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24th June 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Hong Kong's gig workers demand better protections
In Hong Kong, gig economy workers, particularly those in food delivery, are advocating for improved labour protections amid rising concerns over their rights. John Lam, a food delivery rider, explained: “While consistent food delivery work can lead to a very good income, the major downside is that it leaves couriers like me without essential basic labour protections.” With around 64,000 online delivery couriers and 50,000 app-based ride-hailing drivers in the city, the lack of specific legislation leaves these workers classified as self-employed, denying them benefits like paid annual leave and sick leave. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han announced plans to enhance platform workers' rights and benefits following recent strikes by Keeta workers demanding better pay and protections.
STRATEGY
Starbucks rejects reports of China operations sale
Starbucks has rejected speculation that it is in talks with private equity firms to sell the entirety of its China operations as it faces slowing sales and intensifying competition from domestic rivals. “We have a world-class team in China, and a strong brand,” the Seattle-based coffee chain said in a statement on Tuesday. “We see significant long-term potential in the market and are evaluating the best ways to capture the future growth opportunities.” In recent years, the U.S. firm has struggled in China against competitors such as Luckin Coffee. To win back customers, Starbucks recently launched sugar-free options and cut prices on more than a dozen tea-based drinks to bring them closer to those of Chinese tea chains.
TECHNOLOGY
Lawson beta tests futuristic convenience store
Lawson has opened an experimental high-tech convenience store in Tokyo, aiming to improve operational efficiency and collect data. Real x Tech Lawson is designed to test a range of technologies, including robotics, digital signs and artificial intelligence. It features a robot that partially automates the cooking of Kara-age Kun fried chicken, along with a floor-cleaning robot. Digital panels are installed throughout the shop to display information about products, recommended items and local events, while a self-checkout system is equipped with a display that shows a 3D avatar of a real Lawson employee which can remotely handle checkout when a customer needs help. “We hope to make this tech convenience store a standard for society”, commented Lawson chief executive Sadanobu Takemasu at a news conference.
WORKFORCE
Foreign worker numbers plummet in Korea
The number of foreign workers arriving in Korea with non-professional employment visas (E-9) has decreased by 21% this year, according to the Ministry of Employment and Labor. As of June 10, 28,520 foreign workers had arrived, a drop from the previous year. The manufacturing sector was particularly affected, with a 25.8% decline in E-9 visa holders, totalling 21,443. A ministry official stated that the "decline in demand for foreign workforce" is linked to the country's sluggish economic growth.
Jobs at risk in Hong Kong amid imported workers
Concerns are rising among local construction workers in Hong Kong regarding job security due to the importation of cheaper labour. Chau Sze-kit, chairman of the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union, highlighted that the unemployment rate in the construction sector has reached 6.7%. He noted that while the labour import scheme may not directly impact unemployment rates, it has resulted in fewer job opportunities for local workers. Chau said: “Do we still need to import workers? I think it should be more targeted.” He urged the government to focus on importing labour only for specific occupations facing shortages.
LEGAL
Workers demand repeal of labour laws
In Ludhiana, India, factory workers and labourers are calling for the immediate repeal of recent amendments to labour laws, which they claim undermine their fundamental rights. Lakhwinder Singh, president of Karkhana Mazdoor Union, stated: "The workers are protesting against amendments made to the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958," which exclude establishments with fewer than 20 workers from basic protections. The unions are also demanding the reversal of amendments to the Factories Act that allow extended overtime and the rejection of four new labour codes introduced by the Centre, which they argue dilute worker protections. Additionally, they are advocating for an increase in the monthly minimum wage to Rs 26,000, asserting that many workers rely on overtime to survive.
POLICY
More and more people are missing from official census data
In a paper published in Science, researchers from the University of Southampton and Columbia University say a hidden global crisis of population undercounting threatens to undermine policies from school building to disease outbreak response. "Lack of census data compromises all areas of public administration, but we don't see these statistics in the same way as other vital infrastructure, like bridges or roads," says Dr. Jessica Espey, lead author of the paper from the University of Southampton. "When groups are not counted, they can be left off the policy agenda. That political underrepresentation and the inadequate resource allocation that follows can have pernicious effects."
INTERNATIONAL
French pension system reform talks collapse
Extended negotiations between labour unions and employers in France over reforms to the pension system collapsed late on Monday. A "last chance" accord over discussions to amend an unpopular 2023 revision of the pension system that will gradually raise the retirement age to 64 years from 62 years could not be reached, and Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has said he will now meet with both sides in an attempt to find a way out of the deadlock. Trade unions wanted a deal that would allow workers who had physically demanding jobs to retire early, and maternity leave to be better taken into account. Employers are wary of concessions that could place financial stress on a fragile retirement system.
Companies evacuate employees amid conflict
A growing number of organisations are rushing to evacuate local staff amid the conflict between Iran and Israel, according to security risk services company International SOS. “Since June 13 when the conflict began, we have evacuated over 200 people from different locations,” said Gulnaz Ukassova, the regional Security Director for Information & Analysis at International SOS, which is actively supporting organizations across the region with real-time intelligence, risk assessments, and response planning. “There are people who are already moving, not just from those two countries, but also from neighboring countries - and others that are in the process of planning. We help them with not just evacuating from the country, but also securing transport and support with all of the logistical arrangements afterwards.”
One in five workers in Denmark say they feel stressed
Analysis by the Danish government suggests that one in five workers in Denmark experiences stress, and over half attribute it to their job. The report, Status på arbejdsmarkedet (‘Labour Market Status'), highlights that stress is particularly prevalent among those aged 25-34, with women and parents reporting higher levels. Employment Minister Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen described the findings as “concerning and serious,” emphasising that stress is not just an individual issue but a societal one. She said: “If we are to stop rising stress, we must have a conversation as a society about how we organise our private and working lives.” The report also notes that around 60% of workers continue working past retirement age, with nearly 130,000 people doing so in 2024.
OTHER
Tinder launches double-dating feature
Tinder has launched a new feature called Double Date, allowing users to create joint profiles with friends for paired matches. The feature, which aims to alleviate dating stress for younger users, was popular during testing in Europe and Latin America. Cleo Long, Tinder's head of product marketing, said:“This is a social-first experience that's really meant to help relieve some of the pressure that we know a lot of Gen Z experiences with dating.” The feature has shown promising results, with nearly 90% of testers under 29 and a significant increase in messaging activity. However, Tinder faces challenges, including a decline in paying subscribers and leadership changes, as it seeks to adapt to shifting user preferences.
 


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