Trump roils tech employers with new $100K H-1B visa fee

The new H-1B charge puts added pressure on employers as tensions over deportations and immigration have been a flash point in the second Trump administration.

Pro-Palestinian protesters’ retaliation lawsuit against Google may proceed

The plaintiffs alleged they were fired for opposing Google’s cloud computing and artificial intelligence work for the Israeli military as part of “Project Nimbus.”

Starbucks workers take legal action after company refuses to reimburse them for items purchased after dress code changes

The workers cited state laws, including those that require employers to reimburse employees for expenses that primarily benefit them.

Company’s DEI interview quota policy harmed White men, lawsuit alleges

Danaher Corp. allegedly violated Title VII by artificially populating interview pools with female candidates and people of color to satisfy DEI quotas, according to the complaint.

Firings related to Charlie Kirk comments highlight need for social media policies

HR professionals should aim for thoughtfulness and clarity, according to two employment law attorneys.

Layoffs lead to decline in Glassdoor ratings — and recovery is slow

Ratings drop immediately after a layoff announcement and remain lower for a year, only beginning to recover in the second year, according to Glassdoor’s analysis.

Nearly 4 in 10 companies will replace workers with AI by 2026, survey shows

High-salary employees, those without AI skills, recently hired workers and entry-level employees face the highest risks for layoffs.

Ex-Walmart worker’s unexcused concussion-related absences may show bias

The case is one of many to center on the question of when and how an employer becomes aware of an employee’s need for reasonable accommodation.

Hopeless and stagnated: 6 stories on worker sentiment

Employers have options to aid workers in feeling more stable and connected, however, such as focusing on upskilling or improving transparency.

Sociable: LinkedIn updates terms of service to expand AI and ad targeting use

LinkedIn says that by continuing to use the app, users will be accepting these new terms as of the relevant activation dates.

Is ‘career catfishing’ real? Workers say yes, according to Monster.

Even outside of “ghost jobs,” workers claim their positions aren’t what they signed up for.

This week in 5 numbers: Time-to-fill averages in today’s market

Here’s a roundup of numbers from the last week of HR news — including some recent recruiting stats.

Look to proactive care for savings in a high-cost healthcare future, Deloitte says

Employers might need to embrace a “very different” view of health benefits strategy moving forward, one of the firm’s analysts told HR Dive.

Despite surge in AI adoption, sales teams say the tech is failing them

Organizations called “AI Leapers” appear to have widespread breakdowns in execution, effectiveness and alignment, the report found.

Knowledge workers overwhelmed by maintenance tasks, survey finds

Endless emails, outdated tools and inconsistent team norms hinder collaboration and impede innovation, according to a Miro report.

Wells Fargo execs settle lawsuit over diverse hiring practices

The bank and shareholders expect to file a motion for preliminary approval of the settlement by Oct. 13, according to court documents.

Congressional Dems press DOL on women leaving the workforce

Democratic Women’s Caucus members said they were “deeply concerned,” and that “economic indicators suggest that this exodus of women from the labor force is not entirely voluntary.”

P.F. Chang’s settles claim it refused to hire applicant who asked for Sundays off

The applicant’s stipulation constituted a religious accommodation request under Title VII, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleged.

‘It goes too far’: Robby Starbuck SHRM panel legitimizes anti-DEI stance, stakeholders say

Many in the industry say platforming the conservative influencer — who has called DEI “poison” — continues to take SHRM in the wrong direction.

Most employees would accept lower salary to work with close friends, KPMG finds

Notably, nearly all survey respondents expressed interest in AI becoming a friend or in AI systems that suggest co-workers based on shared interests.

Court approves $43M settlement in Disney gender pay discrimination case

Disney agreed to have an outside labor economist conduct a pay equity analysis of certain positions for the next three years.

Professor’s ‘Twitter tirade’ — not bias — caused opportunities to be revoked, 6th Circuit finds

Social media has played an increasing role in employment law disputes in recent years, as workers take to platforms to express their views.

Close to half of L&D leaders say they worry AI could replace them

But research also supported learning and development’s rising influence in the workplace, indicating a “profession in transition,” according to a report from LearnUpon.

Training, clear communication could quell concerns about job security, workers say

Such stress can disrupt workers’ sleep and productivity, and may even drive turnover, research suggests.

Back to Basics: How the ADA restricts medical exams and inquiries for current employees

It’s okay for employers to ask for additional information when presented with an accommodation request, but they should avoid probing too much, an attorney told HR Dive.