Tag Archives: staff

National Weather Service Issues Flood Warnings Amid Renewed Criticism of Trump’s Staff Cuts

Posted on by
Reply

The deadly floods in Texas have ignited fresh concerns regarding cuts made to the National Weather Service by the Trump administration, which has resulted in fewer warnings and left countless individuals scrambling for safety.

By Sunday evening, at least 79 fatalities had been reported, with many more unaccounted for after a sudden rise in the Texas Hill Country, a region infamously dubbed “Flash Flood Alley.”

Hours following the early morning floods on Friday, some Texas officials voiced their discontent with the NWS, claiming the rainfall predictions were understated. Councillor Jack Kimble, D-Calif., shared on X Saturday his critical remarks, which were in response to a post by Vice President JD Vance. On Sunday, President Donald Trump dismissed the notion of investigating whether NWS cuts contributed to the disaster, while the White House emphasized that he “hates” the idea that the cuts are linked to this tragedy.

Independent meteorologists and former NWS officials have stated that the warnings issued in anticipation of the floods were as timely and accurate as possible given the available real-time weather data. They noted that predicting extreme rainfall and flash floods in short timeframes is inherently challenging, making it difficult to ensure emergency warnings reach those most in danger.

“The forecasts were accurate. The warnings were worthy,” remarked Wisconsin meteorologist Chris Vaguski. “The challenge always lies in ensuring the message reaches the people.”

Despite concerns over leadership shortages in the NWS due to increased staffing gaps, meteorologists do not believe that an understaffed office was a significant factor in the tragic outcomes.

Tom Fahy, Legislative Director of the National Weather Service Employee Union, indicated that the San Antonio Weather Office lacked two vital permanent positions: science officers (responsible for training and implementing new technologies) and warning coordination meteorologists (who coordinate with media and serve as the office’s spokesperson). However, they have staff positioned in leadership roles. Overall, Fahy reported that there were sufficient meteorologists on hand to manage the incident.

“WFO” [weather forecasting offices], Fahy noted on Saturday, expressed concern regarding the absence of unfilled senior positions and effective leadership.

In a statement, the National Weather Service expressed its “grief over the tragic loss of life in Kerr County.” Although the agency did not address staffing issues, it provided a comprehensive timeline of alerts that were issued.

Some officials in Texas have suggested that the forecasts from the National Weather Center did not adequately convey the storm’s threat, while others acknowledged the agency’s timely alerts.

“The initial forecast received from the National Weather Service on Wednesday anticipated 4-8 inches of rain in the Concho Valley and 3-6 inches in the Hill Country,” stated W. Nim Kid, chief of Texas emergency management, during a press conference on Friday. “The actual rainfall in these specific areas exceeded our predictions.”

According to a timeline from the National Water Center, Kerrville, Texas, and surrounding areas were at risk of flash flooding on Thursday, July 3. The NWS Austin/San Antonio issued flood monitoring alerts at 1:18 PM on Thursday, which continued through Friday morning. An emergency flash flood warning was released at 1:14 AM in Kerr County.

Travis County Judge Andy Brown commended the National Weather Service for its warnings, while Eric Carter, the county’s emergency management coordinator, described the service’s efforts as “exceptionally proactive.”

The agency highlighted that it issued flash flood warnings at 1:14 AM on Friday, categorizing the threat as “substantial” or “catastrophic,” and activated wireless emergency alerts on mobile devices.

“The flash flood warning was issued on the evening of July 3 and early morning of July 4, providing over three hours of preliminary lead time,” the statement read.

Concerns regarding staffing and performance arose following the Trump administration’s dismissal of National Weather Service employees this spring, who were offered early retirement and buyouts. By early June, the NWS had lost around 600 personnel, resulting in many seasoned employees exiting and leaving newer or less experienced staff members.

Some NWS offices have seen staffing reductions exceeding 40%, with agents pressed to take on crucial roles in forecasting operations. Consequently, at least eight offices ceased 24-hour operations this spring, with some unable to issue weather warnings.

In May, over 40% of the nation’s weather forecast offices reported staffing rates exceeding 20%. These cuts prompted all living former NWS supervisors to express their distress over staffing levels and ongoing budget reductions through letters.

“Our greatest fear is that insufficient staffing in weather offices could lead to unnecessary fatalities. This concern resonates deeply with those on the frontlines of forecasting, as well as with individuals relying on their expertise,” they articulated.

