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Applications for jobless aid rose to 229,000, the highest level since February, though still historically low. Analysts say the increase reflects economic pressure from the Iran conflict, which has pushed up gas prices and strained consumer budgets. Despite the uptick, hiring has strengthened in recent months, with employers adding 172,000 jobs in May. Economists expect the Federal Reserve to hold interest rates steady at its upcoming meeting.

Jeff Bezos told the VivaTech conference in Paris that artificial intelligence will ultimately create a global labor shortage rather than mass unemployment. He argued that AI will lower barriers to innovation and productivity, enabling people to “build and create” more. His comments come as companies worldwide cut jobs citing AI‑driven efficiencies, and as a Reuters/Ipsos poll shows half of Americans fear AI threatens their household’s employment. Bezos maintained that humans have “endless” work to do and that AI will expand, not shrink, economic opportunity.

The U.S. Labor Department warned all 50 states that they must strengthen oversight of unemployment‑insurance systems or risk losing federal administrative funding. Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling said states have allowed “unprecedented fraud” due to outdated technology and weak identity‑verification systems. The announcement singled out California, Illinois, and New York for high improper‑payment rates, though experts note improper payments are not the same as fraud. Democratic governors criticized the move as politically motivated and lacking supporting data.

British manufacturers and union officials warned that high domestic energy costs are pushing companies to shift production — and jobs — overseas. Industry groups say the UK’s energy‑price gap with Europe and Asia has widened, making factories less competitive. Some firms have already relocated operations, citing unsustainable costs. Unions urged the government to intervene to prevent further job losses.

Ecopetrol, Colombia’s state‑owned oil company, reached a final collective‑bargaining agreement with its largest union after weeks of negotiations. The deal covers wages, benefits, and job‑security provisions for thousands of workers. Union leaders said the agreement protects labor rights amid restructuring pressures. The company described the pact as essential for operational stability.

Resident doctors in England suspended planned strikes after receiving a last‑minute pay offer from the government. The dispute had stretched for months, with junior doctors and consultants demanding inflation‑adjusted raises. Union leaders said the new proposal warranted consultation with members before further action. The government called the pause a “positive step” toward resolution.

Workers at South Korean tech company Kakao held a four-hour strike and rally to demand changes to the company's bonus system and stronger job security protections. The union argues that employees are not receiving a fair share of company profits, particularly as AI-related growth boosts earnings. Workers rejected management's proposal to provide restricted stock units instead of cash bonuses. The dispute reflects growing labor activism in the technology sector, where employees are increasingly organizing around compensation and workplace protections.

At Inpex's Ichthys LNG project in Australia, workers announced expanded strike action after negotiations over a new enterprise agreement broke down. The Offshore Alliance union alleges the company withdrew previously discussed terms and is attempting to reduce benefits and job security protections. Planned industrial action includes longer work stoppages and additional operational bans. Because the facility supplies a significant share of Australia's LNG exports, the dispute has broader implications for global energy markets and collective bargaining in the resources sector.

More than 2,000 concession and hospitality workers at SoFi Stadium, represented by the union UNITE HERE Local 11, voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike just before the venue's first FIFA World Cup match. The workers are seeking a new collective bargaining agreement after their previous contract expired. Union leaders argue that staffing and working conditions must improve, while the stadium operator, Legends Global, continues negotiations. The dispute highlights how major international sporting events can become leverage points for labor negotiations.

The National Labor Relations Board told U.S. lawmakers that proposed budget cuts would severely limit its ability to investigate unfair labor practices and process union‑election cases. NLRB officials said staffing levels are already at historic lows despite a surge in organizing activity nationwide. During the hearing, Democratic lawmakers accused Republicans of undermining the agency’s independence by pressuring it over high‑profile cases involving major employers. Republican members countered that the NLRB has overreached in recent decisions and needs stronger oversight.