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Workplace Violence Prevention Plan Requirements (California)

California employers must implement written workplace violence prevention plans, conduct employee training, and maintain incident logs by July 1, 2024, under the state's new health and safety law. The Division of Occupational Safety and Health administers and enforces California's health and safety regulations, which have long required employers to institute effective injury prevention programs. Employers with a written WVPP will be better equipped to address violent incidents or threats in the workplace.

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The Future of AI Regulation Takes Center Stage in California Δ1.71

The author of California's SB 1047 has introduced a new bill that could shake up Silicon Valley by protecting employees at leading AI labs and creating a public cloud computing cluster to develop AI for the public. This move aims to address concerns around massive AI systems posing existential risks to society, particularly in regards to catastrophic events such as cyberattacks or loss of life. The bill's provisions, including whistleblower protections and the establishment of CalCompute, aim to strike a balance between promoting AI innovation and ensuring accountability.

Federal Workers Face New Email Requirements Δ1.71

Federal workers are being required to list their recent accomplishments weekly, with emails sent by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) asking employees to provide a list of activities from the previous week. The emails aim to identify "dead payroll employees," but details about the process and potential consequences for non-response remain unclear. Federal agencies have been instructed to share employee information with OPM, raising concerns about data sharing and employee confidentiality.

UK Asks Social Media Firms to Assess Online Risks by March 31 Δ1.70

Britain's media regulator Ofcom has set a March 31 deadline for social media and other online platforms to submit a risk assessment around the likelihood of users encountering illegal content on their sites. The Online Safety Act requires companies like Meta, Facebook, Instagram, and ByteDance's TikTok to take action against criminal activity and make their platforms safer. These firms must assess and mitigate risks related to terrorism, hate crime, child sexual exploitation, financial fraud, and other offences.

Responding to a Food Incident: Manufacturers' Next Steps Δ1.68

Food manufacturers should investigate claims quickly, assemble a response team, determine the disposition of the food, and communicate internally about the incident. They must also consider recalling the product if necessary to protect public health. Effective responses require timely action and clear decision-making.

The Impact of Uncertainty on Workplaces Today Δ1.67

In her new book, "Why Are We Here?: Creating a Work Culture Everyone Wants," workplace strategist Jennifer Moss explores ways to navigate the constant shifts in the modern workplace and help employees fall in love with their jobs again. As the pandemic has changed the way we work, many employees are facing uncertainty and disengagement. To address this, Moss emphasizes the importance of fundamental human needs such as dignity, respect, trust, purpose, and hope. By incorporating small incremental wins, celebrating goals, and nurturing workplace friendships, employers can help create a more hopeful and engaging work environment.

California Bar Exam Test Takers Sue over ‘Disaster’ Rollout This Week Δ1.67

A trio of test takers has filed a proposed federal class action lawsuit against exam vendor Meazure Learning, alleging that the company failed to provide a functioning test platform despite warning signs of technical troubles. The February bar exam was plagued by widespread problems, including server failures, connectivity issues, and non-working functionality, leaving many examinees traumatized and delaying their career ambitions. The state bar has offered full refunds to those who withdrew, but the lawsuit seeks unspecified damages from Meazure Learning.

Us Judge Says Mass Firings of some Federal Workers Likely Illegal Δ1.66

A California judge has ruled that thousands of federal workers were likely unlawfully fired by the Trump administration as part of its effort to slash the federal workforce, highlighting the impact on low-level employees and sparking concerns about accountability. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) had instructed agencies to terminate probationary employees using authority it does not possess, US District Judge William Alsup ruled. This decision is a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding mass firings at the federal level.

'State Street Drops Diversity Targets for Corporate Boards' Δ1.66

State Street's asset management unit has dropped targets for the number of women and minority directors who should serve on corporate boards, according to new proxy voting guidance posted on its website. The change was made in line with other major asset managers under political pressure, but it is striking given State Street's previous efforts to increase gender diversity through its "Fearless Girl" statue campaign. The global proxy voting policy of State Street Global Advisors now relies on board nominating committees to determine composition, rather than setting specific targets.