Compared to many forecast offices nationwide, Texas offices are relatively well-staffed.

Fahy mentioned that the San Antonio/Austin weather office operates with 11 meteorologists, which is down six from the usual full staff of 26. Warnings issued in central Texas indicate that four positions remain vacant at the standard staff level of 23. The office has been without a weather officer for an extended period and lacks senior hydrologists as well.

“In San Angelo, we have no hydrologists, which poses a significant issue,” Fahy explained, noting that hydrologists are essential for analyzing stream flow and managing flood responses.

Mayor Dalton Rice of Kerrville stated that the city will investigate whether emergency notifications are adequate to alert residents effectively.

“We recognize that questions are being raised regarding emergency notifications, but it’s premature to speculate. Our local partners are dedicated to thoroughly reviewing the events and systems involved,” Rice stated at a press conference on Sunday. “In due time, we will take decisive measures to bolster our preparedness moving forward, ensuring the safety of all community members.”

An independent meteorologist, who has criticized NWS staffing and budget cuts previously, stated that federal meteorologists on-site provided timely warnings.

Alan Gerald, former director of analysis at NOAA’s National Intense Storm Institute, noted in a blog post that the Austin/San Antonio Forecast Office effectively communicated risks swiftly, despite experiencing leadership shortages.

“While it is less than ideal to have these positions vacant for extended periods, it can negatively affect operations on some level,” Gerald wrote. “However, based on the actual warning services provided by the NWS during the incident, they performed admirably, delivering the expected levels of warnings and alerts for events of this nature.”

Houston meteorologist Matt Lanza indicated there was no evidence suggesting that staffing issues or budget cuts contributed to the tragedy.  

Wisconsin meteorologist Vaguski noted the inherent difficulties in predicting flash floods and extreme rainfall.

“Quantitative precipitation forecasting, or QPF, is among the most challenging tasks for a meteorologist. It’s crucial to determine the right location, the right volume, and the right timing,” Vaguski elaborated. “They were issuing alerts because they understood the significance of the event.”

Vaguski explained that remnants of the tropical storm transferred to Texas brought tropical moisture that fueled severe thunderstorms, resulting in extreme rainfall across central Texas.

He also added that the predictors indicated increased concerns aligned with findings from weather models.

Texas Hill Country is often labeled “Flash Flood Alley” due to its terrain, which exacerbates river swelling rapidly. Understanding precise rainfall locations is key to predicting flood impacts.

“Forecasts for this week predicted 4-7 and even 5-9 inches of rain, with some models suggesting even higher amounts. Unfortunately, science has yet to evolve to the point where we can accurately predict rainfall to a precise latitude and longitude,” he added.

Predicting when the heaviest rainfall will occur and when flooding starts is particularly challenging for forecasters, Vaguski noted.

“Receiving severe weather alerts in the middle of the night presents significant challenges. Historically, most tornado and flood fatalities occur during this period when people are asleep. It’s difficult to detect tornadoes and rising water,” Vaguski expressed. “Did people activate emergency alerts on their devices?”

Addressing the reduction and cutbacks at the National Weather Service, Vaguski asserted that he doesn’t believe better staffing would have notably hindered the tragedy.

“These are crucial positions that need filling,” he remarked, adding, “but they likely did not significantly contribute to the incident.”

Vaguski indicated that substantial improvement is needed in quantitative precipitation forecasting to help forecasters identify threats earlier. However, such advancements are threatened by potential NOAA funding cuts, he cautioned.

“The major concern is if the latest budget proposal is approved by Congress as the administration wishes, it will shut down all NOAA research labs vital for enhancing predictions.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Amazon CEO Warns Staff: AI Poses Job Risks in Coming Years

Posted on by
Reply

The CEO of Amazon informed the company’s office workers that opportunities in artificial intelligence will be available in the upcoming years.

Andrew Jassy advised his team that AI agents—tools designed to perform tasks autonomously—will lead to a reduction in workforce in specific AI areas, including chatbots.

“As we integrate more generative AI and agents, our work dynamics will transform,” he mentioned in a note to the team. “There will be fewer individuals in some existing roles, while others will shift to different types of work.

“It’s hard to predict the exact trajectory of this change, but we anticipate a decrease in our overall workforce in the coming years.”

Amazon currently employs 1.5 million individuals globally, with around 350,000 in corporate positions such as software engineering and marketing.

