The latest business Intelligence for HR professionals and people managers everywhere
Sign UpOnline Version
APAC Edition
7th June 2024
 
THE HOT STORY
Samsung workers stage first strike at tech giant
Workers at Samsung Electronics in South Korea staged their first strike on Friday as they demanded higher wages. The strike, organised by the National Samsung Electronics Union, involved employees using paid leave to participate. The company, which is the world's largest producer of memory chips, has been in negotiations with the union since January but has failed to reach an agreement. Samsung Electronics stated that the strike has not impacted production or business activities. It was a one-day strike, and fell during a holiday period in South Korea, meaning the company would have already adjusted anticipated staffing levels. Nevertheless, the strike carries historical importance, “since Samsung resisted unionisation and engaged in union-busting for so long,” Vladimir Tikhonov, professor of Korean Studies at the University of Oslo, told AFP. The strike reflects a gradual tendency towards labour empowerment in South Korea. 
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
Thailand lags in skills and digital know-how, NESDC says
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has expressed concern over the low level of literacy and digital skills among the youth and workforce in Thailand. According to a survey, 64.7% of the population has below standard literacy skills, while 74.1% have substandard digital skills. The NESDC says this lack of skills could have serious economic impacts, including a potential loss of up to 3.3 trillion baht per year. The issue is further compounded by low birth rates, which will decrease the number of capable workers in the future. NESDC's secretary-general, Danucha Pichayanan, emphasized the urgent need to enhance the skills of the population to support the transition to a high-value economy. The first quarter of 2024 saw a slight decrease in employment, primarily in the agricultural sector. However, non-agricultural employment grew, driven by the hotel and restaurant sector and the construction sector. Unemployment remained stable, with a decrease in unemployment among university graduates with work experience.
CORPORATE
Shareholders grill boards in India on sexual harassment, pay disparity, ESG
India Inc.'s top management is facing tough questions from shareholders regarding the rising number of sexual harassment cases, pay disparities between male and female employees, the lack of women in senior management positions, and efforts to reduce discrimination. Shareholders are increasingly focusing on gender-related issues and demanding progress on hiring and pay parity. The recent example of Tata Consultancy Services being questioned about harassment cases and salary differences is indicative of this trend. Shareholders are also scrutinising gender diversity and the number of women in leadership roles, as the focus shifts from traditional corporate concerns to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. Gender diversity is now a top priority for senior management, with many leaders receiving training on handling harassment cases.
LEGAL
ABC News staff experience sexual harassment and bullying at work
A survey conducted by the Australian National University's Social Research Centre on behalf of ABC News has revealed alarming rates of sexual harassment and bullying in the workplace at the organisation. The survey found that 13% of respondents experienced sexual harassment, while more than a quarter reported being bullied in the past two years. Female-identifying employees were twice as likely to be bullied and made up the majority of those who experienced sexual harassment. The report highlighted a pervasive issue of bullying and bullying behaviours within the News Division of ABC. It also revealed a reluctance among workers to report incidents amid concern about negative consequences for their careers. ABC leadership has expressed its determination to enact change and ensure a safe working environment. A new reporting system has been implemented, and 10 recommendations from the report have been adopted by ABC.
ECONOMY
Costco wages could fire up Japan's low pay, economy
When Costco Wholesale last year opened its warehouse in a rural Japanese town not far from Tokyo, a nearby noodle shop chain hiked hourly wages by a third, Reuters reports, noting that the move, though challenging for the noodle shop, could create a virtuous cycle of higher wages, solid consumption, and stable demand-driven inflation. Japan's local economies have been struggling with stagnant wages, but the pressure from big-box retailers like Costco to offer competitive salaries could be a catalyst for change. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and the Bank of Japan see a meaningful and sustainable rise in wages as crucial for normalising monetary policy. Costco's entry has already had a positive impact on the local economy, with increased wages and a boost in revenue for businesses. However, small and medium-sized businesses still face challenges in offering higher wages.
WORKPLACE
Indonesia president plans to start working from new capital city in July
Indonesia's President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has announced plans to start working from the new capital city next month. The announcement comes amid concerns over the future of the project following the resignations of senior executives overseeing the development. Jokowi stated that the progress of infrastructure development in the first phase of the $32bn capital city, called Nusantara, has reached around 80%. He expressed confidence in the project, saying that he will begin working from the new capital city in July and that preparations for Indonesia's 79th Independence Day celebrations in August are well underway. The unexpected resignations of the head and deputy head of the body overseeing the planned new capital have raised concerns about investor sentiment, but Jokowi dismissed these concerns during his visit to Nusantara.
WORKFORCE
Japan's birth rate hits new low for eighth consecutive year
Japan's birth rate has fallen to a new low for the eighth consecutive year, according to government data. The declining birth rate highlights Japan's aging and shrinking population, which has significant implications for the economy and national security. Last year, the fertility rate stood at 1.2, with 727,277 babies born, the lowest since records began in 1899. The number of marriages also fell by 6%, contributing to the declining birth rate. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi described the situation as critical and emphasized the need for urgent action. The government has approved revisions to laws aimed at supporting childrearing parents and expanding access to childcare services, but experts argue that these measures do not address the underlying issues. Younger Japanese are increasingly reluctant to marry or have children due to job prospects, high living costs, and a gender-biased corporate culture. Japan's population is projected to decline by about 30% by 2070.
STRATEGY
CSIRO faces job cuts as funding decreases
The CSIRO, one of the largest employers in the field of science and technology across Australia, is facing job cuts as funding decreases. The organisation received A$916.5m in funding for 2024-25, A$92m less than the previous year. The Community and Public Sector Union warns that around 400 jobs could be cut as the CSIRO looks to find savings.
TAX
Global airlines fear India's tax system could drive them away
Global airlines fear the complexities of India's tax system could drive them away from the world's third-largest aviation market, the International Air Transport Association (Iata) has warned. During a roundtable discussion on the sidelines of its 80th annual general meeting (AGM), Iata director general Willie Walsh highlighted concerns over potential withdrawal of international airlines due to tax intricacies, including double taxation risks. "Tax issues and India go hand in hand . . . we are very concerned that some of the proposals would actually lead to airlines withdrawing from the market because (they would be exposed to) the complexity of tax rules, the extent of taxes, and the risk of double taxation, which most air service agreements set out to avoid," Walsh said.
INTERNATIONAL
US urban centres' chief heat officers seek to tackle impact of deadly temperatures
Urban centres in the United States are appointing chief heat officers (CHOs) to combat the increasing threat of high temperatures. The network of CHOs, including those in Miami-Dade County, Athens, Melbourne, Dhaka North, and Freetown, share solutions and are developing a global playbook to counter rising temperatures. The CHOs focus on raising awareness of heat risks, identifying vulnerable groups, providing immediate heat relief, and redesigning cities for heat resistance. They aim to ensure that everyone has access to cool places and to mitigate the impact of heat on people's lives. The CHOs work with researchers and experts to understand the factors contributing to heat-related health issues and to develop strategies to address them. By coordinating efforts and sharing knowledge, the CHOs say they are working towards creating more resilient and heat-safe cities. Jane Gilbert, chief heat officer for Miami-Dade County, observes: "We're more acclimatised to heat than people in Boston, say. But still, when we get even small increases in our heat index, it can make people more vulnerable."
Russia's unemployment rate hits record low
Russia's unemployment rate hit a record-low of 2.6% in April, while real wages surged in March, according to data from the federal statistics service. The tight labour market in Russia is attributed to heavy spending on defence and security due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, economists warn that the country's economic growth relies heavily on state-funded arms production, hindering improvements in living standards. The labour shortage is a major concern, exacerbated by military mobilisation and emigration. Real wages, adjusted for inflation, jumped 12.9% YoY in March, with the highest growth observed in areas with a concentration of defence industry work. Despite rising wages, real disposable incomes have been declining over the past decade. Inflation remains high, with analysts predicting a possible interest rate hike by the Bank of Russia. Retail sales growth eased in April, providing some relief as the central bank aims to curb inflation.
Saudi Arabia faces allegations of forced labour among migrant workers
Saudi Arabia, the likely host of the 2034 World Cup, is facing allegations of widespread use of forced labour among its migrant workforce. The complaint filed at the UN's International Labour Organization accuses Saudi Arabia of labour rights violations including failing to pay wages, passport confiscation, and debt bondage. The Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI), the trade union that made the complaint, claims that these violations amount to an "epidemic of abuses." The BWI is calling on the ILO to investigate the alleged violations. The complaint puts pressure on Fifa to bar Saudi Arabia as the tournament's host if it fails to comply with human rights obligations.
Union calls for work stoppage in Mali after secretary-general's arrest
A workers' union in Mali has called on employees of banks, insurance companies, micro-finance institutions, and petrol stations to stop work following the arrest of its secretary-general. The National Union of Banks, Insurance Companies, Financial Institutions, and Businesses of Mali made the decision after an emergency meeting. The union did not provide further details about the arrest of its secretary-general, Hamadoun Bah. In addition, a coalition of political parties and associations called for a protest against the high cost of living and ongoing electricity cuts in Mali. The West African Sahel country has been ruled by a junta since 2020.
 


The Human Times is designed to help you stay ahead, spark ideas and support innovation, learning and development in your organisation.

The links under articles indicate original news sources. Some links lead directly to the source material. Others lead to paywalls where you may need a subscription. A third category are restricted by copyright rules.

For reaction and insights on any stories covered in the Human Times, join the discussion by becoming a member of our LinkedIn Group or Business Page, or follow us on Twitter.
Follow us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe