the issues will be resolved amicably. They are meeting Home Secretary (Ajay Bhalla) later in the evening today," PTI news agency reported earlier citing official sources. What are the truckers demanding? Truckers want the Indian government to backtrack on its provisions of the hit-and-run cases in the new Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the old Indian Penal Code (IPC). AIMTC President Amritlal Madan has demanded the government withdraw the contentious provisions. Also Read | Ram temple consecration: Arrest from Karnataka in connection to 1992 Babri Masjid riots opens fresh row As per the new law, negligent drivers causing serious road accidents and running away without informing the police can face imprisonment of up to 10 years or a fine of Rs 7 lakh ($8400). Current situation Nearly 1 lakh trucks help transport fuel, including petrol, diesel, and LPG, from oil company depots to petrol pumps and gas distribution agencies. Watch | Indian Navy steps up Arabian Sea security, deploys frontline destroyers × With truckers on strike, nearly 2000 petrol pumps have no fuel. It is causing trouble for transport vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and tankers. The situation is especially dire in northern India and Hyderabad in the South. Moreover, petrol pumps, in the Indian states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Punjab also went dry given the sharp increase in demand, reports said citing industry officials. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Trucker protest called off as Home Minister Amit Shah puts new hit-and-run laws on hold

Russia on Saturday (Dec 30) accused Ukraine of carrying out a "terrorist attack" on civilians in Belgorod and claimed that Kyiv used prohibited cluster munitions in an emergency meeting with the UN Security Council, which was being held at Moscow's request. Meanwhile, the country's defence ministry vowed revenge for the deadly strike on the Russian city. 
 
Russia said that the city of Belgorod was attacked by Ukraine with missiles and rockets in which at least 21 people were killed and dozens were wounded, which included 17 children, as per the local authorities. 
 
It was "a terrorist attack by the Kyiv regime against a civilian city," said Russia's ambassador to the UN Vasily Nebenzya. "In order to increase the number of casualties of the terrorist attack they used cluster munitions," he added, further claiming that a sports centre, an ice rink and a university were targeted by Kyiv.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-strike-kills-at-least-14-in-city-of-belgorod-says-russia-675107">Ukrainian strike kills at least 14 in city of Belgorod, says Russia</a>

"(It was a) deliberate, indiscriminate attack against a civilian target. UN Security Council members have an opportunity to do their duty and assess the damage done to a Russian city, Belgorod," said Nebenzya, as he held up a QR code to link what he claimed was a video of the Ukraine attack's aftermath.

<h2 lang="en-US">Russia vows revenge</h2>

Russia vowed revenge for the strike on Belgorod and added that the so-called cluster bombs were used by Ukraine’s military in the attack. 
 
“This crime will not go unpunished,” said the ministry, in a statement regarding the strike on the city which was located 30 kilometres (19 miles) north of Russia’s border with Ukraine. 
 
As per a New York Times report, which cited Russian authorities, at least 18 people – including two children - were killed in the attack on the Russian city. While, over&nbsp;100 people have suffered injuries.

<h2 lang="en-US">Ukraine says Russia started war</h2>

Quickly retorting to Russia's allegations, Ukrainian allies said that the war was started by Russia. Ukraine's ambassador to the UN Serhii Dvornyk said that "as long as this war, unleashed by the Kremlin dictator, endures the toll of death and suffering will continue to grow."

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Begorod attack: Russia calls UNSC meet

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"As Ukraine is still recovering from yesterday's horrendous strikes, new raids of Russian terror persist. Just hours ago... Russia again terrorized Kharkiv with its S-300 missiles hitting a residential area,” he added. 
 
Meanwhile, US representative John Kelly also squarely blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin. 
 
"This is (Putin's) war, it is his choice. Russia could end this war today... We call for the protection of all civilians on all sides of every conflict,” he said.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Saturday (Dec 30) accused Ukraine of carrying out a "terrorist attack" on civilians in Belgorod and claimed that Kyiv used prohibited cluster munitions in an emergency meeting with the UN Security Council, which was being held at Moscow's request.

