Social Responsibility
Lowe’s, BofA, AT&T, Nvidia, more launch workforce training initiative
The Lowe's Foundation announced the formation of the 'Building Future Skilled Trades Alliance' with nearly 80 companies and organizations, including Bank of America, AT&T, and NVIDIA, planning to train 1 million skilled trades workers by 2035. The alliance is described as the largest cross-industry skilled trades coalition in U.S. history, aimed at addressing an anticipated shortage of up to 2.1 million skilled trades positions.
Microsoft noise lawsuit is latest in legal wave hitting data center operations
Microsoft is being sued over low-frequency noise from its data center in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, with claims for millions of dollars in damages. The case is one of several lawsuits this year targeting data center operations rather than construction, and legal experts predict such litigation will become an emerging field.
Starbucks faces another union boycott, activist investor pressure
Starbucks is currently facing both union boycotts and investor pressure: SOC Investment Group has submitted a proposal to split the CEO and board chairman positions, while Starbucks Workers United is calling for a consumer boycott. Although some tentative agreements were reached in previous negotiations, a final contract has not yet been secured.
Ben & Jerry’s adds three board members to boost social mission
Ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's announced on Wednesday the appointment of three new independent directors to restructure its governance committee and strengthen its social mission. This move follows a prolonged governance dispute with parent company Unilever and the spun-off Magnum Ice Cream. New directors Nora Benavidez, Michael McAfee, and Eva Schulte bring decades of experience in environmental and social justice, civil rights, economic equity, and free speech, and will jointly drive the company's goals of balancing product quality, financial growth, and social impact.
Meta settles landmark child privacy case for up to $18B
Meta Platforms has proposed a settlement of up to $18 billion in a landmark case involving children's privacy. The case was jointly brought by attorneys general from 52 U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia. In addition to the substantial compensation, Meta has agreed to implement default time limits and night mode for underage users, and has called on TikTok and YouTube to take similar measures.
Target apologizes for offensive Halloween costume
Target Corporation apologized on Monday (a day in August) for a children's Halloween onesie from its private label Hyde & Eek Boutique, which was criticized for containing racist imagery reminiscent of historical blackface performances, triggering a strong online backlash over the weekend. The company has removed the item from shelves and pledged to thoroughly investigate the process to prevent similar issues from recurring.
Today’s water projects focus on ‘every last drop’: McCarthy water lead
McCarthy Building Cos.新任水业务总裁Jaren Murphy在凤凰城接受专访，指出美国水项目市场过去五年经历“不可思议”增长，如今几乎所有大型市政机构都拥有十亿美元级资本改善计划。他分析西部受科罗拉多河干旱驱动聚焦水回用，东部和中西部则因老化基础设施和风暴应对需求增长。McCarthy水业务约占公司总建设量5%，公司偏好早期介入的协作交付模式。展望未来，他预测西南部先进水厂建设需求将持续10至20年，中西部老化基础设施升级刚刚开始，得州因产业资金涌入保持强劲势头。
‘Alienating and cruel’: EEOC files lawsuit against employer for segregating DEI training by race
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit against Washington University on Wednesday, alleging that its Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center (SCC) segregated employees by race during a mandatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training, and that a Black employee who complained was later terminated in retaliation. The lawsuit, filed under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title I of the Civil Rights Act of 1991, highlights the EEOC's active enforcement against DEI practices under the Trump administration.
CEOs eye job cuts as AI adoption grows
A new Businessolver survey reveals that as companies scale AI, nearly one-third of CEOs prioritize headcount cuts, yet almost half of employees receive little or no AI training, and many fear for their jobs. Experts warn of cultural erosion and emphasize the need for training and collaboration.
H&M, Inditex and PVH’s garment manufacturer called out for alleged union-squashing
土耳其服装制造商Eroğlu Giyim被指控在2025-2026年关闭工厂并阻止工人罢工，引发工会Öz İplik İş的抗议。该供应商为H&M、Inditex和PVH等品牌供货，这些品牌均承诺保护劳工权利。