Gen Z’s Union Vision: AI, Hybrid Work, Balance

New survey reveals younger workers trust unions but want them to expand their priorities beyond wages and benefits. As AI and automation reshape the job market, younger workers are looking for unions to advocate for fair policies, address economic stability and ensure career development opportunities alongside traditional concerns. The latest research from LaborStrong, an online initiative of MagnaCare, found that 77% of workers aged 18–28 believe union workplaces are better than non-union workplaces. Additionally, these younger workers believe unions should evolve their role beyond wages and benefits to actively shape the future of work. “Modern issues like AI and automation are transforming jobs, and unions must lead the charge to ensure these advancements create more opportunities. Younger employees see this shift happening and look to unions to shape the future of work, setting standards that keep the workforce strong and competitive.” The 2025 LaborStrong Perceptions and Priorities of Labor Survey, conducted via the third-party platform Pollfish, gathered responses from 1,000 U.S. adults to examine how unions are perceived, their role in the workplace and what issues workers believe should be prioritized. Key findings from the report include: The data demonstrates a high confidence in unions peaking among those in their 30s and 40s before declining among older workers, highlighting generational gap in trust. This suggests unions must strike the balance between reinforcing their value to older employees–who may feel disconnected from modern labor movements and Gen Z values–while continuing to evolve to meet the expectations of younger generations. Additionally, although Gen X workers may be less likely to consider union representation when job searching, unions have a chance to better communicate their benefits to a workforce that spans multiple economic and technological shifts. “The role of unions has always been to protect workers, but in 2025, protection means adapting to new workforce challenges,” said Joe Morrone, Vice President of Labor Relations & Business Development at MagnaCare. “Modern issues like AI and automation are transforming jobs, and unions must lead the charge to ensure these advancements create more opportunities. Younger employees see this shift happening and look to unions to shape the future of work, setting standards that keep the workforce strong and competitive.” The survey findings suggest a pivotal moment for organized labor unions, emphasizing the need to reinforce core principles while embracing the challenges of a rapidly changing workforce, so unions remain trusted advocates for workers.

