Disruptions and Uncertainties in the Labor Market

NEW YORK – The labor market is experiencing a significant contraction under the influence of economic uncertainties. Analysts report that many companies have entered a pause period regarding hiring or layoffs. This situation has led to new recruitments being made only for certain positions, and some companies completely postponing their openings. At the same time, the increase in significant layoffs is raising concerns among employees in many sectors.

Some companies point out that the new customs tariffs and changes in consumer spending during President Donald Trump's term have increased operational costs. Other companies are shifting towards broader corporate restructuring, with big names like Amazon turning to artificial intelligence for investment.

Jason Schloetzer, a professor at Georgetown University's Business School, states that "the immediate hiring of artificial intelligence might be affected by the need for cash." He highlights the changes ranging from employment among companies to infrastructure investments.

Additional uncertainties for government employees are negatively impacting the labor market. Shortly after Trump returned to office, thousands of cuts were made in federal jobs, and many employees have not received their salaries since the U.S. government shut down.

Retailers like Target, which announced an 8% reduction, are restructuring their workforce to minimize the impact of declining sales.

Here are some major companies that have recently laid off employees:

• Amazon: 14,000 layoffs, a 4% reduction.
• United Parcel Service (UPS): 34,000 job cuts, more than expected.
• Target: 1,800 positions returned, effort to streamline operations.
• Nestlé: 16,000 global layoffs.
• Lufthansa Group: 4,000 job cuts, impact of digitalization and artificial intelligence.
• Novo Nordisk: 9,000 job cuts, restructuring process.
• ConocoPhillips: cuts between 20% and 25%.
• Intel: reduction of 75,000 core employees.
• Microsoft: a total of 15,000 job losses.
• Procter & Gamble: 7,000 job cuts, restructuring efforts.

While uncertainty continues in the labor market, employees are continuing their search for new opportunities. There are concerns about long-term stability.