Human Times

European Edition

9th July 2025

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THE HOT STORY

Greece's employment bill sparks outrage

Greece's Ministry of Labour has proposed a contentious bill that significantly alters the employment landscape, leading to strong opposition from trade unions and political parties. The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) condemned the legislation, calling it a “tombstone for the eight-hour workday,” and warned it could lead to 13-hour shifts under a single employer. Labour Minister Niki Kerameus defended the bill, asserting that the eight-hour day remains intact while allowing for extended overtime. The Ministry claims the changes will enhance workers' income and align with European norms, but critics argue it undermines collective bargaining and workers' rights. As protests loom, the outcome of this legislation could reshape Greece's workforce dynamics amid ongoing economic recovery efforts.

GreekCitytimes

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WORKFORCE

Daimler Truck to cut 5,000 jobs

Daimler Truck group has announced plans to reduce its workforce by 5,000 jobs in Germany by 2030 as part of a significant cost-saving initiative. This decision follows a 5% decline in second-quarter sales, particularly in the crucial US market. The company's spokesperson stated that the job cuts aim to enhance the market resilience of its Mercedes-Benz Trucks division. The "Cost Down Europe" programme is expected to yield over €1bn in annual savings by 2030, targeting reductions in personnel, materials, and IT infrastructure. Most job losses will occur through natural attrition and early retirement, with a commitment to avoid compulsory redundancies until 2034. Daimler Truck currently employs around 35,500 people across five sites in Germany.

Deutsche Welle (EN)

Handelsblatt

Striking for better pay and rights

For over ten days, workers in Dutch supermarket distribution centres have been on strike, primarily Polish nationals, advocating for improved pay and working conditions. Cihan Ugural from the trade union federation FNV said: “If Poles stopped working in the Netherlands, we would have to close down the country.” This unprecedented strike began on June 25 in Pijnacker and has since spread to other locations, with 200 to 300 participants, many employed through the Otto Workforce agency. The strike is in response to a new collective labour agreement set to take effect on January 1, 2026, which the union argues will adversely affect agency workers, including cuts in sick pay and fewer days off. Paulina Nietupska, an FNV representative, highlighted that “we also have fewer days off and don’t get annual bonuses unlike regular employees.”

DutchNews.nl

Dow to close three EU plants

Dow will shut three upstream plants in Germany and the UK, cutting 800 jobs as it addresses rising costs and weak demand in Europe. The closures—part of a broader $1bn savings plan—target high-cost, energy-intensive operations. Analyst Matthew Blair called the move “positive for Dow” due to expected improvements in EBITDA and cash flow. Shutdowns begin mid-2026 and may extend to 2029 with full decommissioning. The firm, already reducing 1,500 global roles, anticipates charges of $630–$790 million. Dow cited long-term structural issues and uncertainty from shifting US trade policies as ongoing challenges.

Reuters

Summer jobs take a hit

The summer job market in Finland has seen a significant decline, with a reported 11% drop in job advertisements compared to 2024, according to Duunitori. The platform published around 25,000 summer job ads, which is 42% fewer than in 2023. Aino Salonen, communications director at Duunitori, expressed concern, commenting: “It is unfortunate that economic difficulties have again reduced the number of summer jobs.” Despite the decrease in openings, interest in summer work surged, with listings viewed over 15m times, a 38% increase from the previous year. The mismatch between eager applicants and available jobs has intensified, with many experienced professionals also seeking summer positions. Salonen noted that job hunting remains challenging, urging for streamlined recruitment processes to improve candidate experiences. The sectors most affected include restaurant and tourism, sales and retail, and social and care services.

Helsinki Times

KLM pilots take to the skies

KLM pilots with military backgrounds will soon resume flying combat aircraft as reservists, following a new agreement with the Dutch Ministry of Defense. The airline will initially release five full-time positions for this purpose, allowing pilots to balance their civilian roles with military training for F-35 jets. KLM Chief Executive Marjan Rintel stated, “This expansion of our cooperation makes it possible to offer colleagues who wish to do so the opportunity to fulfill an important role as reservist.” The collaboration may eventually extend to maintenance technicians and other ground staff.

NL Times

WORKPLACE

Belgium ranks third in work-life index

Belgium secured third place in Remote's 2025 global work-life balance index, trailing only New Zealand and Ireland. The index evaluates 60 high-GDP countries based on factors like paid leave, minimum wage, and overall happiness. Belgium’s €12.82 hourly minimum wage is among Europe’s highest, topped only by the UK and Germany. Employers with 20+ workers must uphold a “right to disconnect” policy. Seven of the top ten nations were in Europe, including Germany, Norway, and Denmark. The US ranked 59th, while Nigeria came last. Work-life balance now ranks equally with job security as a top priority for workers globally.