ServiceNow Release Boosts AI for Faster Workflows

Yokohama platform release includes teams of preconfigured AI agents now available for faster deployment, improved productivity, and predictable outcomes on day one. ServiceNow, the AI platform for business transformation, announced the Yokohama platform release, unleashing new AI agents across CRM, HR, IT, and more, for faster, smarter workflows and maximum, end-to-end business impact. These latest innovations include teams of preconfigured AI agents that deliver productivity and predictable outcomes from day one, on a single platform, as well as capabilities to build, onboard, and manage the entire AI agent lifecycle. Because data fuels AI, the company also announced expansion of its Knowledge Graph with advancements to its Common Service Data Model (CSDM) to break down barriers among data sources for more connected AI agents. “Agility is essential for Davies, given our work with clients in heavily regulated markets” According to Gartner, “By 2028, 40% of CIOs will demand ‘Guardian Agents’ be available to autonomously track, oversee, or contain the results of AI agent actions,” underscoring the growing need for a coordinated, enterprise-wide approach to AI deployment and management. As businesses race to unlock the full potential of agentic AI, ServiceNow serves as the AI agent control tower for enterprises, with solutions that remove common roadblocks like data fragmentation, governance gaps, and real-time performance challenges. Unlike other AI providers that operate in silos or require complex integrations, ServiceNow AI Agents are built on a single, enterprise-wide platform, helping ensure seamless data connectivity with Workflow Data Fabric. By providing a single view of all workflows, AI, and automation needs, ServiceNow enables companies to seamlessly coordinate thousands of AI agents across CRM, IT, HR, finance, and more, enabling total enterprise-wide visibility and control. ServiceNow AI Agents are now available to radically accelerate productivity at scale Enterprise leaders are moving beyond experimentation, demanding AI solutions that drive real outcomes. ServiceNow’s AI capabilities generate insights that power AI agent reasoning, planning, learning, and orchestration, equipping businesses to more rapidly achieve impactful goals. New ServiceNow AI Agents are available today and ready to help businesses accelerate productivity, streamline operations, and drive real outcomes for enterprise-wide use cases. For example: Simplify AI agent management for a more streamlined lifecycle ServiceNow AI Agent Orchestrator and AI Agent Studio are also now generally available with expanded capabilities to govern the complete AI agent lifecycle—from building AI agents, to onboarding and monitoring their performance, to ensuring enterprises realize the value they need. This includes: Connect, understand, and take action with data solution advancements At the foundation of the ServiceNow Platform is Workflow Data Fabric, enabling AI-powered workflows that integrate seamlessly with an organization’s data, regardless of the system or source. Workflow Data Fabric enables businesses to gain deeper insights through AI-driven contextualization and decision intelligence while automating manual work and creating process efficiencies. New in the Yokohama release, ServiceNow continues to expand its Knowledge Graph data capabilities with enhancements to its Common Service Data Model (CSDM). CSDM provides a standardized framework for managing IT and business services that accelerates quick, safe, and compliant technology deployments. By unifying hundreds of technology categories, systems, and processes under one clear model, CSDM empowers organizations to implement and scale technology with confidence. With this latest update, customers gain a unique advantage: the ability to orchestrate seamless hand-offs between both AI and live agents, ensuring work flows effortlessly across teams. Built-in governance and audit-ready data provide transparency and trust, so businesses can continue at the pace of innovation while maintaining compliance. What our customers and partners are saying: CANCOM “ServiceNow’s GenAI solutions have reshaped CANCOM’s internal operations, driving efficiency and cost savings that have solidified our reputation as an innovative IT leader. Now we’re rolling out these powerful capabilities to our clients,” said Ulrich Mayr, CIO, CANCOM. “Yokohama’s new agentic AI agents will ignite enhanced productivity and insight, driving shared success for us and our customers.” Cognizant “At Cognizant, we are helping companies harness the next phase of AI with agentic AI workflows that could bring unparalleled efficiency,” said Jason Wojahn, global head of Cognizant’s ServiceNow Business Group. “We were the first to bring ServiceNow’s Workflow Data Fabric to market and are working to help our clients to seamlessly connect their data with AI. With the Yokohama release and the integration of AI agents onto the Now Platform, clients can now operate their agents virtually effortlessly with connected data, driving productivity and ROI across their entire business.” Davies “Agility is essential for Davies, given our work with clients in heavily regulated markets,” said Darrell Burnell, Group Head of Technology, Davies. “We’ve transformed our agent experience with ServiceNow’s generative AI, deploying Now Assist for ITSM in just six weeks to streamline information retrieval and accelerate resolution times. ServiceNow’s Yokohama release will help deliver even greater productivity with agentic AI to unlock productivity at scale.” Sentara “As one of the largest not-for-profit integrated health systems in the country, Sentara is dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care and innovative healthcare solutions,” said Sentara ServiceNow Platform Team. “Sentara has already seen tremendous success with ServiceNow’s AI solutions, allowing operational teams to handle more requests with ease and is excited to explore how agentic AI can further improve efficiency and patient experience as Sentara continues to expand.”

National Security Compensation Reaches Record High

DHI Group, announced that ClearanceJobs, its leading online community for security-cleared professionals in the defense and intelligence sectors, has released its 2025 Security Clearance Compensation Report. Despite economic uncertainty and shifting federal workforce dynamics, compensation for cleared professionals climbed nearly 4% in 2025, reaching an all-time high of $119,131. The demand for security-cleared talent remains strong, with 68% of professionals receiving salary increases—and nearly one in seven seeing pay bumps of 10% or more. “For candidates, the message is clear: your clearance is your currency, and it’s a career advantage to keep in an uncertain federal job market,” said Alex Schildt, President of ClearanceJobs. “But pay isn’t the only factor—career growth, flexibility, and stability are also important. Employers who recognize that and offer competitive salaries, career development opportunities, and work-life balance will be the ones who win the battle for the best talent.” HR Technology Insights: ADP Report: Private Sector Adds 77,000 Jobs in February The Evolving Cleared Workforce Increased competition for cleared talent has led to higher salaries across clearance levels, job roles, and geographic locations. Professionals with Lifestyle or Full Scope Polygraphs reported an average salary of $141,299—nearly $30,000 more than those without a polygraph. Virginia continues to lead as the highest-paying state for security-cleared jobs, with an average salary of $131,612, followed closely by Maryland ($130,878) and Colorado ($126,936). The Intelligence Community remains the highest-paying sector, with professionals at agencies like the CIA earning an average of $159,350. While job stability remains a priority for many, 83% of professionals are at least somewhat likely to change jobs in the next year. Compensation remains the top factor in job satisfaction, with 67% of respondents selecting higher pay as their primary motivator for increased workplace happiness. Future Outlook: Pay Growth Continues, But Challenges Remain The cleared workforce is in transition. While national security jobs offer strong compensation and stability, federal hiring freezes and shifting agency priorities may reshape the landscape in the coming years. Employers who want to remain competitive must invest in salaries, benefits, and retention strategies to keep top talent engaged. “Security-cleared professionals are making strategic career moves, and compensation remains their biggest bargaining chip,” said Art Zeile, CEO of DHI Group, Inc. “Employers who grasp market dynamics, offer competitive compensation, and foster opportunities for career advancement will emerge as leaders in securing top talent in the national security sector.” The 2025 Security Clearance Compensation Report includes a breakdown of cleared compensation by state, occupation, education level, clearance level, polygraph status, and more.

