Human Times

North American Edition

5th November 2025

THE HOT STORY

IBM to cut thousands of jobs in fourth quarter

IBM has announced plans to reduce its workforce by potentially thousands of positions in the fourth quarter as it shifts focus towards its more profitable software sector. Despite a 35% increase in its shares this year, the company has faced a slowdown in its key cloud software growth, raising concerns among investors about future performance. CEO Arvind Krishna said that the job cuts would represent a low single-digit percentage of the global workforce, which stood at approximately 270,000 employees at the end of 2024.

Reuters

LEGAL

Trump's tariffs face SCOTUS test

The Supreme Court will today hear arguments regarding President Donald Trump's authority to impose a worldwide tariff regime, a case that could challenge Congress' power over taxation. The Trump administration claims that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) grants the president broad powers to regulate trade during emergencies. Georgetown Law professor Josh Chafetz observed: “It's going to be a huge blow to Congress if Mr. Trump essentially can try to raise as much money as he wants by levying tariffs.” A ruling in favor of Mr. Trump could undermine congressional authority and complicate future legislative actions. Conversely, a decision against him may pressure Congress to legislate on tariffs, as noted by Molly Reynolds from the Brookings Institution. The outcome could significantly impact the balance of power between the presidency and Congress.

ECONOMY

Half of Americans see large U.S. trade deficit as economic emergency

About half (47%) of Americans consider the large U.S. trade deficit with other countries to be an economic emergency, according to a poll. The poll, which was commissioned by the Alliance for American Manufacturing, was published ahead of the Supreme Court sitting today to hear oral arguments regarding the legality of wide-ranging tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump under a law meant for emergencies. The sentiment was shared across party lines.

Reuters

STRATEGY

Walmart CEO warns of AI job shake-up

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon has said that artificial intelligence will transform every job within the company's 2.1m-strong workforce. During a Harvard Business Review event, he highlighted the impact on roles ranging from cashiers to executives. McMillon emphasized the need for employees to adapt and learn new skills, remarking: "What we want to do is equip everybody to make the most of the new tools." Despite concerns about job losses, Walmart plans to maintain its workforce size while creating new roles related to AI.

Daily Mail

WORKPLACE

Animal shelter still in flux after drug incineration led to staff evacuation

The Daily Montanan reports that although the The Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter in Billings, MT., has been remediated following a state plan to deal with a drug incineration that went wrong, shelter staff aren’t working out of the facility and its long-term location is in flux. Fourteen staff members were taken to hospital after the FBI used an incinerator at the facility to burn two pounds of seized methamphetamine. Staff and some 75 cats and dogs were evacuated when the building filled with smoke. The incinerator is usually used by animal control officers to dispose of euthanized animals, but local authorities said it can also be used by law enforcement to burn seized narcotics.

Daily Montanan

TAX

Washington state considers millionaire tax

Democratic state senators in Washington are contemplating an income tax targeting individuals earning over $1m as a solution to the state's ongoing budget shortfall. The proposed tax would impose a 9.9% rate on adjusted gross income above this threshold, potentially generating around $3bn from approximately 20,000 households. Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen stated: “We've got a lot of things being discussed and researched,” indicating that no firm decisions have been made yet. The proposal faces significant hurdles, including potential legal challenges and the need for legislative approval in an election year. Governor Bob Ferguson expressed skepticism about new tax increases, while some lawmakers, like Rep. Shaun Scott, support the idea, emphasizing its alignment with constituents' views.

The Colombian

LEADERSHIP

‘We’re the invisible ones’: the chiefs of staff running the world’s biggest companies

Once rare in business, the chief of staff position is becoming more important and popular in the upper ranks of many multinational companies and fast-growing start-ups, writes Anjli Raval.

Financial Times

INTERNATIONAL

U.K. review sounds alarm over long-term sickness costs

A major review into Britain's employment crisis warns that every young person who drops out of work due to long-term sickness costs the state £1m ($1.3m) over their lifetime. The report, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, found that rising ill health - particularly mental health issues among 16- to 34-year-olds - is driving record levels of economic inactivity, with 800,000 more people now out of work for health reasons than in 2019. The cost to the economy has reached £212bn ($276bn) a year, or 7% of GDP, with projections showing a further 600,000 could leave the workforce by 2030 without urgent intervention. Mayfield warned that the Labour government's planned expansion of workers' rights could heighten employer risk aversion and urged the government to fast-track alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. The review calls for a new workplace health system backed by major employers to support mental health, retain older and disabled workers, and promote long-term participation in employment.

The Times

KLM strikes two-year labor deal with unions after strikes

Unions have reached a framework agreement with KLM for a new collective labor agreement for ground personnel. The agreement follows mediation following strikes at Schiphol and multiple court cases that led to flight cancellations. If approved by members, the deal will raise wages by 3.25% over two years, surpassing a previous 2.25% agreement. Employees will receive €750 in net payments, and the early retirement scheme will be expanded. "We are pleased that we have reached a CLA with all five trade unions. In KLM's current financial reality, we have come together to make solid agreements on remuneration, career development, productivity, and flexibility," said KLM's Chief HR Officer Miriam Kartman in a statement.

NL Times

Reuters

Woolworths executive files discrimination lawsuit

Miwah Van, Woolworths' chief growth officer, has filed a discrimination lawsuit against the Australian supermarket giant and several executives, including former CEO Brad Banducci. The claim was submitted in the Federal Court, and the company is currently reviewing the details. Van is represented by Harmers Workplace Lawyers, which is known for its previous high-profile cases. This year, the firm represented two senior legal officers in a case against Super Retail Group, which resulted in the departure of the company's chief executive. Woolworths confirmed that Van is on leave.

Financial Review

AI reshapes Korea's job landscape

A Bank of Korea (BOK) report reveals that AI adoption is widening the generational employment gap in Korea. From July 2022 to July 2025, youth jobs fell by 211,000, primarily in AI-exposed sectors, while employment for workers in their 50s rose by 209,000. The report noted that younger workers often perform routine tasks easily replaced by AI, whereas older workers engage in roles requiring complex skills. The BOK said that AI could eventually enhance productivity and create new opportunities for younger workers, and is urging policy support for start-ups to foster job growth.

Korea Joongang Daily

OTHER

‘Climate breakdown’: UN says world is heading for 2.8C temperature rise

The world is headed for a “climate breakdown” at a global average temperature rise of 2.8C under existing government policies, according to the latest UN report ahead of global climate talks. In a speech marking the report’s release, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that if existing national climate action plans are fully implemented by 2035, global warming would reach 2.3C to 2.5C by the end of the century. “That is progress, but nowhere near enough,” Guterres said. “Current commitments still point to climate breakdown . . . and the path to a liveable future gets steeper by the day.”

Inside Climate News

Financial Times

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