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North American Edition
23rd June 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
California's ‘No Robo Bosses Act' targets AI in the workplace
In California, a new bill, the “No Robo Bosses Act” (Senate Bill 7), aims to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in hiring and employee management. Introduced by state Sen. Jerry McNerney, the bill seeks to ensure human oversight in automated decision-making processes. “When it comes to people's lives and their careers, you don't want these automated decision-making systems to operate without any oversight,” McNerney said. If passed, it would prevent employers from relying primarily on AI for promotions, discipline, or terminations. The bill has faced opposition from the California Chamber of Commerce, which argues that its requirements are impractical. The legislation is part of a broader discussion on the need for accountability in AI technologies, especially as they become more prevalent in the workplace.
HIRING
Court weighs data discovery fight over hiring bias claims
For Bloomberg Law, Chris Marr writes about how job applicants who are bringing a closely watched bias lawsuit targeting Workday’s artificial intelligence-powered hiring software are fighting to uncover information needed to make or break their claims. The plaintiffs’ obtaining substantial discovery would boost the outlook for more cases, which attorneys view as difficult to prove given job applicants’ lack of insight into how the technology evaluates them, Marr writes. The case is described as a "pivotal moment for AI bias lawsuits."
WORKFORCE
U.S. ramps up emergency Middle East evacuations
The State Department has increased its emergency evacuation flights for American citizens wishing to leave Israel amid rising tensions in the Middle East. As of Saturday, over 7,900 Americans had requested assistance to leave the country. Meanwhile, following U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, the department ordered nonessential personnel and their families at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut to depart due to the "volatile and unpredictable security situation in the region." The department also issued travel warnings for U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia and Turkey, advising increased caution due to potential hostilities. "Negative sentiment toward U.S. foreign policy may prompt actions against U.S. or Western interests in Turkey," the notice stated.
STRATEGY
Voice of America terminates over 600 more staff
The Voice of America (VOA) is undergoing significant staff reductions, with over 639 employees receiving termination notices, resulting in an 85% decrease in personnel since March. Kari Lake, senior advisor to the U.S. Agency for Global Media, said: "Reduction in Force Termination Notices were sent to 639 employees at USAGM and Voice of America," noting the agency's efforts to eliminate what she described as a "bloated, unaccountable bureaucracy." Following these cuts, only 250 employees will remain across USAGM, VOA, and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. This drastic reduction marks a potential end to the broadcasting network, which was established in 1942 to counter Nazi propaganda and has served millions globally.
Lululemon could replace workers with AI
Lululemon, the Canadian athleisure brand, has announced the elimination of 150 roles within its support center team, primarily affecting customer service and technical support positions. Analysts suggest that Lululemon may turn to AI to fill these roles, as they involve repetitive tasks suited for automation. The layoffs coincide with Lululemon's reassessment of its tariff strategy. Many of the company's products are sourced from countries that could face increased tariffs.
CYBERSECURITY
Cyberattacks top list of global business concerns
The threat of cyberattacks represents the most serious challenge for businesses in the coming year, according to a report published by advisory firm Kroll. Seventy-four percent of organizations report increased cybersecurity and data privacy concerns, with the most common threats including malware (44%) and AI-powered exploits (28%). “When it comes to addressing the patchwork of global data privacy laws and the impact on their businesses, just 12% of respondents globally ranked their organizations as ‘extremely prepared,’” Kroll said in its report. The average business gave itself a 7.4 score out of 10. Globally, one in three respondents ranked geopolitical tensions among their top business challenges for the year ahead, with companies in the United States, UK and Europe most likely to see it as a major concern. Tariffs, technology controls and cybercrime, supply chain disruption, regulatory shifts, and sanctions were cited as the highest areas of geopolitical concern. U.S. companies indexed higher than global peers on concerns regarding inflation and domestic political tensions, while evolving data privacy regulations worry European companies more than other regions.
MANAGEMENT
Investors question management at Victoria's Secret
Victoria's Secret paid $760,000 for the relocation expenses of chief executive Hillary Super, including real estate agent fees, temporary housing, and personal security. However, investors, including Australian billionaire Brett Blundy, are reportedly not impressed with the company's management and board-level decisions. Shareholders claim Ms. Super lacks focus and experience and lacks trust in her staff. Bloomberg notes that Victoria's Secret, once the leader in the bra business, has struggled to appeal to shifting consumer tastes, a competitive retail landscape, tariff rules, and a recent security incident. Shares of the lingerie company have fallen by over half since L Brands spun off Victoria's Secret in 2021.
LEGAL
Costa Mesa inks one-year deal with employee labor groups
The Costa Mesa City Council has approved tentative agreements with four employee unions, resulting in $3.5m in salary and benefit increases for the upcoming year. Human Resources Manager Kasama Lee reported successful negotiations, including a $1.9m deal with the police force and nearly $1.6m with other city employees. Police staff will receive a 4% salary increase and additional health benefits, while non-police employees will see a $50 monthly increase in health benefits starting in July.
RISK
More and more people are missing from official census data
In a paper published in Science, researchers from the University of Southampton in the U.K. and Columbia University say a hidden global crisis of population undercounting threatens to undermine policies from school building to disease outbreak response. "Lack of census data compromises all areas of public administration, but we don't see these statistics in the same way as other vital infrastructure, like bridges or roads," says Dr. Jessica Espey, lead author of the paper from the University of Southampton. "When groups are not counted, they can be left off the policy agenda. That political underrepresentation and the inadequate resource allocation that follows can have pernicious effects."
INTERNATIONAL
Korean language textbook for migrants focuses on workplace phrases
A new textbook titled "Jang Young Sil Basic Korean" aims to assist migrant workers and international students in navigating Korea's manufacturing workplaces. Released by the Institute for Special Purpose Korean at Seojeong University, the book focuses on practical phrases and vocabulary relevant to the factory environment, such as “Do we have work gloves in this workshop?” and “When is payday?” Son Hye-jin, head of the university's Korean language institute, highlighted that existing textbooks often lack real-life context, leading to disengagement among learners. The initiative addresses the communication challenges faced by many migrant workers, with the goal of helping them integrate into Korean society. “Effective communication impacts not only productivity but also workplace safety,” Son said. The university is also developing additional resources for other sectors, aiming to support learners in becoming valued members of society.
Filipinos flee conflict in Israel
The Philippines is set to repatriate at least 178 Filipinos from Israel amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Secretary Hans Cacdac said that the DMW is also aiding 14 workers in Iran, three in Jordan, and one in Iraq, along with 58 stranded at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports. The Department of Foreign Affairs reports approximately 1,180 Filipinos in Iran and 30,742 in Israel.
OTHER
Tinder launches double-dating feature
Tinder has launched a new feature called Double Date, allowing users to create joint profiles with friends for paired matches. The feature, which aims to alleviate dating stress for younger users, was popular during testing in Europe and Latin America. Cleo Long, Tinder's head of product marketing, said:“This is a social-first experience that's really meant to help relieve some of the pressure that we know a lot of Gen Z experiences with dating.” The feature has shown promising results, with nearly 90% of testers under 29 and a significant increase in messaging activity. However, Tinder faces challenges, including a decline in paying subscribers and leadership changes, as it seeks to adapt to shifting user preferences.
 


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