Also today: We check in on the another effort to unionize for Amazon workers in Alabama, as the National Labor Relations Board has gotten involved after an earlier attempt resulted in a “no” vote.

Also today: We discuss the effect of the omicron variant has had on the vaccine markets after warnings from Moderna’s CEO. Also, today may be Giving Tuesday, but charitable giving is expected to be down after a record year.

From the BBC World Service: The Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel expects the number of mutations in the latest COVID-19 variant mean new vaccines will be required next year, sending ripples of nervousness through financial markets. But what do we actually know about the impact of omicron? And, a new report suggests some high food prices are unlikely to fall next year.

Also today: The markets appear to be bouncing back after the initial flood of concern surrounding the Omicron variant. Julia Coronado helps explain the market mood shift. We also hear some details on the sales action from Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Also today: Senior economics contributor Chris Farrell helps us discuss the role of retirees during the labor shortage. Could some of them be coming back to work?

From the BBC World Service: That’s partly because despite a rise in infections in South Africa, they aren’t seeing an increase in COVID-19 deaths in the province hardest hit by the new variant. Plus, WHO member countries meet to discuss the global pandemic response. And, businesses in the Netherlands are worried about pandemic restrictions limiting opening hours for hospitality and cultural venues. 

Plus: what Small Business Saturday means for local retailers this year, and why some Americans are opting out of the consumer frenzy — and not just for the holidays.

Also today: what the new COVID-19 variant means for markets and the holiday travel season.

From the BBC World Service: As countries including the U.K., Germany and Japan announce restrictions on flights from a number of southern African countries, the WHO now needs to decide if this should be labelled a variant of concern. But, the selloff in markets, coming the day after Thanksgiving, needs a bit more context. And, we hear from global supermarket giant Carrefour on what super-fast delivery adds to its bottom line.