Recently, the CEO of BT, a UK telecommunications firm, stated that advancements in AI might lead to deeper job cuts in their company. Conversely, Dario Amodei, CEO of AI research firm Anthropic, noted that AI could potentially eliminate half of all entry-level office jobs.

Jassy projected that billions of AI agents will become integral to the everyday operations of companies and individuals alike soon.

“These AI agents will be present in virtually every company and industry. From shopping to handling daily tasks, many of these agents will assist in various aspects of life outside of work. Although not all of these agents have been developed yet, there is no doubt about their future impact.”

Jassy concluded his message by urging employees to engage with AI, emphasizing the importance of self-education and participating in training programs.

“Those who adapt to this change and familiarize themselves with AI—by developing and enhancing AI capabilities internally and delivering them to our customers—will play a crucial role in redefining the company,” he asserted.

Skip past newsletter promotions

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), an influential international policy body, estimates that this technology could lead to job losses among skilled white-collar professionals in fields like law, medicine, and finance. According to the International Monetary Fund, 60% of jobs in advanced economies such as the US and the UK could be vulnerable to AI, with half at risk of being adversely affected.

On the other hand, the Tony Blair Institute advocates for broader AI adoption across public and private sectors, suggesting that while the private sector could see job reductions of up to 3 million in the UK, net losses will be counterbalanced by the creation of new positions thanks to technological advancements.

Source: www.theguardian.com

California Democrats Urge Return of National Weather Service Staff

Posted on by
Reply

California House Democrats have urged the National Weather Service (NWS) to reinstate terminated employees and initiate the hiring of new forecasters, following the suspension of 24-hour operations for weather predictions in Sacramento and Hanford.

In a letter addressed to deputy administrators of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Howard Luttonick and Commerce Secretary Laura Grimm, 23 Congressional Democrats criticized recent reductions in weather services, warning that it signals the onset of a public safety crisis with serious implications. The Weather Services division falls under NOAA, which is managed by the Department of Commerce.

“We demand the immediate reinstatement of all workers who have been terminated in these offices, the lifting of the federal employment freeze at NWS, and the establishment of adequate staffing at the Sacramento and Hanford weather forecasting offices to maintain their 24/7 operations,” the council members stated.

Since January, over 500 staff members from the Weather Bureau have departed the agency due to widespread layoffs initiated by the Trump administration, targeting many probationary positions. As a result, approximately 43% of the nation’s 122 weather offices are operating with staffing levels exceeding 20%. Independent meteorologists caution that these cuts may lead to delays in weather predictions and warnings, raising public safety concerns that have pressured the administration.

Legislators from California noted that the weather forecasting offices in Hanford and Sacramento were particularly hard hit, compromising their ability to provide continuous staffing around the clock.

“Currently, the Sacramento office has seven vacant meteorologist positions out of 16, while the Hanford office is short eight out of 13. Both offices are functioning at half their capacity as they approach the peak of wildfire season,” the letter states. “If the NWS Weather Forecast Offices in Sacramento and Hanford cannot monitor overnight conditions across the entire Central Valley, it jeopardizes the safety of our residents.”

The Weather Bureau typically provides meteorologists to assist firefighters during the wildfire season.

“This is an imprudent and unwarranted risk that does not serve the American public,” the letter declared. “Halving the staffing levels in offices responsible for forecasting wildfires, atmospheric rivers, and natural disasters endangers lives and undermines government efficiency.”

NOAA communications director Kim Doster reaffirmed that the NWS is dedicated to prioritizing public safety.

“The National Weather Service continues to fulfill its core mission amidst recent restructuring and is taking measures to prioritize critical research and services necessary for keeping American citizens safe and informed,” Doster stated in an email.

The Hanford office of the Weather Bureau is situated in the San Joaquin Valley, not far from the site of the longstanding Lake Tulare reconstruction in 2023.

The Central Valley region is responsible for producing 40% of the country’s fruits and nuts, according to the US Geological Survey. Farmers in the Central Valley depend on accurate forecasts for making informed decisions about planting, irrigation, and harvesting.

In the meantime, Sacramento forecasters are predicting extreme heat and a heightened risk of wildfires this weekend, indicating an early onset of the wildfire season.

Representative Jim Costa, who represents parts of the San Joaquin Valley and has received forecasts from the Hanford office, facilitated a letter to NOAA. Other notable signatories include Councillors Nancy Pelosi, Eric Swalwell, and Doris Matsui, amongst the 22 others.

