Amidst the technology sector’s continuing struggle to diversify its ranks, the New York Times reported on the creation of tech start-ups aimed at promoting diversity in the industry.  The Census Bureau’s American Community Survey suggests that black and Hispanic students who have earned degrees in computer science outnumber those working in the industry despite campus outreach by major technology companies.  These diversity-focused start-ups are geared toward serving underrepresented populations and are often located in largely minority areas.  They provide training programs and function as incubators or accelerators for those trying to become successful in this sector.

Also in the New York Times, John Foley opined that although mergers “work” by “mak[ing] human financial capital work harder and generate higher returns,” the lay-offs that accompany these deals might be reevaluated in light of the anxiety over the labor market.  He suggested that the political costs associated with pushing these deals through might make them less attractive to investors.

The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued a proposed rule for public comment on the Workplace Examination regulation for metal and non-metal mines.  According to the DOL, the proposed rule would be more protective than the current standard because it requires that “the examination take place ‘prior’ to miners being exposed to hazards, instead of after a miner is injured or dies from them.”  The proposed rule also mandates that miners be told of mining hazards found during the inspection, a competent person sign and date the record of the mine examination before the shift ends, and inspection records be provided to miners or their worker representative.