MEXC Ventures Invests $36M in Ethena & USDE for Stablecoin

MEXC Ventures, the investment arm of the global cryptocurrency exchange MEXC, has made a strategic investment of $16 million in Ethena, a leading innovator in the stablecoin space. In addition to this investment, MEXC has purchased $20 million in USDe, Ethena’s synthetic dollar, in a move aimed at promoting broader use and adoption of the token within the crypto ecosystem. MEXC Ventures recognizes the exceptional vision and execution of the Ethena team, who have accurately identified the growing demand for stablecoins within decentralized finance (DeFi). Their commitment to continuously improving the product with outstanding execution positions Ethena as a trailblazer in this emerging space. Stablecoins, as a critical element of the broader crypto landscape, are a key area of focus for MEXC, and the firm is particularly optimistic about the potential for USDe and Ethena’s broader ecosystem to transform the stablecoin sector. USDe, issued by the Ethereum-based DeFi platform Ethena, aims to address the centralized challenges faced by stablecoins. Ethena is not just creating a stablecoin – it is building an entire ecosystem around USDe. This investment underscores MEXC’s ongoing commitment to supporting blockchain and crypto infrastructure projects that drive innovation and foster mass adoption. “Stablecoins play a pivotal role in the development of the broader cryptocurrency market, and MEXC is fully supportive of their growth. As demand for investment in Bitcoin and other digital assets continues to rise, stablecoins are set to attract even greater investment. MEXC sees Ethena as a key player in the development of diverse stablecoins that will drive the crypto industry forward, supporting broader adoption and providing users with more stable and efficient financial solutions,” said Tracy Jin, COO of MEXC MEXC Ventures is committed to strategic investments and providing comprehensive ecosystem support for blockchain and DeFi projects. By partnering with top public chains and DeFi projects, MEXC Ventures aims to invest in and incubate early-stage projects, while offering operational support such as marketing campaigns and trading initiatives. This strategy ensures that projects can scale effectively, creating mutually beneficial, win-win partnerships. In an effort to boost stablecoin adoption, MEXC has acquired $20 million worth of USDe. This strategic move is designed to encourage users to experience and trade USDe by offering incentives such as zero-fee trading pairs and attractive high-APR staking events, which will be launched with a prize pool of $1,000,000. These benefits will be available to users on centralized exchanges. MEXC believes in investing in crypto-native projects that are built to thrive within decentralized ecosystems. Innovative synthetic dollar, such as USDe, are inherently designed for DeFi and reduce the reliance on centralized stablecoin issuers. Looking ahead, MEXC aims to provide users with more opportunities to hold USDe and earn passive income directly on centralized exchanges, further enhancing stablecoins’ accessibility and utility.