Euractiv

Teenagers prioritise values in careers

A poll of 500 teenagers aged 13 to 18 has revealed that 46% are keen on aligning their careers with their personal values. The survey highlighted that 77% consider mental health support crucial in the workplace, with 74% believing it enhances employee happiness and retention. The study also found that only 8% of teens are interested in company-wide events, with 17% preferring jobs offering free private healthcare over a company car scheme (7%). Parents of these teens expressed concerns about their children's future workplace, with 54% worried about the skills mismatch and potential toxicity of work environments. The findings suggest a significant shift in workplace expectations as Generation Alpha prepares to enter the workforce.

Express.co.uk

REMUNERATION

Wages soar in the Netherlands

Wages in the Netherlands increased by an average of 3.9% in June and 4.1% over the first half of 2025, according to NU.nl, citing the employers' organisation AWVN. This surge is attributed to significant staff shortages and trade unions advocating for better purchasing power. In June alone, 25 collective labour agreements were established for 270,000 employees, with the highest wage increases seen in the hospitality, healthcare, construction, and agriculture sectors. Trade union FNV continues to demand a 7% wage increase, citing that “it is high time that people start to benefit after three years of suffering,” as inflation has severely impacted employees' purchasing power. However, AWVN warns that these wage increases could harm the Dutch economy, emphasising the need to focus on productivity and earning capacity.

NL Times

LEGAL

Labour to ban NDAs linked to harassment or discrimination

The UK government is set to amend the Employment Rights Bill to prohibit the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that silence employees who have experienced harassment or discrimination. Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, said: "Victims and witnesses of harassment and discrimination should never be silenced." The legislation aims to empower workers, allowing them to speak freely about their experiences without fear of legal repercussions. The changes will not affect NDAs used for legitimate commercial purposes but will create one of the most robust protection regimes globally. A report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development revealed that 22% of employers use NDAs for sexual harassment cases.

The Times

London Evening Standard

The Guardian

UK to expand miscarriage leave

The UK government plans to amend the Employment Rights Bill to allow bereavement leave for parents experiencing pregnancy loss before 24 weeks. Currently, leave applies only after that point. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “No one who is going through the heartbreak of pregnancy loss should have to go back to work before they are ready.” The new provision would be unpaid, lasting at least one week, with final details pending consultation. Campaigners like Labour MP Sarah Owen and broadcaster Myleene Klass say it helps end stigma and better reflects real grief.

BBC News

The Independent

REMOTE WORKING

Scotland: the new remote work paradise

Scotland is rapidly emerging as a prime destination for digital nomads, thanks to its appealing cost of living and high quality of life. Currently, 22% of working professionals in Scotland are fully remote, while 39% engage in hybrid roles. The cost of living in Edinburgh is 28.1% lower than in London and 46% lower than in New York, making it an attractive option for remote workers. Local employers are increasingly supportive of flexible working arrangements, with 28% allowing staff to choose their remote work days. The UK government's Project Gigabit aims to enhance broadband access in rural areas, further supporting remote work. Additionally, 28 Scottish businesses have adopted a four-day working week, promoting a modern approach to productivity.

The Scotsman

FUTURE OF WORK

AI agents: the future of work

Dima Raketa, CEO at Reputation House, discusses the evolution of AI agents in the workplace, stating: "The AI agent is no longer a toy for enthusiasts. It's a new kind of colleague." Unlike traditional chatbots, these advanced agents can access various systems and autonomously initiate processes. They integrate into companies by learning from existing data and collaborating with other AI models, effectively becoming coordinators of digital tasks. The economic benefits are significant, with costs for AI agents ranging from £200 to £300 monthly, while potential savings can reach thousands. As organisations adapt to this technology, those that successfully integrate AI agents will gain a competitive edge, transforming their business dynamics. The future may see marketplaces for hiring digital employees, creating a hybrid workforce of humans and AI.

Forbes

Microsoft's AI memo sparks urgency

A recent internal memo from Microsoft has emphasised the necessity of AI skills for employees, stating that "if you're not working with AI, you're falling behind." The memo encourages teams to integrate AI tools like GitHub Copilot into their daily workflows to enhance productivity and problem-solving. It highlights the importance of "AI fluency" alongside human capabilities such as creativity, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning. The memo signals a broader shift in expectations for knowledge workers, urging them to consider not just how to use AI, but how to collaborate effectively with it.

Forbes

INTERNATIONAL

US Department of Veterans Affairs cuts staff by 30,000

The US Department of Veterans Affairs has announced a significant reduction in planned employee cuts for this fiscal year, now targeting a decrease of about 30,000 staff instead of the initially proposed 80,000. The agency, which employed approximately 480,000 individuals at the start of the Trump administration, expects to conclude the fiscal year with nearly 450,000 staff members. VA Secretary Doug Collins said: "A department-wide RIF is off the table, but that doesn't mean we're done improving VA." The agency has already seen nearly 17,000 employees leave between January and June, with an additional 12,000 expected to exit by September 30. This decision comes amid criticism from veteran groups and Democrats regarding the original downsizing plan.

U.S. News

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