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APAC Edition
23rd April 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
TCS faces US discrimination probe
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is currently under investigation by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for multiple allegations of discrimination against American workers, particularly those over 40. Many claim they were unfairly laid off while Indian colleagues were retained. TCS has dismissed these allegations as "meritless and misleading," asserting its commitment to being an equal opportunity employer. U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) has urged the EEOC to investigate potential discriminatory patterns. The scrutiny follows previous claims in the UK and a 2020 investigation into Cognizant Technology Solutions, which found discrimination against non-Indian employees.
HIRING
Tech giants boost hiring for graduates
With 12.22m fresh graduates entering the job market this summer, Chinese tech companies are intensifying recruitment efforts. Tencent Holdings has announced a major campus recruitment initiative, offering 28,000 internships over the next three years. The company aims to hire 10,000 interns this year, with 6,000 positions focused on artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, and gaming. Despite these efforts, the jobless rate for non-students aged 16 to 24 reached 16.5% by the end of March, significantly higher than the overall urban unemployment rate of 5.2%.
LEGAL
New industrial relations laws prompt concerns
The Albanese government's recent changes to Australia's industrial relations laws have reignited discussions about union presence in the Pilbara, a region historically known for its strong union activity. Former union convenor Larry Graham noted that unions secured vital benefits for workers, including pay and job security. However, industry leaders express concerns that the new laws, which facilitate multi-employer bargaining, could disrupt the region's productivity. Employment Minister Murray Watt defended the reforms, stating they empower workers to negotiate collectively. Despite the current low union membership compared to previous decades, recent actions, such as a petition by 400 Rio Tinto workers for collective bargaining, indicate a potential resurgence of union activity in the region.
Karnataka sees discrepancy in migrant worker data
The Indian state of Karnataka is facing a significant discrepancy in the registration of inter-state migrant workers, with trade unions estimating over 20 lakh workers, while official records show only 79,653 registered. G Parameshwara, the home minister, plans to meet with labour minister Santosh Lad to address the situation and improve monitoring systems. KV Bhat, state convenor of the Joint Committee of Trade Unions, highlighted that "lack of data on migrant labourers was a big challenge for the govt during COVID-19." The state's reliance on the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act has contributed to the data gap, particularly in the unorganised sector, where many workers remain unregistered. The labour department is considering a registration drive to enhance oversight of migrant workers across Karnataka.
LEADERSHIP
Bank's HR chief departs
Vinay Razdan, the chief human resources officer at India's HDFC Bank, is leaving after nearly seven years with the institution. According to sources, the bank is actively searching for a new head of its HR division, and is considering candidates from Razdan's own team.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Health fears for tunnelling workers
Concerns are escalating regarding the health of workers involved in major tunnelling projects in Queensland, with new research indicating that over 10% may develop silicosis, a severe lung disease. The study, conducted by Kate Cole from the University of Sydney and published in Annals of Work Exposures and Health, estimates that up to 300 of the 2042 workers across three projects - M7 Clem Jones Tunnel, Airport Link, and Legacy Way - could be affected. Cole highlighted that "tunnel workers rely on advanced ventilation, water systems and masks to keep the air clean, but these measures are not always effective."
Heat requires urgent measures for workers
Climate experts are advocating for immediate measures to safeguard India's informal workforce from extreme heat, including paid heat leave and free water ATMs at labour hubs. Over 80% of Delhi's workers, such as street vendors and construction labourers, are at risk of health issues and income loss due to rising temperatures. Experts propose solutions like shaded canopies, mobile cooling stations, and 24/7 access to public parks as cooling zones.
TECHNOLOGY
Humanoid robots race in Beijing
In a groundbreaking event, twenty-one humanoid robots participated in the Yizhuang half-marathon in Beijing, marking the first time these machines raced alongside humans over a 21km course. The robots, developed by companies like DroidVP and Noetix Robotics, varied in height and design, with some resembling humans. The winning robot, Tiangong Ultra, completed the race in 2 hours and 40 minutes, outperforming many competitors. Tang Jian, chief technology officer at the Beijing Innovation Centre of Human Robotics, noted that Tiangong Ultra's success was due to its advanced algorithm and design. Despite some robots facing challenges, such as falling at the start, the event showcased the potential of robotics in sports.
INTERNATIONAL
Canadian firms warn against US travel
Executives from major Canadian institutions are advising employees to avoid traveling to the United States unless absolutely necessary due to rising concerns over privacy and border scrutiny. Vera Etches, chief executive of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, emphasised the need for caution, highlighting “escalation of issues and volatility in the US.” Institutions including the Alberta Investment Management Corp. have restricted staff from visiting the US for business meetings, while the Canadian Association of University Teachers recommends that academics refrain from travel, especially if they have criticised US policies. The Canadian government has also issued warnings about US border agents' rights to search electronic devices without cause. To mitigate risks, Etches suggested using “burner” phones, while Ontario's University of Waterloo is providing “clean” laptops for safer access to information.
UK business groups urge changes to employment reforms
The UK's five biggest business groups have written an open letter calling for urgent changes to the government's Employment Rights Bill. The proposed new law, due to be scrutinised by the House of Lords this month, includes a right to guaranteed hours and cracks down on zero-hour contracts without the offer of work. But in a rare joint intervention, the British Chambers of Commerce, Confederation of British Industry, Institute of Directors, Federation of Small Businesses and Make UK warn the Bill in its current form would "damage growth and employment, undermining the government's own goals." They argue the changes will discourage companies hiring "particularly those at the margins of the labour market" as businesses will not want to risk costly tribunal cases. Business groups also urged Lords to consider if guaranteeing workers fixed-hours contracts could backfire, reduce flexibility for both employers and staff, and introduce unnecessary administrative costs.
One in three German companies plans job cuts this year
More than one in three German companies plan to cut jobs this year, according to a survey by the German Economic Institute (IW). Employers in the industrial and construction sectors remain particularly pessimistic, the survey of more than 2,000 companies showed. "Donald Trump's whims come at an inopportune time and are a severe test for the German economy," IW's head of macroeconomics, Michael Groemling, said about the tariffs recently announced by the US President.
 


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