Coronavirus
More Companies, States Requiring Vaccines of Workers
Vaccine mandates are beginning a march across the U.S., constricting the places that people who have shunned the shots can work, shop and play.
August 25, 2021Chip Shortage Set to Worsen as COVID Rampages Through Malaysia
The number of COVID-19 infections is surging in Malaysia, threatening to aggravate shortages of semiconductors and other components that have hammered automakers for months.
August 24, 2021Biden: Companies Should Mandate Vaccine
President Joe Biden said full approval of the Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE COVID-19 vaccine should clear the way for companies to impose vaccine requirements for employees.
Growth at Services, Factories Slows to Eight-Month Low
U.S. business activity continues to downshift, with growth slowing to an eight-month low in August against a backdrop of materials shortages, a lack of labor and an upswing in coronavirus infections.
China’s Port Shutdown Raises Fears of Closures Worldwide
A COVID outbreak that has partially shut one of the world’s busiest container ports is heightening concerns that the rapid spread of the delta variant will lead to a repeat of last year’s shipping nightmares.
Jobless Claims Near Pandemic Low as Economy Strengthens
WASHINGTON — The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell for a third straight time last week, the latest sign that employers are laying off fewer people as they struggle to fill a record number of open jobs and meet a surge in consumer demand.
IEA Cuts Oil Demand Outlook on Virus
The International Energy Agency cut forecasts for global oil demand “sharply” for the rest of this year as the resurgent pandemic hits major consumers, and predicted a new surplus in 2022.
Amazon Lottery Offers Vaccinated Workers Cars, $500,000 Cash
Amazon.com Inc. will offer cash prizes of as much as $500,000 as well as cars and vacation packages to frontline employees who can prove they have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
Amazon’s Dilemma: Mandating Vaccinations Would Risk Losing Workers
The quandary facing America’s second-largest private employer is this: how to keep its facilities COVID-free without sparking a mutiny among workers who are desperately needed to keep operations running amid a tight labor market and strong online demand.
Economy, Trucking Industry Roar Back
Economic indicators and forecasts from economists show trucking and the U.S. economy are in the midst of a strong recovery, though concerns remain about the persistent shortage of drivers and supply chain delays.