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APAC Edition
9th January 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Singapore passes landmark Bill tackling workplace discrimination
Singapore's Parliament has unanimously passed the Workplace Fairness Bill, aimed at enhancing protections against workplace discrimination based on age, nationality, and other factors. The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) expressed support for the Bill, which has undergone extensive consultations. However, concerns were raised regarding the exclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity from the Bill's protections. Manpower Minister Tan See Leng assured that the government does not tolerate discrimination and will continue to refine the legislation, with further developments expected in 2025. Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) has held dozens of engagement sessions since June 2023, comprising dialogues, workshops and in-house training sessions on the Workplace Fairness Legislation, reaching more than 3,000 employers
WORKFORCE
BYD accused of recruiting Chinese workers to Brazil on irregular visas
China's BYD is facing serious allegations regarding labour practices at its construction site in Brazil, where 163 Chinese workers were reportedly subjected to "slavery-like conditions." Brazil's Ministry of Labour and Employment stated that these workers were recruited on irregular visas and worked excessive hours without proper living conditions. Gao Zhendong, a supply-chain specialist, noted that the case highlights the "ill practices" of China's construction industry being exported abroad. Brazilian authorities have suspended BYD's temporary work visas and are investigating the situation.
Call to tackle China’s jobless rate needs
Zhu Changzheng, co-founder of the Changping Economic Forum has suggested that China should work on improving its unemployment statistics, citing the need to implement the country's job-priority strategy this year. Zhu writes in the 2025 outlook issue of Caijing Magazine: “The current surveyed urban unemployment rate is inadequate for this task and requires necessary reform and expansion."
HEALTH & SAFETY
Heat stress: the silent mental health crisis
As global temperatures rise, the mental health of workers in South-east Asia is increasingly at risk due to heat stress, experts warn. Dr Ken C. Shawa from the International Labour Organisation highlighted that “heat stress is a silent killer,” affecting decision-making and productivity. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to irritability, anxiety, and even depression, impacting workplace dynamics. Dr Cyrus Ho, a senior consultant psychiatrist, noted that “when one feels heated up, they may feel restless and anxious,” which can escalate into more severe mental health issues. The First Global Heat Health Information Network (GHHIN) South-east Asia Heat Health Forum aims to address these challenges and promote awareness of the effects of heat on mental health. Experts urge employers to provide supportive environments and counselling to help workers cope with heat-related stress.
Japan's consumer watchdog warns of risks from battery-powered heated devices
A recent report by Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) highlights the risks associated with heated apparel, including vests and rechargeable hand warmers powered by lithium-ion batteries. The report, part of an international safety initiative by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), reveals a surge in injury reports linked to these devices, with 68 incidents recorded from April 2014 to September 2024. The CAA states: "Consumers are advised to handle them with care." The agency recommends charging devices in visible areas away from flammable materials and purchasing from reputable manufacturers to ensure safety standards are met.
CYBERSECURITY
In-house counsel worry about growing cyber and AI disputes risk
Baker McKenzie’s annual disputes survey has found that in-house lawyers at multinational companies identified cybersecurity and data privacy as their top disputes risks heading into 2025. The firm's Global Disputes Forecast 2025 survey showed that 45% of respondents said cybersecurity and data privacy was their greatest disputes risk, followed by artificial intelligence (44%) and employment (32%). Commercial and contracts, and also tax, was highlighted as a risk by 25% of survey respondents. Vinod Bange, a partner at Baker McKenzie in London, said: “We are at an inflection point where cyber risk is concerned. With technological advancement – such as AI and other drivers for digital transformation – as well as the increased global geopolitical threat, it’s not hard to see why we are witnessing a rapid increase in cyber-attacks right across the eco-system.”
ECONOMY
China's inflation struggles continue
In December, China's consumer price index rose by a mere 0.1%, falling short of the expected 0.16% growth, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. This marks a decline from November's 0.2% increase, raising concerns about the recovery of the world's second-largest economy. Meanwhile, the producer price index continued its downward trend, falling by 2.3% for the 27th consecutive month, although it was a slight improvement from November's 2.5% drop. The situation adds uncertainty to China's economic outlook, as efforts to stimulate consumption have not yielded the desired results.
LEGAL
Singapore company supervisor jailed after keeping money for training foreign workers
A company supervisor in Singapore has been sentenced to 11 weeks in prison after keeping money given to him by a group of Bangladeshi workers who thought he was going to enrol them on training courses. Deputy Public Prosecutor David Menon stated: “The victims were foreign workers who were desperate to develop their skills to improve their employability in Singapore. By virtue of their desperation, they were vulnerable to exploitation."
INTERNATIONAL
Tesla seeks Sweden court order in labour union conflict
Tesla, which is currently embroiled in a dispute in Sweden over its opposition to allowing a labour union to negotiate on behalf of workers, has asked a local court to provide alternative means for drivers of its vehicles to acquire licence plates because postal workers refuse to deliver them. Sweden's ST labour union said that Tesla should adapt to the country's labour market practices. "We do not believe it is too much to ask for large international companies to make certain adjustments to the systems of different countries," it said.
Lufthansa Group announces recruitment plans
Lufthansa has announced plans to hire some 10,000 people across the group this year, amid ongoing cost-cutting measures at its core airline business. Over 2,000 flight attendants, 1,400 ground staff, 1,300 technical experts, 1,200 administrative staff and 800 pilots are being sought by the German carrier. It issued a statement saying: "Lufthansa Airlines will continue to focus on the Turnaround efficiency program in 2025 and expects to hire fewer employees than in 2024."
VW managers to take combined €300m pay cut
Managers at Volkswagen are to take a collective pay cut of over €300m ($310.08m) by 2030, VW human resources board member Gunnar Kilian has told local newspaper Braunschweiger Zeitung, adding that the board would take a larger cut proportional to their salary than the rest of management or the workforce. Reuters notes that unions, who struck a landmark agreement in December to cut costs at the carmaker, had said during negotiations that leadership figures should do their bit and take pay cuts. They placed the blame for the malaise at Volkswagen on poor strategic decisions by management.
 


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