1-10 of 14,965 results
Amazon CEO Jassy says AI will reduce its corporate workforce in the next few years
As Amazon ramps up its use of generative artificial intelligence, the company expects a reduction in its corporate workforce over the next few years. CEO Andy Jassy shared in a message to employees that while AI will eliminate some current roles, it will also create demand for new ones. He urged staff to explore AI tools, attend trainings, and help integrate the technology into daily operations. With over 1,000 generative AI applications already in progress, Amazon is investing heavily in its cloud and AI infrastructure—including multibillion-dollar data center projects across several U.S. states and deeper partnerships with startups like Anthropic.
See "Amazon CEO Jassy says AI will reduce its corporate workforce in the next few years", Michelle Chapman, Click Orlando, June 18, 2025
Idaho grocer to pay $250k for employing 6 minors to clean meat slicers, other duties
Swensen's Magic Markets LLC, a grocery chain in south-central Idaho, has been fined over $250,000 after federal investigators found it employed six minors to perform hazardous jobs like cleaning meat slicers and operating trash compactors. The U.S. Department of Labor also found a 13-year-old was employed in violation of legal age restrictions and that minors worked beyond permitted hours. Additionally, three adult employees were denied proper overtime pay. The store must now pay back wages and damages, and comply with federal child labor laws across its Hagerman, Paul, and Twin Falls locations.
See "Idaho grocer to pay $250k for employing 6 minors to clean meat slicers, other duties", Zoe Tuttle, KTVB, June 18, 2025
US labor market softening; single-family building permits slump
New unemployment claims fell slightly to 245,000 last week, but widespread layoffs across industries and a decline in hiring suggest the U.S. labor market is losing momentum. Continuing claims also dipped to 1.945 million, yet remain elevated as recently laid-off workers struggle to find new jobs. Meanwhile, single-family housing permits dropped 2.7% in May—the lowest level since April 2023—amid high borrowing costs, excess inventory, and weakened buyer demand. Economists cite tariffs, stalled interest rate cuts, and global instability as contributing to economic uncertainty heading into summer.
See "US labor market softening; single-family building permits slump", Lucia Mutikani, Reuters, June 18, 2025
Safeway workers in more parts of Colorado hit the picket lines amid union’s strike
More Safeway grocery workers in Colorado have joined a growing strike over staffing shortages and proposed cuts to health and pension benefits, bringing the total number of affected locations to seven, including stores in Castle Rock, Littleton, and a distribution center in Denver. The union representing the workers, UFCW Local 7, warned that more of the state’s 105 Safeway and Albertsons stores could soon follow if negotiations stall. Safeway says it’s negotiating in good faith, though details remain sparse. The strike is unfolding amid broader unrest nationwide, with UFCW locals in multiple states also authorizing potential walkouts at Kroger- and Albertsons-owned stores.
See "Safeway workers in more parts of Colorado hit the picket lines amid union’s strike", Tamara Chuang, Colorado Sun, June 17, 2025
Labor unions, trade groups clash on bill to expand apprenticeship ratios in Wisconsin
A proposed Wisconsin bill to expand the ratio of apprentices to journeyworkers in state-approved programs is drawing sharp lines between business groups and labor unions. Current law limits most programs to one apprentice per journeyworker unless otherwise allowed in a union contract. The new legislation would permit a 2-to-1 ratio, with supporters like Associated Builders and Contractors arguing it’s necessary to address a looming labor shortage as many skilled tradespeople approach retirement. However, unions like the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades oppose the change, citing safety risks and concerns about training quality. The bill has been introduced by Republicans and is under committee review.
See "Labor unions, trade groups clash on bill to expand apprenticeship ratios in Wisconsin", Lorin Cox, WPR, June 17, 2025
Au Pairs, Summer Workers Ensnared in Trump Visa Interview Freeze
A visa interview freeze under the Trump administration is causing major disruptions to the J-1 exchange visitor program, stranding thousands of au pairs, camp counselors, and seasonal workers abroad. The pause, now in its fourth week, is delaying or derailing summer plans for families, camps, and employers who rely on international workers to fill critical roles. About 40% of au pairs placed by one agency are still awaiting interviews, and over 3,000 camp-related visa applicants remain in limbo. The backlog is also expected to ripple into other employment-based visa categories like H-1Bs, raising concerns across sectors dependent on foreign talent.
See "Au Pairs, Summer Workers Ensnared in Trump Visa Interview Freeze", Andrew Kreighbaum, Bloomberg Law, June 17, 2025
Uber, unions reach labor peace deal in exchange for dropping driver wage hike ordinance
A labor agreement has been reached between Uber and key unions in Chicago, effectively halting a proposed ordinance that would have mandated higher wages for ride-share drivers. The Illinois Drivers Alliance—supported by SEIU Local 1 and IAM Local 701—secured a pledge from Uber to remain neutral toward union organizing. While the deal is seen by supporters as a step toward long-term worker protections, critics argue it stalls urgently needed wage reforms.
See "Uber, unions reach labor peace deal in exchange for dropping driver wage hike ordinance", Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, June 16, 2025
Top House Democrat asks Microsoft about DOGE code allegedly tied to NLRB data removal
A whistleblower has accused the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) of removing and concealing sensitive data related to union activity from a National Labor Relations Board database. In response, House Democrats are asking Microsoft for information about alleged code on GitHub that may have enabled this data extraction. Supporters of the inquiry say the actions risk exposing workers to retaliation and undermine federal oversight, while critics may argue the investigation is politically motivated or based on unverified claims.
See "Top House Democrat asks Microsoft about DOGE code allegedly tied to NLRB data removal", Stephen Fowler, Jenna McLaughlin, NPR, June 16, 2025
Two large labor union leaders leave DNC over disagreements
Leaders of two major labor unions have parted ways with the Democratic National Committee over disagreements with its current direction. Randi Weingarten and Lee Saunders cited concerns about the party’s approach to engaging working-class communities and adapting to present challenges. Supporters of their move argue the DNC is failing to evolve and include key voices, while party officials defend the leadership's strategy as inclusive and electorally effective.
See "Two large labor union leaders leave DNC over disagreements", Aaron Navarro, CBS News, June 16, 2025
Acting head of US employment rights agency failing to protect trans and nonbinary workers, Democrats say
Over 70 Democratic lawmakers have accused the acting chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission of failing to uphold legal protections for transgender and nonbinary workers. In a letter, they allege the agency deprioritized or dismissed gender identity discrimination claims under Andrea Lucas’s leadership. Supporters of the letter argue this violates civil rights law and Supreme Court precedent, while critics may contend the agency is aligning with broader federal policy directives.
See "Acting head of US employment rights agency failing to protect trans and nonbinary workers, Democrats say", Michael Sainato, The Guardian, June 13, 2025
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