North America HR News Flash: Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Irish public sector pay deal draft: 10.75% phased increase for more than 420,000 workers

• The draft gives 10.75% over 33 months
• First increase is 2% or a minimum of €1,200, whichever is higher, backdated to 1 September 2026
• Further phased increases through 2029, with provisions for lower-paid staff and commitments on reform and AI

Labor Department watchdog says OSHA may have improperly inspected small businesses in up to 481 cases

• The inspector general audit says OSHA may have improperly inspected small businesses in as many as 481 cases
• A congressional rider exempts low-hazard employers with 10 or fewer employees from inspection
• Lawmakers seeking to trim OSHA's budget are citing the report

What employers should do: Check whether your industry is classified as low-hazard and whether you have 10 or fewer employees, and keep relevant records

U.S. Chamber, Justworks survey: nearly 70% of small business owners want outside help with benefits

• A survey of 759 small businesses finds nearly 70% of owners need outside help with benefits
• The share is 75% among Gen Z and millennial owners and 54% among boomers
• Gusto reports medical costs per worker are up 31% since 2022, to $8,743

Dayforce unveils Agentic HCM Platform, Build, Marketplace and Deploy at Discover conference

• The Agentic HCM Platform adds AI across HR, pay, time, talent and planning
• Launches include Ask Dayforce, AI Agents and Bots
• Also launched: Dayforce Build, Marketplace, Build Academy certification and the Deploy implementation tool