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European Edition
14th May 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
German Ford workers plan strike over job losses
Workers at Ford's plants in Cologne, Germany, are to strike today in response to planned job cuts affecting the company's European operations. Ford announced in November that it would reduce its workforce by approximately 14% due to declining demand for electric vehicles and insufficient government support for the transition. The strike follows a vote by workers favouring industrial action, as labour representatives urge management to explore alternative restructuring measures.
WORKFORCE
More than 10,000 UK civil service jobs to be moved out of London
The UK government has announced a significant restructuring of the civil service, relocating 12,000 jobs from London to regional campuses across the country. The move aims to save £94m (€112m) annually by 2032 and includes the closure of 11 office buildings in the capital, notably 102 Petty France, which houses around 7,000 civil servants. Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: "By relocating thousands of Civil Service roles, we will not only save taxpayers money, we will make this government one that better reflects the country it serves." The initiative is expected to generate £729m for local economies by 2030, with plans for new campuses in Manchester and Aberdeen. Some unions have welcomed the move, but concerns remain about the impact on affected civil servants.
Public sector strike in France causes flight delays and cancellations
On Tuesday, public sector workers in France launched a strike that led to significant disruptions at regional airports. The French civil aviation authority (Direction générale de l'aviation civile, or DGAC) warned that "flight cancellations were to be expected at the Pau and Tarbes airports." All flights at Pau were cancelled from 8am Tuesday to 8am Wednesday, while Tarbes reported diversions and cancellations. The strike, called by five unions including CGT and UNSA, advocated for better purchasing power for civil servants. The strike also affected schools and public offices.
University workers in Finland prepare for strike
About 13,000 university workers in Finland are poised to strike for 24 hours on 27 May if ongoing collective bargaining talks fail to resolve disputes over pay and working conditions. The JHL, JUKO, and Pro unions have issued a strike warning affecting Helsinki and Turku universities following a recent walkout at Tampere University that disrupted classes and exams. The unions aim to maintain the current cap on teaching hours to protect staff from excessive workloads, while employers propose a new system that they claim will not increase working hours. The collective agreement impacts around 35,000 employees across Finland's 13 universities.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Many Dutch healthcare workers report exhaustion and health issues
According to a survey by NU'91, more than half of healthcare professionals in the Netherlands report feeling frequently or always exhausted after their shifts. The survey, which included nearly 2,100 respondents, found that 37% suffer from sleep disorders linked to their work. Femke Merel van Kooten, chair of NU'91, expressed concern, saying: "The healthcare sector relies on people. How can they care for others when their own health is at risk?" The survey also highlighted that 36% of participants attributed their health issues to irregular working hours. Despite these challenges, 69% reported significant support from their families, and 60% felt well-supported by colleagues. Van Kooten emphasised the need for structural changes to improve work-life balance and reduce burnout risks, warning that "the quality of care is at risk if things don't change."
RISK
Climate activists occupy Mærsk building
Climate activists including Greta Thunberg joined around 50 demonstrators in occupying the offices of Maersk Tankers, a subsidiary of Mærsk, on Amager in Copenhagen. Organized by the Green Youth Movement, the protest aimed to spotlight Mærsk's role in the climate crisis and also its alleged involvement in arms shipments to Israel.
INTERNATIONAL
Google settles racial bias lawsuit for $50m
Google has agreed to pay $50m to settle a lawsuit alleging systemic racial bias against Black employees. The preliminary settlement, which covers over 4,000 employees in California and New York, awaits judicial approval. Plaintiffs claim that Google fosters a "racially biased corporate culture," whereby Black employees are relegated to lower-level positions, receive lower pay, and face limited advancement opportunities. April Curley, a plaintiff who worked to enhance outreach to historically Black colleges, said that she was stereotyped and denied promotions, ultimately being dismissed while preparing a report on the company's racial bias. Despite the settlement, Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet, denies any wrongdoing, asserting compliance with applicable laws.
Panasonic to cut 10,000 jobs
Panasonic is to cut 10,000 staff and book restructuring costs of ¥130bn ($896m) this business year, as part of an overhaul of the company. The cuts will come through consolidation of sales and indirect operations as well as sites, business terminations and employees in Japan taking early retirement. The company's restructuring aims to improve group profitability and seeks to achieve a return on equity - a measure of profitability - of 10% by the fiscal year ending in March 2029.
Workplace accidents in Thailand targeted
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has unveiled the "Safety Thailand" vision during National Occupational Safety Day 2025, in an attempt to significantly reduce workplace accidents and fatalities by 2030. The target is to decrease severe injuries from 2.13 to no more than one per 1,000 workers and fatalities from 5.3 to a maximum of three per 100,000 workers. Phiphat emphasised that "safety is not just a legal requirement but a fundamental right," as he highlighted the need for safety standards to evolve alongside technological advancements. The minister outlined proactive measures, including strict legal enforcement and public awareness campaigns, while also addressing the importance of preparing for future risks such as machinery-related accidents and natural disasters. He has tasked the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare with enhancing safety measures in road construction projects, particularly along Rama II Road.
US approves Qatari financing of Syria public sector salaries
The United States has approved a Qatari initiative to provide financial support for Syria's public sector, allowing Qatar to fund a $29m monthly salary increase for civilian public sector workers over three months. This funding, which excludes the interior and defence ministries due to Western concerns, is part of efforts to help rebuild Syria's economy after years of conflict and sanctions. The initiative reflects a potential shift in US policy towards engagement with the new Syrian government, which is attempting to stabilise the country and improve living conditions for its citizens.
OTHER
Ultra-processed foods linked to Parkinson's risk
Research published in the journal Neurology indicates that ultra-processed foods, such as breakfast cereals and soft drinks, may significantly increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Individuals consuming around 11 servings of these foods daily had a 2.5-times higher likelihood of experiencing early symptoms compared to those with lower intake.  The study tracked nearly 43,000 US health professionals over 26 years, revealing a link between high ultra-processed food consumption and various early Parkinson's symptoms, excluding constipation. Dr. Xiang Gao, senior researcher at Fudan University, said: “Eating a healthy diet is crucial as it has been associated with a lower risk of neurodegenerative diseases.”
 


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