THE HOT STORY

ZIM workers escalate strike amid Hapag-Lloyd takeover concerns

Workers at ZIM Integrated Shipping Services have intensified their strike, demanding job security guarantees following Hapag-Lloyd's announcement of a $4.2bn acquisition of the Israeli shipping company. Approximately 800 unionised employees initiated the strike at ZIM's Haifa headquarters, citing fears that the proposed creation of a new dedicated container line, "New ZIM," would result in nearly 900 layoffs. Hapag-Lloyd has assured that job security will be negotiated but the union remains concerned about the long-term viability of “New ZIM” due to its reduced size.

Reuters

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

National Bank of Kuwait launches DEI council

National Bank of Kuwait has established a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Council to enhance its HR practices and promote equal opportunities. Headed by Najla Al-Sager, the council comprises 11 members from various markets, including Kuwait and London. It aims to empower employees, support women in leadership, and foster a diverse workplace culture, and will develop policies and training programmes to raise awareness of diversity and inclusion. Al-Sager noted: "The establishment of the DEI Council comes within the framework of our strategy aimed at promoting a work environment based on justice and equal opportunities." The initiative aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Zawya EN

HIRING

Oman launches first Agentic AI for recruitment

The Oman Society for Human Resources Management (OSHRM) has hosted an event with the Ministry of Labour and Elevatus, focusing on recruitment and digital transformation. Dr Ghalib bin Saif al Hosni, OSHRM chair, highlighted HR's strategic role in national development, and noted the need for intelligent digital solutions to meet workforce demands. The event featured the launch of 'Enfinity', Oman’s first Agentic AI for recruitment, which was presented by Eng Nadine Zureikat. This system automates hiring processes while ensuring compliance and human oversight, enhancing efficiency and decision-making in HR practices.

Oman Observer

REGULATION

Qatar ramps up retail inspections for Ramadan

Qatar's Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has launched extensive inspections of retail outlets and consumer complexes for Ramadan. The aim is to ensure essential goods are available, monitor supply chains, and verify compliance with advertised prices. The efforts are said to support consumer protection and fair trade practices. The MoCI is enforcing Law No 8 of 2008 on consumer protection and coordinating with relevant authorities to address violations. The ministry encourages citizens to report any infractions to aid in safeguarding consumer rights.

Gulf Times

TECHNOLOGY

Digital tools could help workers with dementia stay employed longer

Research from University of Bath professor James Fletcher in the UK suggests that digital tools can help people with dementia remain in the workforce longer and more productively. He suggests that many older adults are tech-literate and already rely on digital devices as a “second brain,” using tools that reduce cognitive load, support comprehension, assist with word-finding challenges, and simplify multistep tasks. Fletcher argues that workplace adoption of accessible technologies, personalized AI systems, and formal HR support structures - such as regular check-ins and disability action plans - could reduce stigma and encourage disclosure, enabling employees with dementia to extend their careers. With dementia diagnoses expected to rise as the population ages, Fletcher suggests that organisations and workers alike should proactively adopt cognitive-support technologies to prepare for longer working lives.

The Wall Street Journal

SUSTAINABILITY

New Saudi endowment fund to boost environmental sustainability

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, has launched the Namaa Endowment Fund in Riyadh to enhance the nonprofit sector's contribution to the local economy. The fund aims to support economic and social development, promote sustainability, and address community needs. Al-Fadhli said: "This fund introduces a new model of institutional endowment work." The initiative will collaborate with various authorities to encourage contributions from private companies and the public. The fund will finance charitable initiatives focused on water conservation, afforestation, and reducing food waste, among other goals.

Arab News

INTERNATIONAL

Germany's far-right seeks to woo auto workers

Germany's far-right wants to tap into anxieties among workers in Germany's auto industry to build grassroots support that could help on the national stage. Officials at IG Metall, the main union at manufacturers including Mercedes and Volkswagen, say many far-right candidates plan to stand in elections to works councils in the sector's southern heartland. "A works councillor can present [Alternative for Germany (AfD)] arguments once every quarter to tens of thousands of people at a works assembly," said Lukas Hezel, part of the union's initiative to counter the far-right. "That is a much more valuable political position than a local councillor." The AfD says the unions serve a left-wing agenda that no longer represents ordinary workers.

Gulf Times

U.S. News

More middle-income US earners seek help from credit-counselling agencies

Financial stress in the US is spreading beyond low-income households, with more middle-income earners seeking help from credit-counselling agencies. The average client now earns about $70,000 annually and carries nearly $35,000 in unsecured debt - around half their income - compared to $40,000 income and $10,000 debt before the pandemic. Rising debt-to-income ratios and missed payments have pushed financial stress to its highest level since 2018. Delinquent household debt has climbed to 4.8%, with serious credit-card and auto-loan delinquencies nearing post-2008 crisis levels. FHA mortgage delinquencies and foreclosures are also increasing. Despite strong job growth and consumer spending, counsellors warn of growing household fragility and a shift from discretionary to "survival" debt.

The Wall Street Journal

General strike to protest labor reforms starts in Argentina

Argentina is facing a general strike by workers protesting a labor reform bill pushed by President Javier Milei - the fourth general strike of his term - and which is set to be debated in parliament. The country's main trade union called the strike, which is set to last 24 hours. The contested reforms would make it easier to hire and fire workers, and it would also reduce severance pay, limit the right to strike, increase work hours and restrict holiday provisions.

France 24

Viral workplace pranks plague Japanese businesses

Psychologists warn that the pursuit of online fame is driving a surge in baito tero, or workplace pranks, among part-time employees in Japan. A report by Tokyo-based human resources provider Mynavi predicts that nearly 25% of Japanese companies will be affected this year. Incidents often surface on social media, with examples including employees engaging in reckless behaviour in kitchens. Takayuki Harada, a psychology professor, noted that young workers are seeking attention through these pranks, which can harm brand reputation. Companies are implementing measures including mobile phone bans to combat the trend.

South China Morning Post

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