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APAC Edition
24th February 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Samsung wants Tamil Nadu government help for workers' safety
Samsung Electronics has asked the Tamil Nadu government to ensure the safety of its workers amid ongoing tensions at its plant. The company expressed frustration over a section of workers attempting to disrupt operations, saying: "At Samsung, our priority is to maintain a safe and stable workplace for all workers." Protests have escalated following the suspension of three CITU-backed union officials, leading to a one-day strike call across Kancheepuram district. CITU state president A Soundararajan accused Samsung of violating the Factories Act by employing temporary workers not on the muster rolls, prompting the protests that lasted for five hours before police intervened.
STRATEGY
TikTok cuts jobs in Singapore
TikTok has laid off at least a dozen employees in Singapore as part of a global reorganisation aimed at enhancing operational efficiency. The layoffs primarily affect the trust and safety department, with notifications sent on February 20. According to an email seen by The Straits Times, the decision followed "months of careful consideration" to align with the company's long-term growth plans. TikTok chief executive Chew Shou Zi previously stated that the company planned to invest over US$2bn in trust and safety efforts in 2024. While the exact number of affected employees in Singapore remains unclear, the local tech community has offered support to those impacted. Jamin Tan from the Infocomm Media Development Authority has encouraged employers to consider hiring the affected workers, saying: “We can't pay big tech salaries, but we have a big mission and lots of good to do.”
HIRING
Tesla revs up hiring in India
Tesla has announced job openings for 13 positions in India, including roles in consumer engagement and store management, according to the company's LinkedIn page. The announcement follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent meeting with Elon Musk, where they discussed "space, mobility, technology and innovation." Most positions are based in Mumbai, with some available in New Delhi. The electric car company's renewed interest in India comes after the government reduced taxes on high-end electric vehicles, which may alleviate previous concerns over high import duties. Despite there being only 100,000 electric vehicles sold in India last year, compared to 11m in China, there is a growing interest in EVs. Musk has previously indicated that high tariffs hindered Tesla's plans, but he says he is exploring opportunities in the Indian market, including potential manufacturing and the launch of Starlink.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Citigroup retreats from DEI initiatives
Citigroup chief executive Jane Fraser has said that the bank will no longer require a diverse pool of candidates for job interviews, and that it will only maintain "aspirational representation goals" where mandated by local law. Meanwhile, Citigroup's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Talent Management team will be rebranded as Talent Management and Engagement. "It is important to note that we're living in an environment where things are changing quickly," Fraser wrote, adding that the bank will still encourage "the best practice of having a variety of perspectives included in hiring decisions."
LEGAL
Nagpur Metro workers win wage battle
In a significant move for Nagpur Metro's contractual employees, Minister of State for Labour Akash Fundkar has directed the implementation of central wage scales, addressing long-standing wage disparities. The decision follows a meeting initiated by MLA Pravin Datke, who highlighted the growing dissatisfaction among workers regarding the application of shop and establishment rates. Employees have been advocating for the abolition of contract-based employment and equal pay for equal work. Fundkar's directive aims to standardise wages and ensure a common policy for all contractual workers. Datke expressed gratitude for the minister's decisive action, saying: "This move is expected to bring relief to a significant number of workers." A follow-up meeting with principal secretary Ashwini Bhide will further outline the implementation process.
Rail unions face suspension of action
Australia's Fair Work Commission (FWC) has suspended industrial action by rail unions against Sydney Trains until July 1, aiming to alleviate public unrest caused by commuter disruptions. The FWC determined that this suspension serves the public interest and helps mitigate ongoing disputes, including what it termed “false” claims from unions regarding Sydney Trains' refusal to compensate workers during a go-slow, which they labeled as a lockout.
WORKFORCE
Australian job loss figures for January
Australia's unemployment rate rose to 4.1% in January, reflecting increased workforce participation, while the Reserve Bank cut rates amid inflation concerns. ABS head of labour statistics Bjorn Jarvis remarked: “The rises in both the number of people employed and unemployed saw the participation rate rise by 0.1 percentage point, to a new record high of 67.3%. This was 0.8 percentage points higher than a year ago and 1.8 percentage points higher than March 2020.”
ECONOMY
Reuters survey reveals low support for Trump policies at Japanese businesses
Some 90% of Japanese firms believe businesses will experience a negative impact from U.S. President Donald Trump's policies. One respondent to a Reuters survey said that "Ratcheting up protectionism has nothing but a negative effect on the global economy," while an official at an electronics manufacturer commented: "If the auto industry took a hit from tariffs worldwide, semiconductor sales may be affected as well."
INTERNATIONAL
Eliminated FAA staff 'had direct roles in supporting safety inspectors'
The recent layoffs at the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have raised safety concerns among unions. Approximately 400 personnel were let go, including aviation safety assistants and maintenance mechanics. David Spero, president of the Professional Aviation Specialists Association, observed: “All of these people are part of the safety net. The more of them that are not there, the more difficult it becomes to do the actual safety oversight.” The cuts come amid declining public confidence in air travel. A recent poll indicated that only 64% of US adults now view plane travel as “very safe” or “somewhat safe.” Spero added: “What I would hope is that the FAA would reinstate these people . . . And then if they need to assess the size of the government, actually, the FAA can do it in a thoughtful and methodical way to make a determination as to what are the impacts to aviation safety.”
Reverse mentoring drives diversity
The UK's legal profession is witnessing a shift towards "reverse mentoring," whereby junior lawyers mentor their senior counterparts to enhance inclusivity and understanding of diverse backgrounds. In the Times Geraldine Stephens, an associate at Clarke Willmott, shares her experiences with Stephen Rosser, the firm's chief operating officer, highlighting the importance of exploring knowledge gaps and fostering a more inclusive workplace. "Where you come from . . . has a massive impact on your career and life chances," she says. Similarly, Myles Henry, a young associate at Clifford Chance, mentors Nick Spurrell, a partner, discussing workplace biases and inclusivity. Spurrell notes the scheme's role in reinforcing a culture of meritocracy and mutual respect.
The perceived risks for companies and employees in the UAE
According to a survey by London and Singapore-based International SOS, a global health and security risks service company, cybercrimes and online attacks, work stress and burnout, and the cost of living and mental health are the uppermost perceived risks for companies and employees in the UAE for 2025 rather than geopolitical tensions. Sebastien Bedu, general manager, Middle East, International SOS, told Khaleej Times: “For the top management, the bigger picture matters, such as the geopolitical tensions. But as you come down the ladder – at the managerial and working level – concerns shift on more personal matters. This indicates that the level of concern is more local – those pertaining to their well-being, unlike the leaders who have a broader scope to take care of and have a vision towards the future that is different.”
 


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