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Middle East Edition
2nd December 2024
 
THE HOT STORY
2034 World Cup can improve Saudi human rights, Fifa says
Fifa has released its evaluation report for Saudi Arabia's unopposed bid to host the men's World Cup in 2034, paving the way for the kingdom to be formally awarded the finals next month. Despite long-standing concerns over the country's human rights record, football's governing body has awarded the bid "an average score of 4.2 out of 5" - the highest ever. Fifa says staging the tournament in the kingdom represented a ‘medium’ human rights risk, claiming it had "good potential to act as a catalyst" for reforms. Campaign groups immediately condemned the bid evaluation. 
LEGAL
Saudi Arabia grants 60-day grace period for runaway workers
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has initiated a campaign providing a 60-day grace period for runaway foreign workers to rectify their employment status via the Qiwa platform. This initiative, effective from December 1, 2024, to January 29, 2025, allows workers with absence reports to transfer their services to new employers. The Qiwa platform encourages eligible workers to act swiftly, stating: "take advantage of the available period before the expiry of the deadline." The platform aims to enhance labour stability and protect the rights of both employers and employees, offering digital services to facilitate these transitions. Additionally, workers can obtain salary certificates and experience letters through the Qiwa Individuals platform, free of charge.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Initiatives to improve health of Omani employees
Oman's Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (Opaz) has introduced various initiatives aimed at enhancing employee health and performance. Abdul Majid bin Abdullah Al-Ansari, General Director of the Support Services Sector at Opaz, said that the initiatives are part of the Authority's strategic plan under the Institutional Excellence Programme. The programmes include emergency response training, chronic disease prevention, and mental health workshops, all designed to equip employees with essential skills for both work and personal challenges. Notably, a mental health initiative titled “Positivity and Well-being” was held to promote positive thinking and coping strategies. Al-Ansari emphasised that these efforts have led to increased productivity and improved workplace relationships, ultimately benefiting both employees and the Authority.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
A celebration of Bahrain's women
On December 1, the Ministry of Labour celebrated Bahraini Women's Day, honouring female employees with over 20 years of service. His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, the Undersecretary of the Ministry, praised the dedication of these women, saying: "We are committed to supporting their career aspirations." The event highlighted the ministry's initiatives to promote gender equality and competitiveness in the workplace, with eight initiatives implemented by the Equal Opportunities Committee. The Undersecretary also noted the increasing representation of women in the private sector and leadership roles, reaffirming the ministry's commitment to empowering Bahraini women for active participation in the kingdom's progress.
CORPORATE
Dubai's Bronet Group redefines HR as Happiness
Dubai based business Bronet Group has renamed its HR Department the “Human Happiness Centre.” KPA Saheer, the Managing Director of Bronet Group, said the transformation reflects a commitment to employee well-being and satisfaction, and aims to foster a more positive workplace culture, aligning with the growing trend of prioritising happiness in the corporate environment.
STRATEGY
New EY Global Chief Innovation Officer named
The EY organisation has announced the appointment of Joe Depa as its new EY Global Chief Innovation Officer. Raj Sharma, EY Global Managing Partner of Growth and Innovation, commented: "At this time of constant disruption, success would require a forward-thinking approach and willingness to make bold decisions, which are at the heart of an innovative mindset. We're thrilled to have Joe's deep experience and knowledge around AI and data to lead on our strategic approach to innovation so that EY teams can help clients shape their future more confidently."
INTERNATIONAL
Volkswagen workers strike over job cuts
Thousands of Volkswagen workers are set to strike in response to the company's plans to cut costs and potentially close factories. The IG Metall Union, represented by negotiator Thorsten Groeger, announced that "warning strikes will begin Monday in all plants" after Volkswagen rejected proposals aimed at job protection. "If necessary, this will be the toughest wage dispute Volkswagen has ever seen," Groeger warned, saying that "Volkswagen has set fire to our collective bargaining agreements" and that the company board is now "throwing open petrol drums into it . . . What follows now is the conflict that Volkswagen brought about - we did not want it, but we will conduct it as committedly as necessary!"  Volkswagen said it "respects workers' rights" and believes in "constructive dialogue" in a bid to reach "a lasting solution that is collectively supported." The carmaker, facing a 64% drop in third-quarter profits, is struggling with high manufacturing costs and competition in China. The company has said it respects workers' rights and seeks a "lasting solution that is collectively supported." The strikes come amid broader challenges in the European auto industry amid weakening demand and a slow transition to electric vehicles.
UK harassment law threatens Christmas parties
The introduction of the UK's Worker Protection Act, an amendment to the Equality Act, has raised concerns about the future of office Christmas parties. Legal experts warn that the new regulations impose a duty on employers to prevent sexual harassment, with potential unlimited compensation claims for non-compliance. Charlie Barnes, head of employment law at the legal services company RMS, said: “With increasing legal responsibilities for staff safety and mounting financial pressures brought about by the recent budget, some companies could decide to scrap the Christmas party altogether this year as they may feel such events are becoming too risky, too difficult to manage and too costly.” Updated guidance published in September by the Equality and Human Rights Commission highlighted that workplaces must take an active approach to assessing risk, including a requirement for regular reviews of systems.
Trump's labour pick sparks union hope
President-elect Donald Trump’s choice of Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer to lead the Labor Department could signal a break from the Republican party’s traditionally adversarial stance toward unions, the Wall Street Journal reports. Chavez-DeRemer is one of just three Republican co-sponsors of the 2023 Protecting the Right to Organize Act, a bill backed by 215 congressional Democrats that would expand workers’ collective-bargaining rights and supersede state right-to-work laws. Her nomination was praised by the Teamsters, which broke from other labor unions by not endorsing the Democratic presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris. But the AFL-CIO, while acknowledging the “pro-labour record” of Chavez-DeRemer, cautioned: “Donald Trump is the President-elect of the United States—not Rep. Chavez-DeRemer—and it remains to be seen what she will be permitted to do as Secretary of Labor in an administration with a dramatically anti-worker agenda.”
Uber Eats to no longer use freelancers as deliverers in the Netherlands
Uber Eats has said it will no longer use freelancers as meal deliverers in the Netherlands. From spring next year, the platform will only work with temporary workers locally. Uber Eats interim director Nick Hilhorst told the Telegraaf: “We have had discussions with the unions and with experts in the field of social security . . . We have negotiated, that is new to us.” The main reason for the switch to temporary workers is the changing laws and regulations, he said. “The court rulings in several cases about hiring freelancers also play a role . . . If you had asked me personally, I would have liked to continue working with self-employed workers. But if the rules change, we at Uber will adapt to that.” The decision does not apply to Uber taxi drivers, Hilhorst added.
 


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