Pressure has been mounting for months, calling for reductions in weather services.

One external meteorologist reported that weather balloon launches have been curtailed to about 12 understaffed offices, noting that missed balloon releases hinder better understanding of tornado risks during thunderstorm events near Omaha, Nebraska.

Following this incident, Nebraska Representative Mike Flood intervened with the administration and obtained additional forecasters temporarily assigned to an office near Omaha.

Earlier this month, five former directors of the Weather Bureau cautioned that further staffing cuts could lead to unnecessary fatalities.

“Our greatest fear is that the weather offices are severely understaffed, resulting in unnecessary loss of life,” wrote a former superintendent who served from 1988 to 2022.

NOAA has attempted to address the staffing shortage by temporarily reallocating personnel to fill gaps in the workforce and exploring more permanent reallocations within the agency.

Approximately two weeks ago, NOAA considered transferring 76 meteorologists and a total of 155 staff members to play a vital role.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

EPA initiates staff reductions for environmental justice workers

Posted on by
Reply

The Environmental Protection Agency has initiated significant staffing changes by beginning the process of reducing hundreds of staff through a “power reduction” process.

Last month, the agency announced a large-scale rollback of environmental regulations, including key components of the Clean Air Act, with administrator Lieseldin vowing to undermine the fight against climate change.

In February, the EPA placed environmental justice staff on administrative leave and terminated some probationary workers. Many employees are now working remotely or engaging in telework.

The latest action by the agency involves the beginning of the termination process for around 280 workers who were involved in environmental justice and diversity, equity, and inclusive programs. Additionally, 175 EPA employees have been reassigned to new roles.

“Today, the EPA has informed employees focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion and environmental justice of the agency’s necessity to reduce personnel through the handbook and federal regulations governing the RIF procedure,” said EPA spokesperson Molly Vaseliou in an email statement. “Certain employees have also been notified of their reassignment to different offices as part of this process.”

NBC News has obtained a memorandum sent to employees affected by the power reduction, indicating that the reduced staffing levels at the EPA will come into effect on July 31st.

“President Trump’s election was a call to action from the American people, which includes issuing executive orders for significant changes within the federal bureaucracy to benefit American families, workers, taxpayers, and the government as a whole,” the memorandum explains. “We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this transitional period.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

All Liheap staff members will be terminated

Posted on by
Reply

The Trump administration has suddenly laid off all staff running the $4.1 billion program to help low-income households across the United States pay for heating and cooling bills.

The shooting was threatened to paralyze a low-income housing energy assistance program created by Congress in 1981, helping to offset the high utility bills of around 6.2 million from Maine to Texas during the cold and hot summers.

“They fired everyone. No one will do anything,” said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, which works with the state to secure funding from the program. “This was incredibly sloppy or I’m going to kill the program entirely.”

The layoffs were part of a broader purging Monday of approximately 10,000 employees at the Department of Health and Human Services, with health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. moving to dramatically reorganize the agency. Approximately 25 employees I was directing An energy support program also known as Liheap. Everything had been fired, Wolf said.

meeting It approved $4.1 billion In the 2025 fiscal year program, around 90% of that money had already been sent to the state in October, supporting households struggling with mass heating costs. There is still about $378 million left to help households turn up their air conditioners and cool them down the summer. The US heat wave is stronger and longer-lasting as a result of climate change.

Typically, the federal government uses complex formulas to allocate funds and conduct various reviews and audits before sending money to state agencies. Some states, like Maine, use money to support low-income families to offset the cost of buying fuel oil to warm their homes in the winter. The state also uses money to weather homes and provide emergency assistance to households at risk of being separated from their practicality.

Now, despite Congress explicitly ordering the federal government to spend money, it is not clear how the remaining funds will be paid to the state.

“If we don’t have staff, how do we allocate the rest of this money?” Wolf said. “My fear is they’re going to say we have this funds, but we can’t send it because no one is left to manage it.”

In an emailed statement, Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Emily Hilliard said the agency would “continue to comply with federal law.”

For the past two months, the Trump administration has repeatedly tried to freeze or withhold expenses approved by Congress. These moves have led to an increase in legal challenges and judicial rulings that it is unconstitutional to do so.

The shootings at the Energy Aid Bureau sparked a furious response from several democratic lawmakers.