Tesla Applies for Ride-Hail Permit in California — but There's a Catch Δ1.66

Tesla has applied for a permit with the California Public Utilities Commission to operate a transportation service in the state, a required first step if the automaker wants to eventually offer a robotaxi service there. The application for a transportation charter-party carrier permit was made by Tesla in November 2024 and is currently pending approval from the CPUC. This permit is distinct from those held by ride-hailing app companies Lyft and Uber, which use online-enabled applications to connect drivers with paying passengers.

'Uber for Guns' App Protector Lets You Hire Armed Body Guards Like You Would an Uber — but Does Anyone Really Need This? Δ1.66

Protector, a new app launched last week in Los Angeles and New York City, allows ordinary people to order a Secret Service-like security detail. The app has generated significant buzz on social media platforms such as TikTok, where videos showcasing its luxury SUV-driving guards have racked up millions of views. Despite the initial hype, however, it's unclear whether users will actually pay for this service.

Protecting Yourself From Vishing Attacks Surged 442% Last Year Δ1.66

Vishing attacks have skyrocketed, with CrowdStrike tracking at least six campaigns in which attackers pretended to be IT staffers to trick employees into sharing sensitive information. The security firm's 2025 Global Threat Report revealed a 442% increase in vishing attacks during the second half of 2024 compared to the first half. These attacks often use social engineering tactics, such as help desk social engineering and callback phishing, to gain remote access to computer systems.

State Pension Deadline Delayed Due to High Call Volume Δ1.66

A looming deadline for people to plug NI gaps, to ensure they get the full state pension, has been eased due to concerns over a rush of last-minute enquiries. Anyone who requests a call back from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on the issue will not be regarded as having missed the 5 April deadline. People can currently make voluntary extra contributions to plug National Insurance gaps back to 2006, but after April's deadline, this will be limited to the previous six years only.

U.S. Firms Demand Crackdown on Tariff-Evading Chinese Importers Δ1.65

The U.S. needs tougher legislation to enforce trade laws and ensure criminal prosecution of Chinese government-subsidized companies that circumvent U.S. tariffs by shipping goods through third countries, according to U.S. executives. The country has been losing out on tariff revenue and American companies have been forced out of business by Chinese firms that exploit trade rules. Limited funding for enforcement has allowed Chinese firms to find loopholes, forcing U.S. companies to close factories, reduce employment, and reduce investment.

Dexcom Receives FDA Warning Letter for Two U.S. Manufacturing Facilities Δ1.65

Dexcom has been issued a warning letter by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration following inspections that revealed issues in its manufacturing processes and quality management systems at its San Diego and Mesa facilities. The company's shares fell nearly 7% as it acknowledged the situation but expressed confidence that it would not materially impact its manufacturing capacity or sales guidance for fiscal year 2025. Dexcom is currently preparing a written response to address the FDA's observations.

Meta Pushes for App Store Age Verification Bill in Every State Δ1.65

Utah has become the first state to pass legislation requiring app store operators to verify users' ages and require parental consent for minors to download apps. This move follows efforts by Meta and other social media sites to push for similar bills, which aim to protect minors from online harms. The App Store Accountability Act is part of a growing trend in kids online safety bills across the country.

Reddit Will Issue Warnings to Users Who Repeatedly Upvote Banned Content Δ1.65

Reddit will now issue warnings to users who "upvote several pieces of content banned for violating our policies" within a certain timeframe, starting first with violent content. The company aims to reduce exposure to bad content without penalizing the vast majority of users, who already downvote or report abusive content. By monitoring user behavior, Reddit hopes to find a balance between free speech and maintaining a safe community.

