Florida’s new attorney general filed a federal court lawsuit against Target Corp., claiming the discount store chain “misled investors” by promoting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that prompted a backlash and hurt sales, ultimately costing shareholders. Before it scaled back its DEI efforts last month, Target was long considered a corporate advocate for the rights […]
Apple Inc. shareholders rebuffed an attempt to pressure the technology trendsetter into joining U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to scrub corporate programs designed to diversify its workforce. The proposal drafted by the National Center for Public Policy Research — a self-described conservative think tank — urged Apple to follow a litany of high-profile companies that […]
As employers reframe or move away from diversity, equity and inclusion programs, it’s important they remember employee belonging is at the core of these initiatives, says Farzeen Mawji, national practice leader for inclusion and diversity at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. “[These programs] are about creating environments where everyone has the opportunity to bring their […]
An article on the Benefits Alliance’s 2025 priorities was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com this past week. Here are the top five human resources, benefits, pension and investment stories of the last week: 1. Pharmacare, access to virtual health care among priorities for Benefits Alliance in 2025 2. Costco defends its diversity policies as other U.S. companies […]
The Alberta Investment Management Corp. has laid off 19 employees and cut their positions, including the role of running its diversity, equity and inclusion program. An AIMCo spokesperson said in an email Tuesday that despite the job cuts, the company remains committed to an equitable and inclusive workplace. Read: Alberta government fires AIMCo CEO, board, […]
Costco Wholesale Corp. is pushing back on a shareholder proposal that urges the wholesale club operator to conduct an evaluation of any business risks posed by its diversity, equity and inclusion practices. The National Center for Public Policy Research, a conservative think tank based in Washington, submitted the proposal, arguing that Costco’s DEI initiatives hold […]
Four years after launching a push for more diversity in its ranks, McDonald’s Corp. is ending some of its diversity practices, citing a U.S. Supreme Court decision that outlawed affirmative action in college admissions. McDonald’s is the latest big company to shift its tactics in the wake of the 2023 ruling and a conservative backlash […]
An article on employees’ views of employer-sponsored benefits plans was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com this past week. Here are the top five human resources, benefits, pension and investment stories of the last week: 1. Survey finds seven in 10 Canadian workers dissatisfied with their employer’s benefits plan 2. Claims for obesity, diabetes medications up in 2023: […]
Walmart Inc. is rolling back its diversity, equity and inclusion policies, joining a growing list of major corporations that have done the same after coming under attack by conservative activists. The changes, confirmed by Walmart on Monday, are sweeping and include everything from not renewing a five-year commitment for a racial equity centre set up […]
While the recent pullback from diversity, equity and inclusion policies by several large employers may be concerning to some employees, it also provides companies with an opportunity to re-examine their definition of DEI. “I think some [employers] perceive that [DEI] is about lowering the bar or checking a box and not hiring the most qualified […]