“What is achieved by firing everyone in Maine, the job of helping Maine buy heating oil when it’s cold,” wrote Jared Golden, a Democrat who represents Maine’s mostly rural areas who voted for President Trump. Social media posts.

Sen. Edward Markey, a Democrat of Massachusetts, said he will work to unlock funds for the program. “Eliminating the entire federal staff of Liheap’s heads — relying on millions of households to stay warm in the winter, and summer is not a cool program — is not a reform,” he said in a statement. “That’s an obstruction.”

“Senator Collins is a longtime advocate for LIHEAP and provides the important financial support we provide to help low-income families stay warmer during the winter,” said Senator Susan Collins, a Maine Republican.

a Research published in the Economic Journal Last year, it was found that about 17% of US households spend more than a tenth of their income on energy. The study also found a strong relationship between affordable energy and winter mortality.

“When heating your house is not affordable, many people die every winter,” said Sheema Jayachandran, Princeton economist and one of the authors of the study. I wrote it on Monday. “That’s what our analysis found during the time Liheap was in place. Without Liheap, the effect would probably be much greater.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Johns Hopkins Brings More Than 2,000 Staff Members Following USAID Cut by Trump

Posted on by
Reply

Johns Hopkins University has announced that President Donald Trump’s administration will be cutting over 2,000 jobs due to the withdrawal of federal funding for numerous international aid projects. These projects include programs focused on preventing the spread of HIV in India and conducting clinical trials for diarrhea disease in Bangladesh.

The university, known for its significant scientific research contributions, stated that 1,975 jobs in the United States and 247 jobs internationally will be eliminated as a result of the cuts to the US’s international development institutes. Additionally, 78 employees in the US and 29 internationally based employees will be affected.

The institution expressed that this decision will have a major impact on important work being done both in Baltimore and abroad, totaling over $800 million in USAID funds being discontinued.

Researchers leading the affected programs warned that these cuts could lead to an increase in dangerous outbreaks. Furthermore, this change will also impact the economy of Baltimore since Johns Hopkins is the largest private employer in Maryland.

About Half of Johns Hopkins' Last year's funding came from federal research dollarsaccording to a letter from university president Ron Daniels.

Similar employment freezes are being implemented at other universities across the country in response to budget cuts from the Trump administration. Notable institutions like Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Notre Dame have halted faculty hiring.

Additionally, recent actions by the Trump administration include canceling a $400 million grant to Columbia University and revoking $30 million in funding from the University of Maine.

As a result, more than 50 universities are facing scrutiny as the administration aims to terminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Despite criticism, the White House has defended the decision to streamline federal agencies, stating that it will free up more resources for scientific research.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins are concerned about the impact of the cuts to USAID programs on the communities they serve, especially regarding HIV prevention efforts in India. Dr. Sunil Solomon, involved in the HIV detection and prevention research program ‘Accelerate,’ highlighted the potential negative consequences of program closures.

Dr. Judd Walson, chair of Johns Hopkins’s Department of International Health, expressed concern over the closure of programs such as a Tuberculosis Research Program and clinical trials in Bangladesh focused on reducing cholera and other diarrheal diseases.

The decision to end these programs has raised alarms about the potential effects on public health security worldwide, according to Walson.

In Baltimore, the economic implications of these cuts are also significant, with Johns Hopkins contributing billions to the Maryland economy and supporting tens of thousands of jobs in the state.

Further threats to Johns Hopkins loom as the Trump administration attempts to limit National Institutes of Health payments to universities for research grants. Legal challenges are ongoing, with the university potentially facing significant financial impact.

Johns Hopkins received over $1 billion in grant funding from the NIH in 2024, and the proposed cuts to indirect fee payments could have substantial financial consequences for the institution.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Google eliminates AI Pledge and DEI Goals from All Staff Meetings, US News Reports

Posted on by
Reply

Google executives discussed the tech giant’s diversity initiative, announcing its sunset and the removal of the pledge to create artificial intelligence for weapons and surveillance during all-staff meetings. Former Head of Diversity, Melonie Parker, mentioned updates to the company’s diversity and inclusion training programs. Parker, now Vice Chairman of Googler Engagement, highlighted the impact of changing geopolitical dynamics on Google’s AI principles, emphasizing the importance of being part of societal conversations. Company executives addressed questions from employees, including concerns about the removal of AI construction bans for weapons and surveillance. Google CEO Sundar Pichai reiterated the company’s commitment to following legal guidelines while striving for a diverse workforce that mirrors its global user base.