Russia on Saturday (Dec 30) accused Ukraine of carrying out a "terrorist attack" on civilians in Belgorod and claimed that Kyiv used prohibited cluster munitions in an emergency meeting with the UN Security Council, which was being held at Moscow's request. Meanwhile, the country's defence ministry vowed revenge for the deadly strike on the Russian city. Russia said that the city of Belgorod was attacked by Ukraine with missiles and rockets in which at least 21 people were killed and dozens were wounded, which included 17 children, as per the local authorities. It was "a terrorist attack by the Kyiv regime against a civilian city," said Russia's ambassador to the UN Vasily Nebenzya. "In order to increase the number of casualties of the terrorist attack they used cluster munitions," he added, further claiming that a sports centre, an ice rink and a university were targeted by Kyiv. Also read: Ukrainian strike kills at least 14 in city of Belgorod, says Russia "(It was a) deliberate, indiscriminate attack against a civilian target. UN Security Council members have an opportunity to do their duty and assess the damage done to a Russian city, Belgorod," said Nebenzya, as he held up a QR code to link what he claimed was a video of the Ukraine attack's aftermath. Russia vows revenge Russia vowed revenge for the strike on Belgorod and added that the so-called cluster bombs were used by Ukraine’s military in the attack. “This crime will not go unpunished,” said the ministry, in a statement regarding the strike on the city which was located 30 kilometres (19 miles) north of Russia’s border with Ukraine. As per a New York Times report, which cited Russian authorities, at least 18 people – including two children - were killed in the attack on the Russian city. While, over 100 people have suffered injuries. Ukraine says Russia started war Quickly retorting to Russia's allegations, Ukrainian allies said that the war was started by Russia. Ukraine's ambassador to the UN Serhii Dvornyk said that "as long as this war, unleashed by the Kremlin dictator, endures the toll of death and suffering will continue to grow." Watch: Russia-Ukraine war: Begorod attack: Russia calls UNSC meet "As Ukraine is still recovering from yesterday's horrendous strikes, new raids of Russian terror persist. Just hours ago... Russia again terrorized Kharkiv with its S-300 missiles hitting a residential area,” he added. Meanwhile, US representative John Kelly also squarely blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin. "This is (Putin's) war, it is his choice. Russia could end this war today... We call for the protection of all civilians on all sides of every conflict,” he said. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia terms Belgorod attack as 'terrorism', vows revenge for strike on city

In cinema history, 2023 will go down as the year of Hollywood's historic twin strike. Both WGA and SAG-AFTRA took to picket lines to fight for their rights. Here's a quick recap of everything that happened during the dual strike.

2023: Hollywood's stormy season of strikes

The Eiffel Tower was shut on Wednesday after the staff managing one of the world's prime tourist attractions went on strike, as per a report by news agency.

Eiffel Tower closed as staff goes on strike over 'unsustainable' management

An unclaimed missile strike has resulted in a fire on board a merchant ship that reportedly was headed towards Israel in The Indian Ocean. The vessel is Affiliated with Israel and the Indian Coast Guard has been dispatched with a warship for immediate assistance to all people on board.

Drone strike hits ‘Israel-affiliated’ ship off India's coast: Maritime agencies

A new study finds that there is extremely low diversity in the UK finance industry, especially when it comes to top jobs in the sector. A new organisation seeking to enhance socio-economic diversity within the UK finance industry discovered that white people from affluent backgrounds occupied half of all top finance positions.

Study: Rich, white men dominate top UK finance jobs

The Hollywood sign, a symbol of the film industry, celebrates its 100th birthday with special lighting.

Hollywood Icon: 9-letter Hollywood landmark hits 100

Hollywood returns to work after the dual strike. We decode what's next for the industry of Glitz and Glam? When do we want it? More than 60,000 SAG-AFTRA members went on strike on the 14th of July joining screenwriters who had walked off the job earlier this year. It was the first time that the industry's two unions went on strike together.

The aftermath of Hollywood strikes: Hollywood gets back to work post-strike | WION

Starbucks employees at hundreds of stores across the United States walked off their jobs on Red Cup Day, which is a key promotional event for the coffee giant. The Workers United, representing over 9,000 Starbucks employees at approximately 360 U.S. stores, announced&nbsp;the walkout on social media on&nbsp;Thursday.

Starbucks maintained that the majority of its stores remained open, while acknowledging strikes at a few dozen locations.

