Restructuring Shock (Auto Jobs): Volkswagen approved a sweeping “Future Plan 2030,” cutting about 50,000 jobs and ending production at four German plants, with total job losses now set to reach 100,000 as it trims models by up to half amid China competition and tariff pressure. Hiring & Skills (Japan Defense): Japan’s Sasakawa Peace Foundation urged Tokyo to seriously consider recruiting foreign nationals for the Self-Defense Forces to ease personnel shortages from population decline. Workplace Safety (Japan Aviation): Japan Airlines’ CEO put her job on the line over repeated drinking violations by pilots and cabin crew, signaling tougher accountability after regulator action. Labor Market Signals (Asia PMI): Japan’s services activity hit a five-month high, while China’s services PMI beat forecasts and showed employment rising for a fourth straight month—both pointing to steadier hiring momentum. Gig Work (India): A nationwide survey found platform work in India is increasingly long-term, with many workers clocking extreme hours and reporting weak access to rest, water, and breaks. Automation (China Industry): Reports say China’s factories now employ more than two million robots, underscoring how automation is reshaping labor planning and costs. Trade & Jobs (Canada-China Tires): Canada launched investigations into alleged dumping and subsidizing of truck and bus tires from China, with potential impacts on local employment and investment. AI & Jobs (Policy Watch): The U.S. NLRB general counsel issued a roadmap aimed at reversing Biden-era labor decisions, a move employers will watch closely for changes to workplace rules and union processes.