Google’s recent shift away from diversity goals and employment targets for underrepresented groups aligns with industry trends influenced by government policies. The company’s decision to collaborate on defense contracts, including the provision of AI services to the Israeli Defense Forces, has sparked internal and external discussions. Employee questions addressed concerns about the removal of AI principles related to weapons and surveillance, prompting further examination of Google’s ethical standards and corporate values.

The connection between Google’s DEI program and AI initiatives has raised questions about the company’s direction and ethical considerations. Employee activism within Google has highlighted the complex balance between corporate interests and societal impacts. As Google navigates its role in technology development and defense contracting, internal conversations around AI ethics and transparency continue to shape the company’s decision-making processes.

Google’s use of AI to summarize and address employee queries reflects the company’s efforts to streamline communication and address concerns effectively. Employee questions range from ethical AI development to corporate transparency, highlighting the need for open dialogue within the organization. As Google grapples with evolving industry standards and societal expectations, ongoing discussions about AI ethics and diversity initiatives will shape its future trajectory.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Staff laid off and map tools shut down amidst a tumultuous week at EPA

Posted on by
Reply

summary

  • Over the past two weeks, EPA staff have had to compete with dramatic reforms at the agency.
  • Approximately 1,100 “probation” employees were said to be possible to be fired, and 168 staff working on environmental justice issues have been taken on leave.
  • Lee Zeldin, new manager at the EPA, said agency priorities include improving AI and automotive jobs.

Lee Zeldin led the Environmental Protection Agency in a short and a half weeks. HR movements shaking wildly, rattling some staff, like many others.

On the day of Zeldin's confirmation last week, the EPA notified about 1,100 “probation” employees that they could close at any time for less than one year.

Then on Thursday, the agency placed 168 staff members on administrative leave. The affected people were working on environmental justice issues across the EPA's 10 regional offices and headquarters.

This week, the agency removed an online mapping tool called EJScreen. It was being used by federal, state and local governments to make decisions that support environmental justice. The term explains the idea that people should have equitable access to a clean, healthy environment, and that some underserved communities face historically unbalanced environmental harms. It refers to. For example, state highway agencies You can use EJScreen Check demographic information for which the road construction project was planned.

Zeldin took on his post a day after a federal worker received a “road fork” email offering resignation shopping. Their deadline to accept the offer was Thursday night, but a federal judge put the initiative on hold that day, following legal challenges from the union. The program will be blocked until at least Monday.

in Addresses to staff viewed by over 10,000 people On Tuesday, Zeldin said he has the authority to streamline the EPA and reduce the waste in it.

“We accused Congress of being as efficient as possible with the taxes sent to us,” Zeldin said, adding that Americans “are feeling a lot of financial pain.” Ta.

His initial actions and the shock they inflict on staff suggest that Zeldin and the Trump administration are not wasting time dramatically reworking the EPA and redefine its purpose. .

Environmental Protection Agency spokesman Molly Vaserio said the EPA is focused on adhering to President Donald Trump's executive orders, including an order entitled “Extreme and Waste Government DEI Program.” Ta.

“The EPA is enthusiastically implementing President Trump's executive order and subsequent related implementation memos. President Trump has been elected to delegate from the Americans to do this,” Vaselio said. .

Several EPA staff members said fear and hype quickly permeated the agency.

“The past two weeks have been pretty scary,” said Marie Owens Powell, chairman of the U.S. Government Employees Federation Council 238, the union representing around 8,500 EPA staff. “Every day, it was something. It was exhausting.”

Powell worked As an EPA Storage Tank InspectorAdded that there were other recent surprises, such as when the pronouns of staff preference were removed from email signatures without notice.

Another EPA worker asked that his name not be made public due to fear of retaliation, but explained that the feeling was “limbo” or “purgatory.”

“We are afraid of doing work that can be seen as completely opposed to the executive order or against Trump's agenda. We want to speak up and push back. But the fear is obvious,” the staff said. “We're all waiting to see who's next.”

Vaseliou met with staff at the Career EPA to visit several disaster sites, including East Palestine, Ohio, and visited several disaster sites, including trains carrying chemicals in February 2023, and to visit several disaster sites, and toxins. He said he had spent his first few weeks of emitting smoke. He also went to Los Angeles. There, a wildfire that broke out last month raided thousands of homes and headed to West North Carolina where Hurricane Helene killed dozens of people.