Red Cup Day, an annual event where Starbucks distributes free holiday-themed cups to customers, has traditionally been a major traffic driver for the company. Placer.ai data indicated a 94 per cent surge in U.S. Starbucks store visits on the same day last year compared to the daily average.&nbsp;

Workers United emphasised the need for improved staffing and schedules. The group&nbsp;argued that the event poses significant challenges to staff, leading to long wait times and customer frustration. The union described it as one of the "most infamously hard, understaffed days."&nbsp;

Outside Starbucks' Astor Place outlet at New York University's campus, around a dozen workers picketed, chanting slogans such as "no contract, no coffee." Despite the walkout, the outlet continued to serve customers. &nbsp;

Reuters quoted Mary Boca, a Starbucks employee, as emphasising the need for higher pay and increased staffing. She also revealed that her location does not allow customers to tip, resulting in a financial loss for employees.&nbsp;

Starbucks, facing criticism for alleged understaffing and challenging working conditions, has witnessed labour actions in the past. Last year, employees at over 100 U.S. company-owned Starbucks locations participated in a one-day strike on Red Cup day. &nbsp;

Recently, Starbucks announced a minimum three per cent hourly pay raise for U.S. retail workers from 2024. However, employees found the move inadequate, deeming it "tone-deaf" given the company's robust financial performance, including an 11 per cent increase in fourth-quarter revenue.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters

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Starbucks employees at hundreds of stores across the United States walked off their jobs on Red Cup Day, which is a key promotional event for the coffee giant. The Workers United, representing over 9,000 Starbucks employees at approximately 360 U.

Starbucks employees at hundreds of stores across the United States walked off their jobs on Red Cup Day, which is a key promotional event for the coffee giant. The Workers United, representing over 9,000 Starbucks employees at approximately 360 U.S. stores, announced the walkout on social media on Thursday. Starbucks maintained that the majority of its stores remained open, while acknowledging strikes at a few dozen locations. Red Cup Day, an annual event where Starbucks distributes free holiday-themed cups to customers, has traditionally been a major traffic driver for the company. Placer.ai data indicated a 94 per cent surge in U.S. Starbucks store visits on the same day last year compared to the daily average. Workers United emphasised the need for improved staffing and schedules. The group argued that the event poses significant challenges to staff, leading to long wait times and customer frustration. The union described it as one of the "most infamously hard, understaffed days." Outside Starbucks' Astor Place outlet at New York University's campus, around a dozen workers picketed, chanting slogans such as "no contract, no coffee." Despite the walkout, the outlet continued to serve customers. Reuters quoted Mary Boca, a Starbucks employee, as emphasising the need for higher pay and increased staffing. She also revealed that her location does not allow customers to tip, resulting in a financial loss for employees. Starbucks, facing criticism for alleged understaffing and challenging working conditions, has witnessed labour actions in the past. Last year, employees at over 100 U.S. company-owned Starbucks locations participated in a one-day strike on Red Cup day. Recently, Starbucks announced a minimum three per cent hourly pay raise for U.S. retail workers from 2024. However, employees found the move inadequate, deeming it "tone-deaf" given the company's robust financial performance, including an 11 per cent increase in fourth-quarter revenue. (With inputs from Reuters WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Starbucks employees walkout on Red Cup Day, demand improved conditions 

The SAG-AFTRA actors' union reached a tentative agreement with Hollywood studios to resolve the second of two strikes that rocked the entertainment industry as workers demanded higher pay in the streaming TV era, the union said on Wednesday (November 8).

Members of SAG-AFTRA walked off the job in mid-July asking for an increase in minimum salaries, a share of streaming service revenue and protection from being replaced by "digital replicas" generated by artificial intelligence (AI).

The union said negotiators had reached a preliminary deal on a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents Walt Disney, Netflix and other media companies.

The breakthrough means Hollywood can ramp up to full production for the first time since May, once union members vote to ratify the deal in the coming weeks.

Actors had similar concerns to film and television writers, who argued that compensation for working-class cast members had dwindled as streaming took hold, making it hard to earn a living wage in cities such as Los Angeles and New York. TV series on streaming did not offer the same residual payments that actors enjoyed during the heyday of broadcast TV.

Performers also became alarmed by recent advances in artificial intelligence, which they feared could lead to studios manipulating their likenesses without permission or replacing human actors with digital images.

George Clooney and other A-list stars voiced solidarity with lower-level actors and had urged union leadership, including SAG-AFTRA President and "The Nanny" actor Fran Drescher, to reach a resolution.

Many film and TV sets shut down when the Writers Guild of America (WGA) called a strike in the spring. While WGA members returned to writing scripts in late September, the ongoing SAG-AFTRA work stoppage left many productions dark.

The disruptions cost California more than $6 billion in lost output, according to a Milken Institute estimate.

With little work available, many prop masters, costume designers and other crew members struggled to make ends meet. FilmLA, the group that approves filming permits, reported scripted production during the week of Oct. 29 had fallen 77% from the same time a year earlier.

The Hollywood strikes came during a year of other high-profile job actions. The United Auto Workers recently ended six weeks of walkouts at Detroit carmakers. Teachers, nurses and healthcare workers also walked off the job.

