As reported by CBS News, Philadelphia city workers are expected back in the office this summer. According to Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, the return-to-office policy will take effect July 15. The policy impacts about 4,700 people working across all departments.
The mayor stated the city will make changes to accommodate the new policy, including an increase in parental leave, emergency care needs for child and elder care, and designating the Friday after Thanksgiving as a holiday.
However, not everyone is on board with the change.
David Wilson, the president of AFSCME Local 2187, the union representing municipal workers, claimed the mayor’s decision shows she “doesn’t care for her city workforce.” Wilson added the union is “disheartened” by the policy change.
Colorado Governor Signs AI Regulation Bill
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill May 17 that will require developers of artificial intelligence (AI) to avoid discrimination in high-risk systems, according to The Hill.
Expected to go into effect in 2026, the first-in-the-nation law adds requirements for developers of “high-risk” AI systems, including employers, to “use reasonable care to avoid algorithmic discrimination.”
According to a White House policy document, algorithmic discrimination occurs when automated systems contribute to unjustified different treatment or impacts disfavoring people based on their race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other classification protected by law.
The Colorado bill will also require developers to disclose information about AI systems to regulators and the public and complete impact assessments of such systems.
The bill faced opposition from technology industry groups but ultimately was signed into law by Polis.
Alabama Mercedes-Benz Workers Vote Against Joining Union
Mercedes-Benz workers in Alabama voted against union representation by the United Auto Workers (UAW), the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) said May 17.
According to CNBC, the results are a blow to the UAW’s organizing efforts a month after the Detroit union won an organizing drive of roughly 4,330 Volkswagen plant workers in Tennessee. Voting started Monday, May 13, and ended Friday, May 17.
Union organizing failed, with 56% of the vote, or 2,642 workers, casting ballots against the UAW, according to the NLRB, which oversaw the election. More than 90% of the 5,075 eligible Mercedes-Benz workers voted in the election, according to the results.
The UAW previously secured record contracts with Detroit automakers Ford, General Motors and Stellantis. Those agreements included significant wage increases, reinstatement of cost-of-living adjustments and other benefits.
Florida Attorney General to Investigate Starbucks DEI Practices
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced May 22 the state will investigate Starbucks for its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices.
According to a report by USA Today, Moody said the coffeehouse chain is “pushing policies and programs and initiatives that may, in fact, be unlawful employment practices.”
Moody filed a complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations, which she said would launch a “full investigation.” The commission is meant to enforce the Florida Civil Rights Act and address discrimination issues.
In the complaint, Moody accused the company of having policies that “appear on their face to discriminate on the basis of race.” She also brought up how executive bonuses were tied to DEI goals.
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