Ford of Canada has reached a new agreement with the Unifor union, which includes wage increases and pension improvements. The three-year collective agreement will see a base hourly wage increase of up to 25%. In the first year, general wages will increase by 10%, followed by 2% in the second year and 3% in the third year. The agreement has been ratified by most of the Ford of Canada members.
Meanwhile, Ford Motor Co in the U.S. continues to face challenges due to the strike launched by the United Auto Workers union.
This agreement in Canada comes at a time when the UAW strike in the U.S. is impacting Ford’s operations. However, negotiations are still ongoing in the U.S.
Writers Guild of America Accepts Tentative Deal to End Strike
The Writers Guild of America (WGA), representing over 11,000 screenwriters, has reached a tentative agreement with entertainment companies. This agreement has the potential to reshape the industry landscape and bring relief to a sector that has been heavily impacted by production shutdowns.
The details of the agreement have not been disclosed, but this development marks a significant step towards ending the 146-day strike.
PhonePe Introduces Indus AppStore Developer Platform to Challenge Google
PhonePe, backed by Walmart, has unveiled the Indus AppStore Developer Platform as a direct challenge to Google’s dominance in the app store market in India. This initiative aims to attract Android developers and provide an alternative to Google’s app store, especially in a market where Android holds a significant share.
This move by PhonePe reflects the increasing competition in the app store space and the efforts of various players to challenge the established giants.
Amazon Invests $4 Billion in AI Startup Anthropic
Amazon has announced a strategic investment of up to $4 billion in AI company Anthropic. This investment aims to leverage the potential of artificial intelligence across various applications within Amazon’s business. Anthropic will use Amazon’s custom-designed chips to develop and roll out its AI software, and Amazon plans to integrate Anthropic’s technology into its products.
This investment highlights Amazon’s commitment to advancing AI technology and its efforts to stay at the forefront of innovation.
Goodyear Revamps Presence in Asia-Pacific with Strategic Shake-Up
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has announced its plans to redefine its operational presence in the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on Australia and New Zealand. The company aims to transition from owning its establishments to embracing a third-party distribution and retail model.
As part of this strategic shift, Goodyear will shed around 700 roles, exit nine warehouse sites, and divest or cease nearly 100 retail and fleet outlets. The company will share its broader plan with investors during the fourth quarter.
CDC Backs Pfizer’s RSV Infection Maternal Vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recommended Pfizer’s RSV infection maternal vaccine for pregnant people to protect their newborns from severe RSV illness. This is the first fall and winter virus season where vaccines are available for three major respiratory viruses – COVID-19, RSV, and flu.
Pfizer’s bivalent RSVpreF vaccine (Abrysvo) has been shown to reduce the risk of RSV hospitalization for babies by 57% in the first six months after birth. It is already approved and available in the U.S. for adults ages 60 and up.
Mercedes Partners with Mastercard for In-Car Digital Transactions
Mercedes Benz has partnered with Mastercard to introduce embedded in-car payments at the point of sale. Through this collaboration, customers will be able to use a fingerprint sensor in their car to make convenient and secure digital payments at more than 3,600 service stations in Germany.
This partnership reflects the growing trend of integrating digital payment capabilities into vehicles, providing customers with seamless and convenient payment options.
Sources:
– Unifor ratifies new agreement with Ford of Canada
– Writers Guild reaches tentative agreement
– PhonePe challenges Google with app store platform
– Amazon invests in Anthropic
– Goodyear revamps presence in Asia-Pacific
– CDC backs Pfizer’s RSV vaccine for pregnant people
– Mercedes partners with Mastercard for in-car payments
