One of the goals of President Donald Trump’s 145% tariffs against China is to drive manufacturing back to America. But the odds of that are low, at least when it comes to toys.

The View from Mattel

“We don’t see that happening,” Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz said on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” on Tuesday, less than a day after the company withdrew annual financial targets. “We need to remember that a significant part of toy creation happens in America,” he said. “Design, development, product engineering, brand management all happens in America. Making product, producing product in other countries, allows us to create quality products at affordable price points.”

Diversification of Manufacturing

Mattel has been diversifying its global manufacturing for nearly a decade in an effort to reduce its dependence on China. By the end of the year, less than 40% of Mattel’s product will be sourced from the country. Kreiz noted that in two years, no country will represent more than 25% of Mattel’s sourcing.

Mitigating the Effects of Tariffs

In the meantime, Mattel is taking mitigating actions to fully offset costs associated with Trump’s trade war with China, including raising prices in the U.S., while aiming to keep the cost of many toys low. The company is expecting to keep between 40% and 50% of its products under $20. “This is something we are committed to do,” Kreiz said. “To continue to create quality product and find the right balance of price and value all in the service of the consumer.”

Market Impact

Since the tariffs were announced on April 2, Mattel’s stock is down about 19%.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the tariffs imposed by President Trump aim to drive manufacturing back to the United States, companies like Mattel do not foresee a significant shift in their manufacturing base. Instead, they are diversifying their global manufacturing and taking steps to mitigate the effects of the tariffs, aiming to maintain affordable prices for consumers.

FAQs

Q: What is the goal of President Trump’s tariffs against China?

A: One of the goals is to drive manufacturing back to America.

Q: Does Mattel expect manufacturing to return to the US?

A: No, Mattel does not see that happening, citing the need for affordable price points and the fact that significant parts of toy creation already happen in America.

Q: How is Mattel responding to the tariffs?

A: Mattel is diversifying its global manufacturing, raising prices in the US, and aiming to keep many toys under $20 to mitigate the effects of the tariffs.

Q: How has Mattel’s stock been affected by the tariffs?

A: Mattel’s stock is down about 19% since the tariffs were announced on April 2.

Employee rights and policies are crucial in today’s digital age, where social media plays a significant role in shaping a company’s reputation. As an employee, it’s essential to understand your company’s social media policy to avoid any potential pitfalls. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of social media policies, exploring the dos and don’ts, and provide you with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of online interactions.

Introduction to Social Media Policies

A social media policy is a set of guidelines that outlines the rules and regulations for employees to follow when using social media, both personally and professionally. These policies are designed to protect the company’s reputation, prevent confidential information from being leaked, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. With the rise of social media, companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of having a comprehensive social media policy in place.

Why Social Media Policies are Important

Social media policies are vital for companies to maintain a positive online presence and prevent potential crises. For instance, in 2018, a tweet from a Roseanne Barr, an American actress, sparked controversy and led to the cancellation of her show. This incident highlights the importance of having a social media policy that outlines the consequences of inappropriate online behavior. Moreover, social media policies help to establish a company’s brand voice and tone, ensuring consistency across all online platforms.

Understanding Your Company’s Social Media Policy

To understand your company’s social media policy, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the guidelines and regulations. Most companies have a social media policy document that outlines the dos and don’ts of social media usage. These policies typically cover topics such as:

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Companies have a responsibility to protect confidential information, including trade secrets, customer data, and financial information. Employees must ensure that they do not share sensitive information on social media, as this can lead to serious consequences, including legal action. For example, in 2019, a former employee of Coca-Cola was sued for allegedly sharing confidential information on LinkedIn.

Online Behavior and Etiquette

Social media policies often outline the expected online behavior and etiquette for employees. This includes guidelines on what type of content to post, how to engage with others online, and how to respond to negative comments. Employees must be mindful of their online behavior, as it can reflect on the company’s reputation. A study by Glassdoor found that 77% of employees believe that social media has a significant impact on a company’s reputation.

Personal Social Media Accounts

While social media policies primarily focus on professional online behavior, they may also cover personal social media accounts. Employees may be required to keep their personal social media accounts separate from their professional ones, or to avoid posting content that could be perceived as reflecting poorly on the company. For instance, in 2020, a teacher in the United States was fired for posting a controversial tweet on her personal Twitter account.

Best Practices for Social Media Usage

To ensure that you’re using social media effectively and safely, follow these best practices:

Be Authentic and Transparent

When using social media for professional purposes, be authentic and transparent. Share information that is accurate and relevant, and avoid misleading or deceptive content. A study by Edelman found that 81% of consumers trust companies that are transparent about their business practices.

Use Social Media to Build Relationships

Social media is an excellent tool for building relationships with customers, colleagues, and industry peers. Use social media to engage with others, share relevant content, and participate in online discussions. For example, a study by HubSpot found that companies that use social media to engage with customers have a 25% higher customer satisfaction rate.

Monitor and Respond to Online Conversations

Monitor online conversations about your company and respond promptly to any comments or queries. This helps to build trust and demonstrates that your company values customer feedback. A study by Sprout Social found that 70% of consumers expect companies to respond to their social media queries within an hour.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When using social media, there are several common mistakes to avoid:

Posting Inappropriate Content

Avoid posting content that is offensive, discriminatory, or harassing. This type of content can damage your company’s reputation and lead to serious consequences. For instance, in 2019, a Facebook employee was fired for posting a transphobic comment on the company’s internal forum.