Hollywood's work stoppages forced broadcast networks to fill their fall lineups with re-runs, games shows and reality shows. It also led movie studios to delay big releases such as "Dune: Part 2" because striking actors could not promote them.

Other major films, including the latest installment of the "Mission: Impossible" franchise and Disney's live-action remake of animated classic "Snow White," were postponed until 2025.

The SAG-AFTRA actors' union reached a tentative agreement with Hollywood studios to resolve the second of two strikes that rocked the entertainment industry as workers demanded higher pay in the streaming TV era, the union said on Wednesday (November 8).

The SAG-AFTRA actors' union reached a tentative agreement with Hollywood studios to resolve the second of two strikes that rocked the entertainment industry as workers demanded higher pay in the streaming TV era, the union said on Wednesday (November 8). Members of SAG-AFTRA walked off the job in mid-July asking for an increase in minimum salaries, a share of streaming service revenue and protection from being replaced by "digital replicas" generated by artificial intelligence (AI). The union said negotiators had reached a preliminary deal on a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents Walt Disney, Netflix and other media companies. The breakthrough means Hollywood can ramp up to full production for the first time since May, once union members vote to ratify the deal in the coming weeks. Actors had similar concerns to film and television writers, who argued that compensation for working-class cast members had dwindled as streaming took hold, making it hard to earn a living wage in cities such as Los Angeles and New York. TV series on streaming did not offer the same residual payments that actors enjoyed during the heyday of broadcast TV. Performers also became alarmed by recent advances in artificial intelligence, which they feared could lead to studios manipulating their likenesses without permission or replacing human actors with digital images. George Clooney and other A-list stars voiced solidarity with lower-level actors and had urged union leadership, including SAG-AFTRA President and "The Nanny" actor Fran Drescher, to reach a resolution. Many film and TV sets shut down when the Writers Guild of America (WGA) called a strike in the spring. While WGA members returned to writing scripts in late September, the ongoing SAG-AFTRA work stoppage left many productions dark. The disruptions cost California more than $6 billion in lost output, according to a Milken Institute estimate. With little work available, many prop masters, costume designers and other crew members struggled to make ends meet. FilmLA, the group that approves filming permits, reported scripted production during the week of Oct. 29 had fallen 77% from the same time a year earlier. The Hollywood strikes came during a year of other high-profile job actions. The United Auto Workers recently ended six weeks of walkouts at Detroit carmakers. Teachers, nurses and healthcare workers also walked off the job. Hollywood's work stoppages forced broadcast networks to fill their fall lineups with re-runs, games shows and reality shows. It also led movie studios to delay big releases such as "Dune: Part 2" because striking actors could not promote them. Other major films, including the latest installment of the "Mission: Impossible" franchise and Disney's live-action remake of animated classic "Snow White," were postponed until 2025.

Actors reach tentative agreement with Hollywood studios to end strike

Hollywood star Michael Caine, 90, recently announced his decision to retire from showbiz. While the definition of retirement has changed drastically in showbiz, we look at other actors who are proving that age is just a number with their acting prowess.

Changing definition of retirement in showbiz

Labour leader Keir Starmer appealed to voters on Tuesday to back his vision for Britain, saying his revamped opposition party was best placed to turn the country's fortunes around by boosting economic growth, building houses and restoring hope.

UK: Labour can fix 'broken' Britain, Starmer rallies party before election

The second-longest strike in the union's history has come to an end with the ratification of a three-year contract by the Writers Guild of America. In a vote that concluded on Monday, ninety-nine percent of union members supported the deal; according to the WGA, 8,435 of the 8,525 legitimate votes cast were "yes" votes, while 90 "no" votes (one percent) were cast. The new deal will go into effect on September 25, 2023, and run through May 1, 2026.

Writers guild ratifies strike-ending contract with studios

The threat of industrial action has now reached the threshold of the British Parliament as hundreds of House of Commons security guards have voted to strike according to the Public and Commercial Services Union the Trade union representing civil servants and public sector contractors.

UK Parliament guards to be on strike; 95% security guards in favour of strike

UK: House of Commons' security guards vote to strike

There are challenges in the world economy. There was a long period where the countries especially the US and other countries in the West kept their interest rates really down which led to debt building up. Watch this to know more.

US auto strike adds to economic challenges

Over 75,000 US healthcare workers go on strike over wages and staff shortages. The strike of union members at the largest non-profit healthcare organisation began in Virginia and the District of Columbia.

US healthcare workers launch strike at Kaiser Permanente

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