In today’s news and commentary, Hollywood begins negotiations for a new labor agreement with writers and actors; the EEOC launches an investigation into Nike’s DEI programs and potential discrimination against white workers; and Mayor Mamdani circulates a memo regarding the city’s Economic Development Corporation.

The New York Times reports that on Monday, Hollywood began new negotiations for a labor agreement with writers and actors as their current contracts are expiring on May 1^st and June 30^th, respectively. These negotiations come after the labor disputes in 2023 that led to many writers and actors striking due to poor working conditions. The negotiations are between SAG-AFTRA, a union that represents actors, and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, the organization representing the studios. Moreover, in March, the Writers Guild of America will begin discussions with the directors’ union as well. The main issues at the bargaining table for actors concern compensation, general working conditions, and the rise of artificial intelligence. For writers, health care is a top priority. 

Meanwhile, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is investigating Nike for discriminating against white workers, particularly looking at “systemic allegations of DEI-related intentional race discrimination.” This appears to be the EEOC’s first time contending that the implementation of DEI practices can amount to discrimination against white workers, and it is especially significant given Nike’s high profile. Nike responded by stating that the probe is a “surprising and unusual escalation.” This is also not the first time the EEOC has filed a motion against Nike alleging a discrimination charge. In 2024, Andrea Lucas, the current EEOC commissioner, filed a discrimination charge against Nike, but at the time, the commission had a Democratic majority. That has now shifted, as the EEOC is led by a 2-to-1 Republican majority. 

Lastly, Mayor Zohran Mamdani circulated a memo regarding New York City’s Economic Development Corporation (E.D.C.) and his vision to address affordability and workers’ rights. The focus is on the “quality,” not the “quantity,” of jobs created for individuals in the city. While a president of the E.D.C. has yet to be appointed, Lina Khan, the former chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), has been conducting interviews for candidates, asking questions such as how they would hold companies who receive benefits accountable and how they would ensure the economy works for everyone. The line of questioning focuses primarily on economic justice and corporate accountability, which are Mayor Mamdani’s main goals.