Human Times

APAC Edition

9th July 2025

THE HOT STORY

South Korea's proposed lifting of retirement age sparks outrage

As South Korea considers raising the retirement age, a new report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) highlights the pressing issue of age-based discrimination in the workplace. The report reveals that the “peak wage” system leads to significant salary reductions for older workers, with G Young Soo stating, “It is not justified,” as he faces a 52% pay cut by retirement. The study indicates that 95% of large firms enforce a retirement age of 60, affecting 3.1m workers, and contributing to high elderly poverty rates, with 38% of over-65s living below the poverty line. Bridget Sleap, the report's author, emphasises that these policies deny older workers the chance to continue in their roles, urging the government to stop punishing them for their age. Legal experts warn that merely raising the retirement age could exacerbate existing discrimination.

The Guardian

REMUNERATION

Unions score big win agains BHP

The Fair Work Commission has ruled that BHP must increase wages by A$66m annually for over 2,200 workers at its Queensland coal mines. The Australian Council of Trade Unions said: “Around 2,200 mine workers are now in line for annual wage rises in the order of A$30,000,” marking a significant victory for unions under the new ‘same job, same pay’ laws. This ruling is expected to have a “flow-on effect throughout the mining industry,” as it challenges the use of labour hire firms to undercut wages. BHP has expressed concerns about the implications for its business, warning that the legislation could jeopardise productivity and investments, potentially impacting thousands of jobs and dividends for over 17m Australians. Tania Constable, chief executive of the Minerals Council of Australia, described the decision as “incredibly disappointing,” fearing it threatens specialised contractors vital to mining operations.

West Australian

WORKFORCE

Glencore coal miners strike over pay

Workers at Glencore’s Ulan underground coal mine in New South Wales launched a 24-hour strike Wednesday, demanding wage parity with nearby Ulan West miners. The Mining and Energy Union (MEU) said the action followed 16 months of unresolved enterprise talks. “We work for the same company, doing the same work just two kilometres down the road,” said the MEU’s NSW South-West District Vice President, arguing for equal base pay.

Reuters

Annecto's future hangs in balance

Annecto Incorporated, an Australian provider of aged care, disability, and veterans care services, has entered voluntary administration, raising concerns over entitlement payouts for its 1,000 employees. The board stated the organisation was either already insolvent or likely to become so, according to administrators McGrathNicol. In a letter to staff, it was revealed that all employees would be made redundant, with payouts potentially on a pro rata basis if funds are insufficient.

ABC Online

Local employees demand fair treatment

On Tuesday, over 600 employees from the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) in Karnataka protested, demanding the extension of the 7th Pay Commission benefits and proper funding from the finance department. Suresh Dyamannavar, general secretary of the BCC unit, said: "The government is discriminating by not providing the facilities given to the state govt employees to the local body employees." The protest aimed to highlight the lack of health services and other benefits that state government employees receive, which are not extended to local body workers. In Hubballi, employees of the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) also staged a walk-out, further emphasising the need for equal treatment and fulfilment of their demands.

The Times of India

HEALTH & SAFETY

Heat wave allowance: a mirage for gig workers

In Beijing, food delivery drivers are struggling under extreme heat, yet many have never received the legally mandated “heat wave allowance.” While companies like JD.com and Meituan claim to support workers, many gig workers remain without benefits. The demand for deliveries increases during heat waves, but drivers earn only marginally more, often facing penalties for delays. Dr Susan Feng Lu from the University of Toronto highlights the health risks, noting: “Consumers benefit from staying protected indoors, yet the burden of health risks falls heavily on gig workers.” With little enforcement of labour laws, gig workers are left vulnerable, highlighting the growing disparity in protections between them and formal employees.

Straits Times

HIRING

Singapore boosts teacher recruitment

Singapore plans to recruit 1,000 new teachers annually, as announced by Education Minister Desmond Lee during the NIE Teachers' Investiture Ceremony. This increase from the previous 700 teachers per year aims to address the decline in the teaching workforce, which has fallen from 33,378 in 2016 to 30,396 in 2023. Lee emphasised the need for educators to adapt to rapid global changes, stating: “We must also stay updated on the developments around us, and prepare our students for a fast-changing world.” The Ministry is shifting focus from academic grades to developing diverse skills and fostering unity in a diverse society, encouraging teachers to instil a love for learning in their students.