In Zeldin's news release on Tuesday We laid out five priorities For the EPA under his leadership, including an effort to “pursuing energy independence,” we will develop “the cleanest energy on the planet” to ensure clean air and water. However, some of his agenda diverges from the core mission of the EPA, at least as it operates under past administrations. These include advances in artificial intelligence, reforming and reviving permits for auto work.

Jeremy Simmons, senior adviser to the Environmental Protection Network, a former EPA staff group, said he is worried about the direction the agency is on the lead, based on Zeldin's statement.

“If you're worried about toxic contamination in your community, it's difficult to see yourself on that agenda,” said Symons, who worked at the EPA from 1994 to 2001, in the service of the political agenda. ”

Congressional Democrats appear to be preparing for the fight for the future of the EPA. D-Mass. Sen. Ed Markey of the group attempted to enter agency headquarters on Thursday, calling for a meeting with representatives from Elon Musk's Government Efficiency Bureau.

“We just went in and asked for a meeting with a representative from Doge. We were denied and we were turned away,” Markey said at a press conference outside the building.

Vaseliou said he had not taken the appropriate steps necessary to allow Markey to enter headquarters and described the event as a “promotion stunt.”

A Markey spokesperson said Thursday that the senator has not received confirmation as to whether Doge's representatives are at the EPA. However, multiple sources say the names of workers that NBC News identified as members of Doge member Cole Killian were listed in the EPA directory.

Emails to Killian's EPA email requesting an interview were not immediately returned. Vaseliou did not answer questions about Killian or whether he was connected to Doge.

When asked about Marquee's concerns on Thursday, White House deputy press secretary Harrison Fields said Democrats were “gaslighting” about Doge's mission.

“To reduce waste, fraud, abuse and become a better steward of the hard-earned dollars for American taxpayers may be a crime for Democrats, but it's not a crime in court,” Fields said. I said that.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Meta UK Staff Express Concerns Over Abolishing Fact Checkers and DEI Programs

Posted on by
Reply

The union representing tech workers in the UK expresses concerns on behalf of British staff at Meta about the company’s decision to eliminate fact-checkers and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. They feel disappointed and worried about the future direction of the company.

Prospect union, which represents a growing number of UK Meta employees, has written to express these concerns to the company, highlighting the disappointment among long-time employees. They fear this change in approach may impact Meta’s ability to attract and retain talent, affecting both employees and the company’s reputation.

In a letter to Meta’s human resources director for EMEA, the union warns about potential challenges in recruiting and retaining staff following the recent announcements of job cuts and performance management system changes at Meta.

The union also seeks assurances that employees with protected characteristics, especially those from the LGBTQ+ community, will not be disadvantaged by the policy changes. They call for Meta to collaborate with unions to create a safe and inclusive workplace.

Employees are concerned about the removal of fact-checkers and increased political content on Meta’s platform, fearing it may lead to a hostile work environment. They highlight the importance of maintaining a culture of respect and achievement at Meta.

Referencing the government’s Employment Rights Bill, the union questions Meta’s efforts to prevent sexual harassment and ensure that employees with protected characteristics are not negatively impacted by the changes.

The letter from the union follows Zuckerberg’s recent comments on a podcast, where he discussed the need for more “masculine energy” in the workplace. Meta has been approached for comment on these concerns.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Leisure centers abandon biometric monitoring of staff as UK data watchdog cracks down

Posted on by
Reply

Numerous companies, including a national leisure center chain, are reassessing or discontinuing the use of facial recognition technology and fingerprint scanning for monitoring employee attendance in response to actions taken by Britain’s data authority.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) instructed a Serco subsidiary to halt the use of biometrics for tracking employee attendance at its leisure centers and prohibited the use of facial recognition and fingerprint scans. The ICO also issued stricter guidelines.

Following an investigation, the ICO found that more than 2,000 employees’ biometric data was unlawfully processed at 38 Serco-managed centers using facial recognition and, in two instances, fingerprint scanning to monitor attendance.

In response, Serco has been given a three-month deadline by the ICO to ensure compliance with regulations and has committed to achieving full compliance within that timeframe.

Other leisure center operators and businesses are also reevaluating or discontinuing the use of similar biometric technology for employee attendance monitoring in light of the ICO’s actions.

Virgin Active, a leisure club operator, announced the removal of biometric scanners from 32 properties and is exploring alternatives for staff monitoring.