Sharing Confidential Information

Never share confidential information on social media, including trade secrets, customer data, or financial information. This can lead to serious consequences, including legal action. A study by IBM found that 60% of companies have experienced a data breach due to employee negligence.

Engaging in Online Arguments

Avoid engaging in online arguments or debates, as these can escalate quickly and damage your company’s reputation. Instead, focus on providing helpful and informative content that adds value to the online conversation. A study by Hootsuite found that 71% of consumers are more likely to recommend a company that provides helpful and informative content on social media.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding your company’s social media policy is crucial in today’s digital age. By familiarizing yourself with the guidelines and regulations, you can avoid potential pitfalls and ensure that your online behavior reflects positively on your company. Remember to be authentic and transparent, use social media to build relationships, and monitor and respond to online conversations. By following these best practices and avoiding common mistakes, you can help to maintain a positive online presence and protect your company’s reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about social media policies:

Q: What is a social media policy?

A: A social media policy is a set of guidelines that outlines the rules and regulations for employees to follow when using social media, both personally and professionally.

Q: Why do companies need social media policies?

A: Companies need social media policies to protect their reputation, prevent confidential information from being leaked, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

Q: What should I do if I’m unsure about a social media post?

A: If you’re unsure about a social media post, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid posting it. Instead, consult with your supervisor or HR department for guidance.

Q: Can I use social media for personal purposes during work hours?

A: It depends on your company’s social media policy. Some companies allow employees to use social media for personal purposes during work hours, while others may prohibit it. Be sure to check your company’s policy to avoid any confusion.

Q: What are the consequences of violating a social media policy?

A: The consequences of violating a social media policy can range from a warning to termination, depending on the severity of the infraction. It’s essential to understand your company’s social media policy and follow it carefully to avoid any potential consequences.

People wait in line for a delayed flight at Newark International Airport on May 5, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. Air traffic controllers lost contact with aircraft heading to and from Newark Liberty International Airport last week, their union said, detailing an equipment failure that led to massive flight delays and raised more concerns about aging U.S. aviation infrastructure and staffing shortages.

The Incident and Its Aftermath

The controllers who guide flights in and out of the New Jersey airport on April 28 “temporarily lost radar and communications with the aircraft under their control, unable to see, hear, or talk to them,” the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, their union, said in a statement. Staffing shortages followed the incident, which was so severe that some of the controllers involved “have taken time off to recover from the stress of multiple recent outages,” the Federal Aviation Administration said on Monday.

Delays and Disruptions

There were more than 1,500 delays in the New Jersey airport last week, according to flight-tracker site FlightAware, as disruptions piled up because of shortages of air traffic controllers. “Our antiquated air traffic control system is affecting our workforce,” the FAA said. “We are working to ensure the current telecommunications equipment is more reliable in the New York area by establishing a more resilient and redundant configuration with the local exchange carriers.”

Response from Airlines

United Airlines said Friday that it will cut 35 flights a day from its New York City area hub at Newark because of the delays, in hopes of putting more slack into the system and ease disruptions. In a note to customers, CEO Scott Kirby said Friday that last week’s “technology issues were compounded as over 20% of the FAA controllers for EWR walked off the job.” However, the union denied that the controllers walked off the job and explained that workers took time off under the Federal Employees Compensation Act, which “covers all federal employees that are physically injured or experience a traumatic event on the job.”

Underlying Issues

The U.S. has faced a shortage of air traffic controllers for years. The Trump administration recently rolled out new incentives to hire and retain controllers, who are required to retire at age 56. The FAA last year moved controllers who are responsible for aircraft arriving and departing from Newark from a facility on Long Island in New York to a different facility in Philadelphia, in hopes of reducing overloaded controllers who were also handling traffic for New York City’s major airports.

Calls for Improvement

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees the major airports in the New York City area, said in a statement Monday, “The Port Authority has invested billions to modernize Newark Liberty, but those improvements depend on a fully staffed and modern federal air traffic system.” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy last week visited the Philadelphia facility and said he will unveil plans for an “brand new air traffic control system” this week. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday urged Duffy to address the staffing shortfalls in the Philadelphia facility that oversees Newark as well as the New York facility that controls traffic in and out of LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport, both in Queens.

Conclusion

The recent incident at Newark Liberty International Airport highlights the pressing issues of aging infrastructure and staffing shortages in the U.S. air traffic control system. The need for modernization and increased staffing is critical to prevent such disruptions in the future, especially with the anticipation of increased air travel demand.

FAQs

1. Q: What happened at Newark Liberty International Airport?
   A: Air traffic controllers lost contact with aircraft due to an equipment failure, leading to massive flight delays.
2. Q: What is the underlying issue with the U.S. air traffic control system?
   A: The system is aging and faces staffing shortages, with controllers required to retire at age 56.
3. Q: How did United Airlines respond to the delays?
   A: United Airlines cut 35 flights a day from its New York City area hub at Newark to ease disruptions.
4. Q: What is being done to address the issue?
   A: The FAA is working to improve telecommunications equipment, and the U.S. Transportation Secretary plans to unveil a new air traffic control system.
5. Q: What are the concerns for the future?
   A: There are concerns about the system’s ability to handle increased air travel demand, especially with events like the World Cup Finals.