Many workers involved in AI development, especially contractors and data labelers at companies like Google, Meta, and xAI, are being laid off as these companies restructure and shift focus, highlighting the precarious position of those handling the foundational work of AI development amidst increasing investments and industry changes.
A year after Brian Niccol became CEO of Starbucks, the company remains at odds with its unionized workers, who have criticized staffing, pay, and working conditions despite union growth and protests. Negotiations for a fair contract have stalled, and workers continue to push for better wages and protections, highlighting a significant ongoing labor dispute.
Workers at Safeway and Albertsons in Colorado, represented by UFCW Local 7, plan to strike after negotiations failed over issues like understaffing, benefit cuts, and unfair labor practices, potentially involving around 7,000 employees and marking one of Colorado's largest labor actions.
Workers across Asia and Europe took to the streets on May Day to demand economic justice and better working conditions. French unions rallied against President Emmanuel Macron's move to raise the retirement age, while South Koreans demanded higher wages. In Spain, more than 70 marches were held, with unions warning of "social conflict" if salaries did not rise in line with inflation. Protests also took place in Pakistan, Turkey, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Lebanon. In Germany, feminist and queer groups organized a "Take Back the Night" rally to protest violence against women and LGBTQ+ people.