Ian Hogg, CEO of Shopworks, a provider of biometric technology to Serco and other companies, highlighted the ICO’s role in assisting businesses in various industries to meet new standards for biometric authentication.

The new ICO standards emphasize exploring alternative options to biometrics for achieving statutory objectives, prompting companies to reconsider their use of such technology.

1Life, owned by Parkwood Leisure, is in the process of removing the Shopworks system from all sites, clarifying that it was not used for biometric purposes.

Continuing discussions with stakeholders, the ICO aims to guide appropriate use of facial recognition and biometric technology in compliance with regulations and best practices.

The widespread concerns raised by the ICO’s actions underscore the need for stronger regulations to protect employees from invasive surveillance technologies in the workplace.

The case of an Uber Eats driver facing issues with facial recognition checks highlights ongoing debates about the use of artificial intelligence in employment relationships and the need for transparent consultation processes.

Skip past newsletter promotions

Emphasizing the importance of respecting workers’ rights, the use of artificial intelligence in employment must be carefully regulated to prevent discriminatory practices and ensure fair treatment of employees.

Source: www.theguardian.com

eBay to lay off 1,000 employees in letter to staff from online retailer

Posted on by
Reply

eBay, an online retailer, has announced that it will cut around 1,000 roles, which is an estimated 9% of its current workforce. eBay CEO Jamie Iannone stated in a letter to employees, “While we are making progress in line with our strategy, our overall headcount and expenses are outpacing business growth.” He added, “To address this, we are implementing organizational changes to align and integrate certain teams to improve the end-to-end experience and better meet the needs of our customers around the world.”


In addition to the job cuts, the company plans to reduce the number of “in-term” contracts. Iannone added, “alternative workforce.” He also stated that company administrators would notify employees whose roles were “eliminated” and asked all eBay staff to work from home on Wednesday “to ensure space and privacy for conversations.” He added, “We recognize that these actions are not something we take lightly and they impact all eBayers. We must say goodbye to people who have made many important contributions to the eBay community and culture, and this is not an easy task.” Last February, eBay laid off 500 employees, 4% of its workforce worldwide, citing a slowdown in consumer spending for the boom in e-commerce spending during the pandemic.

The number of layoffs within Silicon Valley has accelerated recently, with some of the world’s most prominent technology companies instituting large-scale layoff programs in recent months. A memo sent by Google CEO Sundar Pichai earlier this month warned staff that more job cuts could occur this year as the company looks to increase investment in artificial intelligence. The company will cut its workforce by 12,000 in early 2023. This comes after Mark Zuckerberg’s “meta” revealed in March last year that the company plans to cut 10,000 jobs from a peak of 87,000 employees in 2022. This month, language learning app Duolingo also lost about 10% of its contract employees as part of the company’s move to increase its reliance on AI.

Amazon cut hundreds of jobs across its streaming platform Twitch and its film and TV studio division in the second week of January. In December, music streaming service Spotify announced plans to cut 17% of its workforce, which equates to about 1,500 fewer employees.

According to data, more than 13,000 people have been laid off at 72 companies so far this year, according to layoffs.fyi, which tracks job losses in the tech industry.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Preparing Staff for the Shift to Clean Energy

Posted on by
Reply

clean innovation Technology and renewable energy are moving quickly, maybe a little too fast.

While there is no shortage of clean technology solutions available in today’s market (and we are developing them for the future), a new problem is emerging: a lack of talent to install and maintain the technology.

According to one study, the clean technology industry is expected to create 8 million jobs by the end of 2030. recent reports By the International Energy Agency. These numbers are clearly based on current policies, and the report’s authors expect these numbers to rise as more resources are directed to the clean energy transition. But just because more jobs are created doesn’t mean there are enough trained people to fill them.

Berlin-based Montamo wants to solve this problem. The startup hires and trains people to install and maintain sustainable heat pumps. We train people new to the industry, provide upskilling training to those with some experience, and have our employees install and maintain other companies’ equipment. As the company grows, it hopes to expand into other areas such as solar power generation.

Co-founder Alexander Boehm told TechCrunch+. Boehm said the company wants to be intentional about hiring and training migrant workers because it is difficult for immigrants to get good jobs in Germany, regardless of their skills or background. This is something Boehm witnessed firsthand when he worked as operations director for fast grocery delivery startup Gorillaz, and he doesn’t want their skills to go to waste.

Source: techcrunch.com