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Recent Editions
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Human Times
North America
Boeing strike: Union votes on new deal

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers has announced a ratification vote for a new Boeing proposal scheduled for Wednesday. The offer includes a 35% pay increase over four years, up from the previous 30%, and raises the ratification bonus to $7,000 per worker. While the proposal does not restore a traditional pension plan, it enhances 401(k) contributions and retains performance bonuses at a minimum of 4% of pay. Union leaders Jon Holden and Brandon Bryant stated: “The fact the company has put forward an improved proposal is a testament to the resolve and dedication of the frontline workers.” The strike, which began on September 13, has affected production of several Boeing aircraft models and led to significant layoffs. Boeing's average annual pay for machinists is currently $75,608. Forbes looks at how the off of a 35% pay rise highlights significant shifts in the American labor market, noting that as talent competition intensifies and labor shortages persist, businesses like Boeing are grappling with wage inflation.

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Human Times
UK
Call to increase basic rate of UK statutory sick pay

Campaigners are urging the Government to enhance the basic rate of statutory sick pay (SSP), currently set at £116 a week, as many workers struggle financially while off sick. A consultation will be launched alongside the second reading of the Employment Rights Bill, which proposes paid sick leave from day one for those earning below £123 a week. Charities, including Citizens Advice and Macmillan Cancer Support, have expressed concerns that the existing SSP system is inadequate, stating: “Hundreds of thousands of working people... will still find themselves without adequate financial support.” A report by WPI Economics, led by Matthew Oakley, suggests that increasing sick pay could yield a net £4.1bn benefit to the economy by improving productivity and reducing long-term health issues.

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Human Times
Europe
Raising pension ages across Europe: A complex and unequal debate

As life expectancy increases across Europe, governments are grappling with the need to raise pension ages to ease the growing strain on state budgets. However, this "one-size-fits-all" approach faces significant backlash due to its uneven impact on workers. Those in physically demanding or lower-paid jobs, as well as individuals in poor health, face greater challenges in prolonging their careers. Health-related issues, often linked to the physical or mental demands of one's profession, are a leading cause of early retirement. To effectively raise productivity and ensure greater fairness, governments must consider individual worker profiles, investing in healthcare and offering more flexible retirement policies that accommodate the diverse needs of the workforce. By addressing these disparities, policymakers can create more equitable systems that promote both economic stability and employee well-being, without disproportionately harming vulnerable workers.

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Human Times
Middle East
Migrant workers in Lebanon face crisis

In Lebanon, over 177,000 migrant workers, primarily from Africa and Asia, are facing dire circumstances amid escalating violence. Cici Brinces, a domestic worker, expressed her despair, stating: "I feel that the end is near for me — worse than when I had cancer." The ongoing conflict has displaced 1.2m Lebanese workers and left many foreign employees homeless, with shelters overflowing. Activists like Safina Virani highlight the plight of abandoned workers, many of whom have lost their passports and financial support. The International Organisation for Migration reports that many migrants are struggling to return home, with governments like the Philippines and Kenya attempting to facilitate repatriation. However, challenges persist, including discrimination and bureaucratic delays. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the need for urgent support for these vulnerable communities becomes increasingly critical.

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