Workplace Rights: A D.C. Circuit ruling partly remanded an NLRB decision against a Vermont tech firm over firing employees who shared pay via a spreadsheet, saying the NLRB overreached by treating broader workplace messages as protected conduct without due process. HR Leadership & Accountability: Aiken County Public Schools’ HR chief, Dr. Sal Minolfo, retired after months on paid leave tied to allegations of inappropriate conduct and communications, with the district citing an ongoing investigation. Pay Practices: A South Africa-focused explainer warns employers that late salary payments can violate contract and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act’s seven-day rule after the pay period ends. AI Skills & Hiring: Cognizant is creating two new AI-era job categories—Frontier Certified Engineer and Frontier Business Operator—trained via its SkillSpring platform, while Certiprof launched a 2026 AI certification pathway aligned to ISO 42001. Workforce Planning Under Pressure: UK research suggests more firms are shifting from permanent hiring toward freelancers and contractors as full-time costs rise, reshaping onboarding and compliance needs. Training & Talent Pipelines: Nokian Tyres awarded 2026 scholarships and highlighted apprenticeships and work-based learning to build local STEM talent. Public Sector HR: Nottingham City Council faced renewed scrutiny over claims of sexism and a “Benny Hill sketch” workplace culture, with HR reporting progress on a zero-tolerance approach.