You’re all signed up for the Human Times
Thank you for your interest in our service.
Watch out for a confirmation email from our subscriptions team. Once you have confirmed you will join the worldwide community of over 30,000 subscribers who are receiving daily HR intelligence to lead, innovate and grow.
Note: Due to the nature of this message you may find this in your "promotions" or "spam" folders, please check there. If nothing arrives within a few minutes let us know. If you do not receive this email we will be happy to help get you set up.
Adding the email address [email protected], will help to ensure all newsletters arrive directly to your inbox.
Recent Editions
Human Times
North America
After more than two years of fighting against return-to-office mandates, workers are taking their battle to court. Employees are filing lawsuits and complaints with federal labor agencies, arguing that mandates can be unjust, discriminatory, and retaliatory. The outcomes of these cases could force employers to reevaluate their policies. Workers who have filed legal action over remote work say their employers' rejections have been shocking and unfortunate. Some courts have ruled that remote work can be considered a reasonable accommodation. Complaints also include unfair labor practices, such as retaliation for unionization efforts. The fight against return-to-office mandates may be viewed as an uphill battle, but workers believe it is worth it to flex their collective power.
Full IssueHuman Times
UK
P&O Ferries CEO Peter Hebblethwaite accepted a six-figure bonus in 2023 just over a year after the company sacked hundreds of UK-based crew and replaced them with foreign agency workers, MPs heard on Tuesday. Hebblethwaite previously appeared in front of a joint transport and business committee in March 2022, at which time he said the lowest-paid agency worker would receive £5.15 an hour. However, an investigation by ITV News and the Guardian this March revealed some P&O seafarers were receiving an hourly rate as low as £4.87. The UK minimum wage is £11.44 an hour – but the rates do not apply to maritime workers employed by an overseas agency who work on foreign-registered ships in international waters. During his appearance in parliament, Hebblethwaite was asked by Liam Byrne MP: “Are you basically a modern-day pirate?...You seem to be robbing your staff blind.” Regarding his remuneration, Hebblethwaite said he earned a £325,000 basic salary and received an £183,000 bonus in April 2023. “I reflected on accepting that payment. But ultimately I did decide to accept it,” he said. “I do recognise it is not a decision that everybody would have made.”
Full IssueHuman Times
Europe
Wage talks between Norwegian oil firms and three labour unions have ended in a deal, averting the risk of strike action. Unions Lederne, Safe, and IE&FLT reached an agreement with companies, covering 7,300 workers at more than a dozen oil companies and suppliers. The wage agreements include Equinor, ConocoPhillips, Aker BP, and Vaar Energi. Norway, Europe's largest gas supplier, produces around 4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day. The deal ensures a stable supply in the industry. "The wage talks have successfully concluded, ensuring the stability of the oil sector," said an industry official.
Full IssueHuman Times
Middle East
The Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) in Saudi Arabia has launched several criminal cases against individuals exploiting public office for personal gain or harming public interest. The cases include bank employees arrested for receiving money in exchange for depositing cash into commercial entities' bank accounts, an employee colluding to provide a false medical report for insurance compensation, and a resident sub-awarding government contracts without proper classification. The Authority, in collaboration with various government departments, has arrested individuals involved in bribery, fraud, and other corrupt practices. The Authority emphasizes its commitment to combat corruption and hold individuals accountable, with no statute of limitations for such crimes.
Full Issue