AuthenticID and Authvia Partner for Secure Digital Payments

AuthenticID, a global leader in identity verification and fraud prevention solutions, has been selected by Authvia as its trusted provider for securing digital payments. Through this partnership, AuthenticID’s identity verification platform will be integrated into Authvia’s cutting-edge Text-to-Pay and Conversational Commerce solution, setting a new standard in AI-powered payments. “The partnership between Authvia and AuthenticID represents a major leap forward in secure, AI-powered payments and identity verification” As digital payments continue to evolve, fraud prevention without adding friction is critical. Authvia’s AI-driven conversational commerce streamlines transactions through secure text-based payments and payouts. With the addition of AuthenticID’s advanced fraud detection, Authvia enhances its platform’s ability to verify users in seconds, preventing identity theft and providing businesses and consumers with a safer, more seamless payment experience. The combined offering provides authentication protection for a variety of payments scenarios, including high-risk transfers, account withdrawals and deposits; payments for high-value goods; and payouts from a business to a customer. Both AuthenticID and Authvia are trusted by large banks and enterprises. “As the demand for instant payments continues to skyrocket among consumers, so has the rate of identity fraud,” said Reed Taussig, AuthenticID CEO. “Partnering with Authvia aligns perfectly with our mission—to combat fraud globally and provide businesses with a trusted partner to verify identities. With the AuthenticID platform, we’re not just moving at the speed of fraud we’re moving at the speed of consumers and ensuring cutting-edge offerings like AI-powered text-to-pay and payouts are trusted, secure methods of payments.” AuthenticID’s AI-powered platform delivers near-instant identity verification and ensures secure, large-scale transactions for loan disbursements, insurance claims, gig economy payments, and more. This seamless verification process reduces payment delays and minimizes fraud risk. What’s more, the combined power of these two AI-driven platforms ensures KYC/AML compliance at scale, stopping unauthorized transactions and other fraud attempts in financial services. “The partnership between Authvia and AuthenticID represents a major leap forward in secure, AI-powered payments and identity verification,” said Chris Brunner, Authvia’s Founder/CEO. “By combining our patented text-to-pay and payout solutions with AuthenticID’s industry-leading AI-driven fraud detection, we’re delivering a seamless, bank-grade security experience that businesses can trust. This collaboration ensures that only verified users can send or receive payments, eliminating fraud risk while making transactions faster, safer, and more convenient. Together, we’re setting a new standard for compliance, security, and frictionless financial interactions.” AuthenticID’s partnership is part of the company’s continued technological advancement to meet growing demands for new payments as consumer preferences and new identity threats continue to evolve. AuthenticID will continue to drive innovation forward in its technology to ensure companies can stay ahead of changing fraud techniques and regulatory requirements while delivering best-in-class customer experience.

Bybit Launches USDe Minting & Redemption on On-Chain Earn

 Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has announced a groundbreaking enhancement to its On-Chain Earn product. Since recently, users can now seamlessly mint and redeem USDe directly through Bybit On-Chain Earn. This update makes Bybit the first exchange to offer a USDe minting solution without whitelist restrictions, significantly improving liquidity and accessibility for USDe within its ecosystem. “By enabling direct USDe minting and redemption through Bybit On-Chain Earn, we’re revolutionizing stablecoin accessibility and liquidity. Users can now seamlessly convert between USDe, USDT, and USDe without the traditional barriers, making it easier than ever to earn high yields effortlessly. This move underscores Bybit’s commitment to innovation and providing users with cutting-edge financial solutions in the crypto space,” said Jerry Li, Head of Earn & Wealth Management at Bybit. Unlocking the Potential of USDe  USDe, developed by Ethena, is a synthetic dollar backed by crypto assets and hedged through short futures positions. It provides a stable alternative with yield potential in the digital asset market, appealing to users seeking secure yet lucrative financial instruments. Previously, Bybit users could only acquire USDe through spot trading, Convert, or external minting via Ethena – the latter being restricted to whitelisted users. Bybit’s new On-Chain Earn functionality eliminates these barriers, providing an open-access USDe minting and redemption solution for all users. USDe Minting and Redemption: A Seamless Experience  With this latest feature, Bybit On-Chain Earn users can now: Why Bybit’s USDe Minting and Redemption Matters Bybit On-Chain Earn offers a superior user experience compared to traditional minting methods, with several key advantages: Bybit’s introduction of unrestricted USDe minting and redemption represents a major milestone for the stablecoin ecosystem. By removing entry barriers and enhancing liquidity, the exchange continues to solidify its position as a leader in the digital asset industry, offering innovative solutions that empower users worldwid

Advarra Unveils Oncology Research Pulse

Content-Driven Program Brings Together Clinical Trial Stakeholders to Foster Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration in Cancer Research Advarra, the market leader in regulatory review solutions and clinical research technology, today announced the launch of Oncology Research Pulse, a new content-driven, thought leadership initiative designed to foster collaboration among clinical trial sponsors, study sites, contract research organizations (CROs), patient advocates, and other key stakeholders across the research community. This initiative will serve as a platform for expert insights, meaningful dialogue, and the exchange of best practices to support the advancement of oncology clinical trials. “Cancer research is evolving at an unprecedented pace. New therapies, shifting regulations, and cutting-edge technologies are transforming how trials are designed and conducted. Yet, persistent challenges remain—study startup is too slow, research sites are overburdened, and too many patients struggle to access innovative treatments,” said Christine Senn, PhD, Senior Vice President and Head of Site-Sponsor Innovation at Advarra. “Advarra has long been committed to optimizing cancer trials—making them faster, more efficient, compliant, and ethical. Oncology Research Pulse is an extension of this commitment, bringing together key stakeholders, to facilitate conversations that drive meaningful progress in the execution of cancer studies.” Oncology Research Pulse will explore scientific advancements in treatment strategies, evolving trial methodologies, and the role of technology and other novel solutions in optimizing study design, regulatory compliance, and operational feasibility. The program will also address opportunities to improve diversity in clinical trials and foster equitable and inclusive research programs that reflect the populations they serve. As part of this initiative, Advarra is partnering with Fierce Pharma on a webinar series, convening thought leaders from across the research community to discuss critical issues shaping the future of oncology trials. Speakers for the first webinar in the series, “Making Just-in-Time Oncology Trials Work: Overcoming Barriers and Unlocking Potential,” include Walter Stadler, MD, FACP, Chief Clinical Officer at City of Hope, Chicago, and Christine Senn, PhD, Senior Vice President and Head of Site-Sponsor Innovation at Advarra. The webinar will take place on April 10, 2025, 1 pm to 2 pm ET. “Collaboration is essential in overcoming the complexities of modern oncology research,” said Walter Stadler, MD, FACP, Chief Clinical Officer at City of Hope, Chicago. “Programs such as Oncology Research Pulse provide a valuable forum for key stakeholders to come together, share insights, and work toward practical solutions that improve trial efficiency and patient access.” Oncology Research Pulse will also cover key updates from major oncology-focused conferences throughout the year, including the Association of Cancer Center Administrators Forum (March 16-18, 2025, in Seattle), Society for Clinical Research Sites Oncology Site Solutions Summit (April 9-10, 2025, in Atlanta), American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting (May 30 – June 3, 2025, in Chicago), and the Association of American Cancer Institutes Clinical Research Innovation Annual Meeting (June 23-25, 2025, in Chicago). Advarra experts will lead discussions on critical topics such as AI in oncology, patient reimbursement, and ethical considerations in Phase I studies Source – PR Newswire

Amino Health Partners with Bend Health to Boost Youth Mental Health

This partnership integrates Bend Health’s virtual pediatric mental health care services into Amino Health’s healthcare guidance platform, making it easier for families to find timely, high-quality behavioral health support Amino Health, the leading digital healthcare guidance platform, today announced a partnership with Bend Health, a national provider of pediatric mental health care for children, teens, and young adults. This collaboration will enable qualifying Amino Health members to seamlessly connect with Bend Health’s youth mental health platform through the Amino Health platform, expanding access to in-network mental health support. “As a parent, I have experienced the struggle of finding a pediatric neuropsychologist. And even when you find a quality provider who accepts your insurance, wait times can be 6 months” “Parents and caregivers shouldn’t have to struggle to find high-quality mental health care for their kids,” said Monika Roots, MD, Co-Founder, Chief Medical Officer, and President of Bend Health. “Too often, families are faced with long waitlists or fragmented care that doesn’t meet their needs. By partnering with Amino Health, we’re making it easier for families to quickly connect with Bend Health’s comprehensive, in-network youth mental health services, so kids get the right support when they need it.” Through this partnership, qualifying Amino Health members can now: Mental health challenges among young people are at an all-time high, with 1 in 5 children experiencing a mental health disorder*, yet half of them do not receive treatment**. By partnering with Bend Health, Amino Health is addressing a critical gap in access to high-quality, in-network mental health care for youth and their families. *MMWR, **NCS “As a parent, I have experienced the struggle of finding a pediatric neuropsychologist. And even when you find a quality provider who accepts your insurance, wait times can be 6 months,” said John Asalone, CEO of Amino Health. “Partnering with Bend Health allows us to guide families to trusted, high-quality mental health care, ensuring children and teens receive the support they need – when they need it.” Source – businesswire