Human Times

APAC Edition

19th September 2025

THE HOT STORY

Super Retail Group faces class action lawsuit over management payrolls

Australia's Super Retail Group, which earlier this week removed Anthony Heraghty as chief executive over his failure to disclose information regarding a relationship with the company's chief human resources officer, is facing a class action lawsuit alleging that it systemically tampered with employees’ payroll records to avoid paying overtime and other entitlements. The lawsuit, prepared by legal group Adero, claims that up to 3,000 store managers were not paid award rates from 2019 onwards, and that Super Retail used “very aggressive” wage control practices akin to those employed by Coles and Woolworths. “We are [launching the class action] to create fairness between any retail worker against large ASX retailers that are engaged in common practice that has, on the sensible view of the records, resulted in substantial underpayments," said Adero Law managing principal Rory Markham.

The Age

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HIRING

Samsung to hire 60,000 employees over five years

Samsung Group has announced plans to hire 60,000 new employees over the next five years, focusing on the semiconductor, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence sectors. Nineteen affiliates, including Samsung Electronics, are currently hiring. The group has maintained an open recruitment programme for entry-level workers since 1957. Samsung will also continue its internship programmes to provide young job seekers with experience. Meanwhile, SK Group plans to hire 4,000 additional workers this year, while Hanwha Group aims to recruit 3,500 workers, primarily in defence-related units. POSCO Group plans to create 15,000 jobs over five years.

Korea Joongang Daily

The Korea Times

STRATEGY

BHP announces mine shutdown and job losses

BHP Group will suspend operations and cut 750 jobs at its Queensland coking coal mine due to low prices and increased state government royalties, which have negatively impacted its returns. The Saraji South mine, part of the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance, will enter care and maintenance from November 2025. BHP chief executive Mike Henry has expressed concerns over the Queensland government's royalty increases, which have risen to 20% for coal priced above A$175 per ton, arguing that these decisions are unsustainable for the industry.

Reuters

LEGAL

Thailand's Senate boosts maternity leave to 120 days

Thailand's Senate has approved an amendment to the Labour Protection Act, extending maternity leave from 90 days to 120 days. The bill received 125 votes in favour, with five abstentions. Employers must pay full wages for the first 60 days of leave. If a child is born with health risks, mothers can request an additional 15 days at 50% pay. The amendment also grants spouses 15 days of leave at full pay to assist with childcare. The Senate Secretariat will send the draft bill to the prime minister for royal command, with the law effective 30 days post-publication.

The Nation

Air India crash victims' relatives file lawsuit against Boeing and Honeywell

Families of four victims from the Air India Flight 171 crash have filed a lawsuit against Boeing and Honeywell, alleging that faulty fuel cutoff switches caused the accident, despite the Federal Aviation Administration saying these switches were not to blame. The crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, resulted in the deaths of 260 people. The lawsuit claims that the cockpit's design made it likely for the switches to be inadvertently activated. While the preliminary investigation by Indian authorities did not implicate Boeing, legal experts suggest that targeting manufacturers is common in such cases due to their liability exposure compared to airlines.

Reuters

TECHNOLOGY

Elliott Management buys stake worth over $2bn in Workday

Elliott Management has acquired a stake exceeding $2bn in Workday, expressing support for the company's leadership and its strategic direction. The activist investor praised Workday's chief executive and finance chief for their effective management, saying that it is confident in the multi-year plan presented at the company's Financial Analyst Day to enhance shareholder value. In conjunction with the investment, Workday announced the $1.1bn acquisition of AI firm Sana, marking its third AI-related deal in a short period as it seeks to strengthen its position in the competitive HR software market.

Reuters

Study details ChatGPT use habits

A study by OpenAI conducted with Harvard economist David Deming has analysed 1.5m ChatGPT conversations. It found that 75% of interactions focus on practical tasks, primarily writing, while only 30% are for professional use. OpenAI advocates for AI to be treated as a "basic right," highlighting its broad economic impact. The study also suggests gender differences in usage: users with feminine names prefer practical guidance, while those with masculine names lean towards technical help.

The Independent UK

ECONOMY

Thai retailer group calls for urgent measures to boost spending

Nath Vongphanich, president of the Thai Retailers Association (TRA), is urging the country's new government to implement "quick win" measures to alleviate the cost of living and stimulate the economy. The TRA emphasises the need for effective, practical initiatives that support consumers and businesses. Proposed measures include expanding the "Khon La Khrueng" co-payment scheme, raising daily spending limits, and launching phase 2 of the Easy e-Receipt programme. Mr Vongphanich stated: "These initiatives are expected to generate more than 100bn baht ($152.5m) in economic circulation". The TRA also suggests reducing import duties to enhance Thailand's appeal to tourists.

Bangkok Post

INTERNATIONAL

Starbucks workers sue over dress code

Starbucks employees in three states have initiated legal action against the company, claiming the company violated laws by changing its dress code without reimbursing workers for new clothing expenses. The class-action lawsuits were filed in Illinois and Colorado, with complaints also lodged in California. The new dress code, effective May 12th, mandates specific clothing requirements, including solid black shirts and compliant footwear. Brooke Allen, a worker from California, expressed her frustration, commenting: “I think it's extremely tone deaf on the company's part to expect their employees to completely redesign their wardrobe without any compensation.” The lawsuits argue that Starbucks' policy violates state laws requiring reimbursement for employer-benefiting expenses.

CBS News

Courthouse News Service

Ford to cut up to 1,000 jobs at its factory in Cologne

Ford is to lay off up to 1,000 workers at its Cologne plant in Germany due to low demand for electric vehicles in Europe. The plant will shift to operating only one shift per day starting January 2026. The company said: "Demand for electric vehicles in Europe remains significantly lower than industry forecasts." The decision adds to the 2,900 company job cuts previously announced in Germany as part of a broader cost-cutting initiative across Europe.

ANSA.it

The Local Germany

Nigerian-based phishing websites seized by Microsoft

Microsoft has seized nearly 340 websites linked to a Nigerian-based phishing service called Raccoon0365, which has reportedly stolen over 5,000 user credentials and generated around $100,000 in cryptocurrency since its launch in July 2024. The service, which operates through a private Telegram channel, enables users to impersonate trusted brands and trick victims into entering their Microsoft login details on fake pages. Microsoft’s assistant general counsel, Steven Masada, highlighted the accessibility of such cybercrime tools, observing: "Cybercriminals don’t need to be sophisticated to cause widespread harm."

Reuters

OTHER

HK Consumer Council warns on clay mask safety

Tests by the Hong Kong's Consumer Council revealed that over 90% of 30 clay masks sold contain heavy metals. Two specific products, Apivita Express Beauty and Aromatica Tea Tree Pore Purifying Clay Mask, exceeded safety limits for arsenic and lead set by mainland China and the US. Chung Chi-yung, chair of the Council's committee on research and testing, said: "Although the health risks arising from short-term skin contact with heavy metals are low, prolonged exposure may increase the risk of accumulation". The findings have been reported to the Customs and Excise Department for further action.

South China Morning Post

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