Human Times

North American Edition

8th June 2026

THE HOT STORY

Hospitality and healthcare lead stronger-than-expected U.S. job growth in May

The U.S. labor market continued to show resilience in May, adding 172,000 jobs, well above economists’ expectations of 80,000, while the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.3%. The Labor Department report stated that leisure and hospitality led hiring with 70,000 new jobs, supported by seasonal demand and preparations for the upcoming World Cup. Healthcare and social assistance added 47,000 positions, while local government employment rose by 55,000 jobs. Construction also posted gains for a third consecutive month. Several sectors saw declines, however, including retail, finance, and information services. Air transportation employment fell by nearly 9,000 jobs, reflecting the impact of Spirit Airlines’ collapse. The report also included significant upward revisions to prior months, with March job growth revised to 214,000 and April revised to 179,000, indicating stronger labor market momentum than previously reported. The stronger hiring data has shifted attention at the Federal Reserve from potential interest rate cuts toward the possibility of future rate increases, particularly as inflation pressures persist. Treasury yields rose following the report as investors increased expectations that the Fed could tighten policy later this year.

TECHNOLOGY

Walmart shareholders reject AI workforce review amid automation push

Walmart shareholders have voted against a proposal seeking a report on how the retailer's growing use of AI affects employee wellbeing, despite concerns raised by workers about increased pressure, burnout and workplace safety risks. The vote came as Walmart expands its use of AI and automation across stores, warehouses and e-commerce operations in a bid to strengthen its position against Amazon. The company said AI is being deployed responsibly to support, rather than replace, human decision-making. Shareholders also rejected a proposal requesting an assessment of the impact of changing U.S. immigration policies on Walmart’s operations.

Reuters

WORKFORCE

SoFi Stadium workers vote to authorize strike ahead of World Cup

Workers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a potential strike during the upcoming World Cup. The Unite Here Local 11 union, representing about 2,000 food and beverage workers, reported that 96% of voters supported the strike call. The union is calling for better pay and protections against federal immigration agents entering the venue. Union co-president Kurt Petersen said: "If we're forced to strike, those $100,000 FIFA suites will have nothing but bottled water and Doritos."

France 24

NPR / National Public Radio

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Cigna drops coverage of GLP-1 obesity drugs for staff

Health insurer Cigna will cease employee coverage for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, such as Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Zepbound, effective July 1. “As availability has increased and new options have emerged, we've made the decision to end our plan's coverage for GLP-1s for weight loss," a Cigna spokesperson said. "We remain committed to supporting our employees’ health ⁠through a range of weight management programs and resources.” In a document circulated to staff, Cigna suggested those currently using the medications can choose to pay for the drugs with cash through manufacturer sites or TrumpRx.

Billings Gazette

Reuters

LEGAL

Top Goldman Sachs lawyer Kathy Ruemmler to stay with bank

Kathy Ruemmler, Goldman Sachs’ general counsel, is staying with the bank after David Solomon, Goldman’s chief executive, asked her to remain as an adviser to clients. The unexpected move comes after Ruemmler resigned in February following revelations about her ties to the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. At the time, Solomon described Ruemmler as an “extraordinary general counsel” who “will be missed.” Solomon has been steadfast in his support for Ruemmler and has privately maintained that he didn’t think she did anything wrong or inappropriate amid scrutiny over her interactions with Epstein.

Bloomberg

Financial Times

CORPORATE

U.S. states prepare lawsuit to block Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros

Reuters reports that U.S. states including New York and California are preparing a lawsuit to block Paramount Skydance's $110bn acquisition of Warner Bros, in what it says would mark the boldest move yet by the states in their effort to be at the forefront of U.S. antitrust enforcement. Not all lawsuits seeking to block mergers succeed, but they can delay the consummation of deals by months if a judge issues an order pausing the merger while the case plays out, Reuters observes.

Reuters

INTERNATIONAL

Nvidia is working with LG on humanoid robots

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has said the company is partnering with South Korean tech conglomerate LG Group on humanoid robots. "We are working with them in motor technology as well as mechanical systems so that we can bring together humanoid robotics and ‌the ⁠future of robotics," Huang said after meeting with LG Group ⁠Chairman Koo Kwang-mo in Seoul.

Reuters

Permanent hiring in U.K. hit by higher costs

Permanent hiring in the U.K. has fallen to its lowest level in 10 months, according to research by KPMG and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Permanent hiring came in at 44.1 in May, the lowest figure since July last year, on an index where a reading below 50 signals contraction. The report shows that companies are increasingly opting for temporary workers due to low confidence in the economy, as the conflict in the Middle East pushes up inflation. Shop worker roles have been particularly affected, with high street businesses hit by higher minimum wage costs, taxes and energy bills. Neil Carberry, chief executive of the REC, said: "The clearest story in the economy right now is momentum being held up by uncertainty."

Pakistani workers say their faith cost them their jobs in the UAE

Shia Muslims from Pakistan have said they were deported from the UAE as a consequence of the Iran war. Pakistani legislators told NPR that anywhere between 5,000 to 18,000 Shia Pakistanis had been deported. Neil Quilliam, an associated fellow at the British think tank Chatham House, has said the UAE is angry at Pakistan for expressing sympathy with Iranian victims and because Pakistan is mediating to try and end the conflict, while the Emirates has sided with the U.S. and Israel.

NPR / National Public Radio

Norway oil companies and unions agree wage deal

Norwegian oil companies and labor unions have agreed to a wage deal that prevents strike action. Unions had said nearly 8% of Norwegian offshore oil and gas workers planned to strike if mediation had failed. A general annual pay increase of 42,000 Norwegian crowns ($4,493) was agreed, ‌including ⁠offshore compensation and holiday allowance, officials said. "In addition, shift and night supplements will increase by NOK 5 and NOK 8 respectively. Adjustments have also been made to variable supplements, along with some technical changes to the agreements," ⁠Offshore Norway said.

Reuters

OTHER

AI revolution transforms modern farming practices

As agriculture enters a new technological era, the New York Times looks at the ways in which AI is changing how farms operate. Driverless tractors, soil-scanning drones and robotic milking systems are becoming more common, helping farmers tackle labor shortages and work more efficiently. Although the upfront cost can be high, many are already seeing benefits in their day-to-day work. New tools, such as laser weed control, can also reduce the need for herbicides. These advances bring challenges, but they are also opening up new opportunities and attracting younger, tech-minded workers into agriculture.

The New York Times

The Human Times is designed to help you stay ahead, spark ideas and support innovation, learning and development in your organisation.

The links under articles indicate original news sources. Some links lead directly to the source material. Others lead to paywalls where you may need a subscription. A third category are restricted by copyright rules.

For reaction and insights on any stories covered in the Human Times, join the discussion by becoming a member of our LinkedIn Group or Business Page, or follow us on X.

Online

Advertise

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe