Introduction to the FDA Restructuring

The Food and Drug Administration has gutted a division responsible for training agency staff and outside health-care professionals on an array of key public health, regulation and safety practices and supporting professional development for employees. In an email viewed, workers were notified that the Division of Learning and Organizational Development, or DLOD, faces cuts under Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s broader plan to restructure the Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS. All of the more than 30 employees in the division were laid off.

Impact of the Cuts

While it was a small team within the FDA, it was a key resource for the entire agency and external doctors, nurses, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, among other professionals. Kennedy is slashing 10,000 jobs at HHS, including roughly 3,500 full-time employees at the FDA, to focus on what HHS called "streamlining operations and centralizing administrative functions." The FDA is responsible for regulating and overseeing the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, medical devices, food and cosmetics, among other items.

Effect on Public Health

HHS has said the cuts at the agency will not affect inspectors or reviewers of drugs, medical devices or food, and will primarily target workers deemed as having unnecessary responsibilities. But reports suggest that the Trump administration is eliminating some employees who played a key role in protecting public health, such as top veterinarians overseeing the FDA’s bird flu response amid outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows, along with several recent human cases.

Reinstatement of Personnel and Programs

Kennedy last week said some personnel and programs at federal agencies affected by his sweeping reductions will be reinstated, but it is unclear if that includes DLOD employees. The FDA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Cancellation of Activities and Programs

The division is canceling all planned activities, including scientific and regulatory education along with leadership and organizational development, according to the email. It is also scrapping the processing and approval of any so-called continuing education activities across the FDA, which refers to formal educational programs that help agency staff and external health-care professionals stay up to date on medical science, public health and regulatory practices, the email said.

Training and Education Programs

For example, some programs trained agency staff and external doctors, nurses and pharmacists about opioid safety, avoiding medication errors, infectious and rare diseases, clinical trials and using artificial intelligence to support regulatory decisions, according to two FDA employees, who requested anonymity to speak freely. The division also held monthly presentations to highlight research across the agency – such as a recent study on tobacco use – and its impact on protecting public health, the employees said.

Impact on Healthcare Professionals

There are now no staff available to award credits, or points for completing approved educational activities, such as lectures, online modules or workshops, according to one FDA employee. Depending on the state, health-care professionals must earn a certain number of credits each year or licensing cycle to maintain their credentials and stay up to date with medical knowledge and standards.

Loss of Central Resource

The FDA is also losing a central resource that employees can go to for professional development and training. "With the removal of DLOD, there’s a great deal of uncertainty about how learners and professionals will adapt," one of the FDA employees said. "They are now responsible for independently finding and selecting their own courses, which may result in confusion or inefficiency."

Funding and Accreditation

One office in the division was fully funded by so-called user fees, not taxpayer dollars, according to the two FDA employees. The FDA collects those fees from companies that produce certain products like drugs and medical devices and from other entities, such as certain certification bodies. The Trump administration has cited federal cost savings as part of its justification for laying off employees at HHS, raising questions about why it targeted that unit.

Conclusion

The elimination of the Division of Learning and Organizational Development has significant implications for the FDA and the healthcare professionals it serves. The loss of this division will likely lead to confusion and inefficiency in the training and education of agency staff and external healthcare professionals, ultimately affecting public health.

FAQs

Q: What is the Division of Learning and Organizational Development (DLOD)?
A: The DLOD is a division within the FDA responsible for training agency staff and outside health-care professionals on key public health, regulation, and safety practices.
Q: Why was the DLOD eliminated?
A: The DLOD was eliminated as part of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s plan to restructure the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and reduce costs.
Q: How many employees were laid off from the DLOD?
A: All 30+ employees in the DLOD were laid off.
Q: What kind of training and education programs did the DLOD offer?
A: The DLOD offered training and education programs on topics such as opioid safety, avoiding medication errors, infectious and rare diseases, clinical trials, and using artificial intelligence to support regulatory decisions.
Q: How will the elimination of the DLOD affect healthcare professionals?
A: The elimination of the DLOD will make it more difficult for healthcare professionals to earn the credits they need to maintain their credentials and stay up to date with medical knowledge and standards.

Employee activism in the workplace is becoming increasingly important, as it allows employees to become more invested in their work and the company. This, in turn, can lead to increased job satisfaction, productivity, and overall well-being. By embracing employee activism, organizations can create a positive and supportive work environment that fosters growth and development.

The Power of Employee Activism

Employee activism refers to the actions taken by employees to promote positive change within their organization. This can include advocating for social and environmental causes, pushing for diversity and inclusion, and speaking out against injustices. By giving employees a voice and allowing them to take an active role in shaping their work environment, organizations can tap into their passion and creativity.

Benefits for Employees

Employee activism can have numerous benefits for employees, including increased job satisfaction, improved mental health, and a sense of purpose. When employees feel that their voices are being heard and that they are making a positive impact, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. This, in turn, can lead to improved productivity and overall well-being.

Benefits for Organizations

Employee activism can also have numerous benefits for organizations, including improved reputation, increased employee retention, and access to new ideas and perspectives. By embracing employee activism, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to social and environmental responsibility, which can help to attract and retain top talent. Additionally, employee activism can provide organizations with valuable insights and ideas, which can help to drive innovation and growth.

Real-Life Examples of Employee Activism

There are many real-life examples of employee activism, including the Google walkout in 2018, where thousands of employees walked out to protest the company’s handling of sexual harassment allegations. Another example is the Amazon employee-led campaign to push the company to take action on climate change. These examples demonstrate the power of employee activism and the impact it can have on organizations.

The Role of Leadership

Leadership plays a critical role in fostering employee activism, as they provide the necessary support and resources for employees to take action. This includes creating a positive and inclusive work environment, providing opportunities for employee engagement and participation, and demonstrating a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. By doing so, leaders can empower employees to become active participants in shaping the organization’s culture and values.

Overcoming Challenges

While employee activism can have numerous benefits, there are also challenges that organizations may face, including resistance to change, fear of backlash, and concerns about productivity. To overcome these challenges, organizations must create a safe and supportive environment where employees feel comfortable speaking out and taking action. This requires leaders to be open-minded, flexible, and willing to listen to employee concerns.

Best Practices for Fostering Employee Activism

There are several best practices that organizations can follow to foster employee activism, including creating a positive and inclusive work environment, providing opportunities for employee engagement and participation, and demonstrating a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Additionally, organizations should provide training and resources to support employee activism, such as diversity and inclusion training, and opportunities for professional development.

Creating a Positive Work Environment

Creating a positive work environment is critical for fostering employee activism, as it provides employees with the necessary support and resources to take action. This includes promoting diversity and inclusion, providing opportunities for employee engagement and participation, and demonstrating a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. By doing so, organizations can create a culture of trust and respect, where employees feel comfortable speaking out and taking action.

Providing Opportunities for Employee Engagement

Providing opportunities for employee engagement and participation is also critical for fostering employee activism, as it allows employees to take an active role in shaping the organization’s culture and values. This can include employee resource groups, volunteer opportunities, and opportunities for professional development. By providing these opportunities, organizations can empower employees to become active participants in shaping the organization’s future.

Global Trends and Politics

Employee activism is not just a local phenomenon, but a global trend that is shaping the way organizations operate. With the rise of social media, employees are more connected than ever before, and are using their voices to speak out on social and environmental issues. This has led to a shift in the way organizations approach social and environmental responsibility, with many now prioritizing these issues as a key part of their business strategy.

The Impact of Social Media

Social media has played a critical role in the rise of employee activism, as it has provided employees with a platform to speak out and connect with others. This has allowed employees to mobilize and organize around social and environmental issues, and has put pressure on organizations to take action. By leveraging social media, employees can amplify their voices and create a movement for positive change.

Conclusion

In conclusion, employee activism is a powerful tool for promoting positive change within organizations. By embracing employee activism, organizations can create a positive and supportive work environment that fosters growth and development. This requires leaders to be open-minded, flexible, and willing to listen to employee concerns, and to provide the necessary support and resources for employees to take action. By doing so, organizations can tap into the passion and creativity of their employees, and create a culture of trust and respect that drives innovation and growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is employee activism?

Employee activism refers to the actions taken by employees to promote positive change within their organization. This can include advocating for social and environmental causes, pushing for diversity and inclusion, and speaking out against injustices.

Why is employee activism important?

Employee activism is important because it allows employees to become more invested in their work and the company. This can lead to increased job satisfaction, productivity, and overall well-being, as well as improved reputation, increased employee retention, and access to new ideas and perspectives.

How can organizations foster employee activism?

Organizations can foster employee activism by creating a positive and inclusive work environment, providing opportunities for employee engagement and participation, and demonstrating a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. This can include providing training and resources to support employee activism, such as diversity and inclusion training, and opportunities for professional development.

What are the benefits of employee activism for employees?

The benefits of employee activism for employees include increased job satisfaction, improved mental health, and a sense of purpose. When employees feel that their voices are being heard and that they are making a positive impact, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated.

What are the benefits of employee activism for organizations?

The benefits of employee activism for organizations include improved reputation, increased employee retention, and access to new ideas and perspectives. By embracing employee activism, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to social and environmental responsibility, which can help to attract and retain top talent.

Introduction to the Box Office Success

Warner Bros. struck gold over the weekend. "A Minecraft Movie," the studio’s co-production with Legendary Entertainment, snapped up $163 million at the domestic box office during its debut. The movie not only set a record for the highest-opening video game adaption, surpassing Universal’s "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," but it also gave a much needed jolt to the domestic box office.

Performance and Records

"Generations Z and Alpha came to the rescue of an historically weak first quarter at the box office," said Shawn Robbins, director of analytics at Fandango and founder of Box Office Theory. "The film is another bellwether highlighting where studios and theaters can meet today’s young and family moviegoing audience looking for fresh, familiar, and accessible blockbuster content." "Minecraft" fueled Cinemark’s all-time domestic box office record for a three-day family film opening and tallied $22 million at the global box office for premium screen company IMAX, the largest haul since "Deadpool & Wolverine" opened last July.

Impact on the Domestic Box Office

"This was a total game changer that took the year-to-date box office deficit from 13% heading into the weekend to just 5% coming out of the weekend," said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore. Through the first three months of the year, the domestic box office has snared $1.4 billion in ticket sales, about 12% shy of the $1.65 billion collected during the same period last year, according to data from Comscore.

Current Box Office Standings

Disney and Marvel’s "Captain America: Brave New World" stands as the highest-grossing title so far in 2025, generating just under $200 million in ticket sales. Meanwhile Universal’s "Dog Man" has tallied $97 million and Disney’s live-action Snow White stands at around $77 million. The first quarter of the year was propped up by 2024 titles like "Mufasa: The Lion King," "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" and "Moana 2."

Future Outlook

"The upside surprise from ‘A Minecraft Movie’ provided a great way to kick off the first weekend of 2Q and reclaim a lot of ground that was lost in 1Q," Eric Wold, analyst at Roth, wrote in a research note to investors Monday. The strong opening for "Minecraft" bodes well for a second quarter that is packed with blockbuster IP. "This now sets the stage for a big comeback for theaters which will create momentum, moving forward and with multiple notable films set for April leading up to the beginning of the summer movie season," said Dergarabedian.

Upcoming Movies

Disney and Marvel’s "Thunderbolts*" officially kicks off the summer season and is followed by Paramount’s "Mission Impossible — The Final Reckoning," Disney’s live-action "Lilo and Stitch," Universal’s live-action "How to Train Your Dragon," Universal’s "Jurassic World Rebirth," Warner Bro.’s "Superman" and Marvel’s "The Fantastic Four: First Steps." "On an absolute basis, we believe the quarter has good depth with upward of nine movies capable of surpassing $100 million versus only four movies last year surpassing that level," Handler wrote.

Conclusion

The success of "A Minecraft Movie" is a significant boost to the domestic box office, especially after a weak first quarter. With a strong lineup of movies in the second quarter, including several blockbuster IPs, the outlook for the rest of the year is positive. The success of "Minecraft" demonstrates the potential for video game adaptations to perform well at the box office and highlights the importance of catering to younger audiences.

FAQs

Q: What was the opening weekend box office gross for "A Minecraft Movie"?
A: $163 million.
Q: Did "A Minecraft Movie" set any records?
A: Yes, it set a record for the highest-opening video game adaptation and fueled Cinemark’s all-time domestic box office record for a three-day family film opening.
Q: How did the success of "A Minecraft Movie" impact the domestic box office?
A: It reduced the year-to-date box office deficit from 13% to 5% and provided a much-needed boost to the domestic box office after a weak first quarter.
Q: What movies are scheduled for release in the second quarter?
A: Several blockbuster IPs, including Disney and Marvel’s "Thunderbolts*," Paramount’s "Mission Impossible — The Final Reckoning," and Universal’s "Jurassic World Rebirth," among others.
Q: What is the outlook for the rest of the year?
A: Positive, with a strong lineup of movies in the second quarter and the potential for several movies to surpass $100 million at the box office.