Straits Times

Downer kicks off recruitment drive

Downer has commenced recruitment for 300 positions to support the production of 65 locomotives at its new facility in Torbanlea, Queensland, set to be operational by 2027. However, over 120 employees from the nearby Maryborough site, facing potential redundancies, have been informed that their applications for these roles are not guaranteed. While the new roles include 200 trade and 100 white-collar positions, concerns remain that these opportunities will not compensate for the job losses in Maryborough.

ABC Online

ECONOMY

China's textile industry thrives despite challenges

China's textile industry demonstrated stable growth in the first four months of the year, with a 4.2% year-on-year increase in value-added output from companies earning over 20m yuan. Despite a slight revenue decline of 0.5%, leading retailers saw sales rise by 5.9%, totalling 6.4tn yuan. Exports in the textile and garment sector reached $90.5bn, marking a 1.1% increase. Experts noted that the industry remains a "vital pillar of the economy," highlighting its significant scale and strong employment capacity.

Chinadaily US Edition

BOK's mortgage loans raise eyebrows

The Bank of Korea (BOK) is facing criticism for its mortgage loan programme for employees, which undermines its goal of controlling housing lending. Lawmaker Cha Gyu-geun highlighted that BOK employees can borrow more than the general public, as these loans are not reported to credit agencies, allowing them to bypass commercial lenders' scrutiny. For instance, while commercial loans are capped at 100m won, BOK employees can access up to 150m won at a lower interest rate of 3.4%. Cha noted: “The Financial Supervisory Service scrapped an employee housing loan programme in 2020,” indicating a disparity in benefits. The BOK defends the programme, stating it is designed to assist employees without homes, aiming to prevent property investments.

The Korea Times

LEGAL

Seoul court rules against Buddhist foundation

The Seoul Administrative Court has ruled that a Buddhist foundation unjustly disciplined an employee who had previously been sexually harassed by the chairman. The court dismissed the foundation's appeal against a decision by the Central Labor Relations Commission (CLRC), which found the punishment unfair. The employee, who faced harassment in 2016, was later reassigned to unrelated duties and received a two-month suspension for alleged infractions. The court determined that 18 of the 19 infractions were invalid, stating: “Suspension exceeded the foundation's discretionary authority and was therefore unlawful.” The ruling reinforces the CLRC's conclusion that the disciplinary action was excessive and unjust.

Korea Joongang Daily

RETENTION

Employees leave managers, not companies

In a post on LinkedIn, Ghazal Alagh, co-founder of Mamaearth, highlighted the critical role of managers in employee retention. She stated: "Employees don't leave companies, they leave managers," emphasising that a manager's influence significantly affects an employee's decision to stay or leave. Alagh identified eight types of managers that high performers struggle with, including the Micro Manager, Credit Taker, and Risk-Free Boss. She stressed the importance of trust and respect in leadership, asking followers to reflect on the leadership styles that have impacted their career choices.

The Times of India

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Tech takeover: are humans obsolete?

Adam Dorr, a technology theorist and director of research at RethinkX, predicts that robots and artificial intelligence (AI) could replace nearly all human labour within 20 years. He states: “Technology has a new target in its crosshairs – and that's us. That's our labour.” Dorr's research indicates that the current wave of technological change will obliterate the labour market by 2045, similar to past transformations in history. He warns that while some sectors may allow for human-robot collaboration initially, ultimately, machines will outperform humans in most tasks. Dorr emphasises the need for societies to prepare for this shift, suggesting that new ownership and stakeholder structures must be explored. He believes that if managed well, this technological revolution could lead to “super-abundance” and significant productivity gains, but warns of potential inequality if handled poorly.

The Guardian

AI's role in layoffs: a double-edged sword

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly influencing critical decisions regarding layoffs, with many employees viewing automation as a threat. However, AI can also offer alternatives to layoffs, such as retraining and job rotations. Lauren Herring, chief executive of career development company IMPACT Group, emphasises that while AI can enhance efficiency and decision-making, it must be used responsibly. A Gallup survey indicates that 75% of Americans believe AI will reduce jobs in the next decade, raising concerns about transparency and fairness in AI-driven decisions. Herring advises against over-reliance on AI, highlighting the importance of human oversight and emotional support during layoffs. "AI should complement and enhance the outplacement process," she states, underscoring the need for a personal touch in employee transitions.

Forbes

The Human Times is designed to help you stay ahead, spark ideas and support innovation, learning and development in your organisation.

The links under articles indicate original news sources. Some links lead directly to the source material. Others lead to paywalls where you may need a subscription. A third category are restricted by copyright rules.

For reaction and insights on any stories covered in the Human Times, join the discussion by becoming a member of our LinkedIn Group or Business Page, or follow us on X.

Online

Advertise

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe