Trouble brews for big tech as workers in an Apple store in Maryland vote to strike, while Microsoft grapples with a hefty fine over patent violations in voice-recognition technology. Meanwhile, Chinese electric vehicle prices are expected to soar, and healthcare giants Pfizer and AstraZeneca double down on investments in France.
Tax Hike on Chinese EVs
The USA is poised to significantly raise tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles imported into the country, nearly quadrupling them from around 25 percent to over 100 percent. President Biden’s concerns over national security threats posed by Chinese EVs, given their potential to transmit sensitive data to China, drive this move.
Big Investments in France
Healthcare giants Pfizer and AstraZeneca announce substantial investments totaling close to $1 billion in France, coinciding with the annual ‘Choose France’ business summit. Pfizer plans to invest $538.5 million to bolster its research and development efforts, while AstraZeneca reveals a $388 million investment in its Dunkirk site.
McDonald’s Meal Deal
In a bid to combat declining sales and a global boycott, McDonald’s is rolling out a $5 Meal Deal to entice customers amid a cost-of-living crisis. Sales slowdown and the boycott have prompted this move, aiming to rejuvenate customer interest, according to Bloomberg reports.
Apple Workers’ Strike Authorization
Employees at an Apple retail store in Towson, Maryland, have voted to authorize a potential strike, marking a significant development in potential labor unrest. The vote follows over a year of negotiations with Apple management regarding work-life balance, scheduling practices, and wage concerns.
Microsoft’s Patent Woes
Following a federal jury ruling in Delaware, Microsoft faces a $242 million payout to IPA Technologies for patent infringement related to its Cortana virtual-assistant software. The jury finds Microsoft’s voice-recognition technology breaches IPA’s patent rights in computer-communications software, with Microsoft intending to appeal the verdict.