Federal Worker Cuts to Hit National Security Hard Δ1.65

Former top U.S. cybersecurity official Rob Joyce warned lawmakers on Wednesday that cuts to federal probationary employees will have a "devastating impact" on U.S. national security. The elimination of these workers, who are responsible for hunting and eradicating cyber threats, will destroy a critical pipeline of talent, according to Joyce. As a result, the U.S. government's ability to protect itself from sophisticated cyber attacks may be severely compromised. The probe into China's hacking campaign by the Chinese Communist Party has significant implications for national security.

Government Announces Changes to Employment Rights Bill. Δ1.65

The UK government has announced significant changes to its Employment Rights Bill, including a ban on exploitative zero hour contracts for agency workers. Agency workers will be entitled to a minimum number of guaranteed hours each week, and those who choose zero hour contracts will also be eligible for compensation if their shifts are changed at short notice. The amendments aim to provide better protections for workers in the gig economy.

Fired US Government Workers with Top Security Clearances Were Not Given Exit Briefings Δ1.65

Recent mass layoffs at Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency have resulted in some U.S. government workers with top security clearances not receiving standard exit briefings, raising significant security concerns. Typically, these briefings remind employees of their non-disclosure agreements and provide guidance on handling potential foreign approaches, which is critical given their access to sensitive information. The absence of these debriefings creates vulnerabilities, particularly as foreign adversaries actively seek to exploit gaps in security protocols.

China Pledges More Resources to Support Employment Δ1.65

China will step up resources and funding to support employment and unveil new policies to help college graduates get jobs, as the external environment could become more complex and severe. China faces an arduous task to stabilise and expand employment in 2025, minister Wang Xiaoping said, estimating this year's employment will be generally stable. The government aims to provide support for underemployed workers, including temporary job placement services and vocational training programs.

CFPB Staff and Leaders Clash Over Agency's Fate Δ1.65

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is embroiled in a contentious battle between its leadership and staff over whether they are allowed to continue working despite claims of a shutdown. A key agency executive, Adam Martinez, will testify next week after a judge expressed concerns about the agency's fate. The dispute centers on whether the Trump administration is attempting to dismantle the CFPB or if it has allowed workers to continue their legally required duties.

Mercedes-Benz to Cut Headcount, Lower Pay Increases Amid Cost-Cutting Drive Δ1.65

Mercedes-Benz has won agreement from its works council to offer buy-outs to staff and reduced planned salary increases by half, as part of a wider cost-cutting drive aimed at reviving earnings. The company plans to reduce production costs by 10% by 2027 and double that by 2030, with redundancies ruled out for production workers. Management has agreed to extend a job security guarantee until the end of 2034.

US Labor Department Reinstates Workers Targeted in Trump Job Cuts, Union Says Δ1.65

The U.S. Department of Labor has reinstated about 120 employees who were facing termination as part of the Trump administration's mass firings of recently hired workers, a union said on Friday. The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest federal employee union, said the probationary employees had been reinstated immediately and the department was issuing letters telling them to report back to duty on Monday. This decision reverses earlier actions taken by the Labor Department, which had placed some employees on administrative leave.

Women's Rights Under Attack and 'We Must Fight Back', Says UN Chief Δ1.65

The United Nations Secretary-General has warned that women's rights are under attack, with digital tools often silencing women's voices and fuelling harassment. Guterres urged the world to fight back against these threats, stressing that gender equality is not just about fairness, but also about power and dismantling systems that allow inequalities to fester. The international community must take action to ensure a better world for all.

U.S. Firms Demand Crackdown on Tariff-Evading Chinese Importers Δ1.65

The U.S. needs tougher legislation to enforce trade laws and ensure criminal prosecution of Chinese government-subsidized companies that circumvent U.S. tariffs by shipping goods through third countries, according to U.S. companies. For years, these loopholes have allowed Chinese exporters to evade duties, forcing American companies out of business. The reintroduction of a bipartisan bill aims to ramp up prosecution and enforcement, but its success depends on increased funding.