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APAC Edition
4th February 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Singapore employers train HR staff to handle workplace grievances
Some Singaporean companies are taking steps to train HR staff to handle workplace grievances in order to to comply with new laws tackling workplace discrimination. Singapore's landmark Workplace Fairness Bill, which was passed in Parliament last month, specifies that it is unlawful to make employment decisions including hiring, dismissals and appraisals based on the characteristics of age; nationality; sex, marital status, pregnancy status and caregiving responsibilities; race, religion and language; and disability and mental health conditions. Manpower Minister Tan See Leng said in Parliament on January 7 that cases that cannot be resolved through a firm’s grievance-handling process can go to mediation before a workplace discrimination claim proceeds. The Straits Times says that while some employers are readying for changes, others are waiting for more details on the implementation of the legislation and a second Bill, which will be separately tabled this year, that will pertain more specifically to how private employment claims can be made for workplace discrimination.
LEGAL
Kmart pushes to end the ‘10 minute' break for workers
Australian employer Kmart is pushing to eliminate the traditional 10-minute work break, citing a shift in employee preferences. Chris Melton, Kmart's head of supply operations, explained: “The majority of our workforce is representative of a younger demographic who would often prefer to waive their meal break because they already carry water with them during shift.” Also, smoking is no longer prevalent. The proposal supports the Australian Retailers Association's (ARA) application for changes to industry awards, including allowing employees to take their breaks at the end of their shifts. However, unions oppose these changes, warning that they could undermine workers' rights. Critics argue that the ARA's proposals are a “smokescreen” aimed at reducing employee entitlements.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Singaporean employers to provide safe pick-up areas for workers
In Singapore, the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) has urged employers to ensure the safety of workers waiting for company transport. MWC executive director Michael Lim said: “We strongly encourage employers to adopt good practices and take proactive steps to minimise risks.” Concerns have arisen from residents reporting workers waiting near busy roads, creating hazardous situations. Minibus driver S. Siva highlighted the dangers, saying: “It is an accident waiting to happen.” The Ministry of Manpower emphasised the need for employers to designate safe waiting areas and educate workers on road safety. MWC's Lim suggested that clear signage and well-lit waiting areas could enhance safety for workers.
HIRING
Malaysian restaurants want Rohingya refugees to fill job vacancies
Malaysian Indian business owners are calling on the government to lift a ban on hiring new foreign workers, which has resulted in 25,000 unfilled positions in the food service sector. The ban, implemented in April last year to reduce reliance on foreign labour, has left many restaurants struggling to maintain operations. Jawahir Ali Taib Khan, President of the Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association, said: “If the government allows it, we are ready to employ Rohingya refugees who have proper documentation.” The Deputy Prime Minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, acknowledged the issue and mentioned that the government is reviewing requests to relax hiring rules.
Bangladesh says it is committed to meet demand for skilled workers in Saudi Arabia
Bangladesh has said that it is committed to meeting demand for skilled workers in Saudi Arabia. Speaking at a discussion organised at the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh with owners and senior officials of Saudi employers, Asif Nazrul, adviser to the Bangladeshi Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, as well as the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, said that there were significant opportunities for Bangladesh to send skilled and semi-skilled workers to Saudi Arabia, including doctors, engineers, nurses and technicians.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Alicia Keys champions diversity at Grammys
Alicia Keys accepted the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award at the 67th Grammys, where she emphasized the importance of diversity in the music industry. During her acceptance speech, she said: “This is not the time to shut down the diversity of voices . . . We've seen on this stage talented, hard-working people from different backgrounds with different points of view and it changes the game.” She added: “DEI is not a threat, it's a gift.” Keys, who won for her musical theater album “Hell's Kitchen,” was presented the award by Queen Latifah. Her remarks echoed sentiments shared by other artists, including Lady Gaga and Shakira, who also addressed social issues during the ceremony.
INTERNATIONAL
UK worker wins after not being allowed to work remotely from Pakistan
A British software developer is to receive a payout after not being allowed to work remotely from Pakistan. An employment tribunal heard that Tehmina Akhtar was too anxious to fly back to the UK on her own following a two-year career break, and despite having previously flagged concerns about poor internet connectivity and an inconsistent local electricity supply, made a request to work remotely from a rural area near Lahore. The request was turned down by Akhtar's employer, a travel company, because it was deemed not to be "appropriate." The Wilmslow-based company said that after her lengthy career break, Akhtar needed to undergo training. Akthar issued legal proceedings after being fired for failing to return to work, claiming disability discrimination and unfair dismissal. The tribunal ruled that the decision not to allow Akhtar to work from Pakistan was not discriminatory, but it did find that the company had not given her enough warning that she might be sacked if she did not return to the UK. The amount of compensation Akhtar is to receive will be decided at a later date.
Amazon cuts jobs in corporate teams
Amazon has initiated further layoffs as part of its ongoing efforts to streamline operations. Recently, the company announced job cuts in its communications and corporate responsibility department, following a previous reduction of 200 positions in its stores division. Additionally, Amazon is closing all seven warehouses in Quebec, resulting in 1,700 job losses. Amazon spokesperson Brad Glasser stated: “We regularly review our organisation's structures to ensure we're best set up to innovate and deliver results efficiently.” Chief executive Andy Jassy has been focused on reducing headcount and bureaucracy, with significant layoffs occurring in 2022 and 2023, totalling at least 27,000 employees. The company is also encouraging some employees to relocate and has implemented a new five-day office work requirement. Laid-off employees will receive 60 days of pay and benefits, along with severance.
International Criminal Court faces trial drought
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is currently without any trials for the first time since its inception in 2006, following Italy's decision to send a Libyan warlord back home instead of executing an arrest warrant. Danya Chaikel from the International Federation for Human Rights observed: “The lack of trials damages the court's reputation,” as she emphasized the importance of the ICC's role in prosecuting international crimes. Despite an annual budget of $200m and numerous pending arrest warrants, including for high-profile figures including Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu, the court faces significant challenges. Countries such as Russia and Israel, for example, do not recognize the ICC's jurisdiction, complicating efforts to apprehend suspects. Additionally, political motivations hinder member states from executing warrants.
OTHER
China's trade-in programme soars
China's consumer goods trade-in programme has gained remarkable popularity, particularly during the Spring Festival shopping season. The Ministry of Commerce reported that 10.79m electronic devices were traded in over just four days starting January 20th, following the inclusion of mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches in the subsidy initiative. Vice-commerce minister Sheng Qiuping stated, "The programme, along with shopping promotions, will help meet the growing demand for Spring Festival shopping". In 2024, over 6.8m vehicles and 56m home appliances were traded in, with total sales value exceeding 1.3tn yuan (£180bn). The programme has revitalised consumption momentum and promoted a sustainable economy, with a focus on green products. As China aims to boost consumption further in 2025, local authorities are implementing various supportive measures to enhance the trade-in experience for consumers.
 


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