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APAC Edition
27th March 2024
 
THE HOT STORY
New index will track progress of women-friendly workplace policies in Hong Kong and Asia
A new initiative called the Women Workplace Index (WWI) has been launched in Hong Kong and Asia to track the progress of women-friendly workplace policies. The WWI aims to become the largest publicly accessible database of such disclosures and will collect data from companies on policies and practices such as sexual harassment prevention, maternity leave, and equal pay. The index will also act as an accreditation scheme, certifying companies based on their disclosures. The founder and CEO of WWI, Nicole Yuen, highlighted the need for workplaces to be conducive for women to balance work and caring responsibilities. The pilot study of the index, covering 250 listed and multinational companies in Hong Kong, will be released in May. The WWI has already gained support from companies such as Sino Group, CLP Power, Linklaters, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The initiative aims to inspire businesses to go beyond the minimum and create lasting change in the workplace.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Employers elevate women into leadership with job sharing and part-time senior roles
Job sharing and part-time senior roles are being used by Australian employers to promote women in leadership and to narrow gender pay gaps. According to Australia's gender equality agency, only 7% of managers work part-time compared to 22% of non-managers, sending a clear message about the need for change. The chief executive of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, Mary Wooldridge, stated that companies must reimagine how managers can work in top positions to increase female representation. Wooldridge also highlighted the success of law firm Lander and Rogers, where partners have been job sharing for the past five years. The release of company-specific pay gap data showed that almost two-thirds of employers had gender pay gaps favouring men. . The federal government has also released its first-ever gender equality strategy, which includes a commitment to pay super on Commonwealth-funded paid parental leave.
WORKFORCE
More than half of South Korean workers are quietly quitting their jobs, survey says
More than half of South Korea's workers are choosing to do minimal work at their jobs without actually resigning, according to a recent survey. The trend, known as "quiet quitting," involves employees doing the bare minimum requirements of their job and not putting in any extra time or effort. The survey revealed that 57.4% of workers between their eighth and 10th years of work have quietly quit, while 56% of those between their fifth and seventh years have also stopped going above and beyond at work. The leading cause behind quiet quitting is dissatisfaction with salary and benefits, followed by a lack of enthusiasm about working at a company. South Korea's workers have a relatively low level of job and life satisfaction, which may explain why many are choosing to prioritize work-life balance over their jobs.
Maharashtra government declares paid leave for workers and employees on polling days
The Maharashtra government has announced that workers and employees will be given one day's paid leave on polling days in the western Indian state. Such leave will also be applicable to those who live outside their constituency but wish to vote in their constituency. The holiday will be applicable to all industrial groups, corporations, companies, and institutions falling under the industry department. This move follows a similar decision by the Bihar government to declare paid holidays on voting days during the Lok Sabha polls. The Maharashtra elections will be held in five phases.
LEGAL
Federal prosecutors consider first prosecution under Australia's general secrecy laws
The new independent monitor has raised concerns about Australia's general secrecy laws, which can result in up to 10 years of imprisonment for revealing classified information. Federal prosecutors are considering the country's first prosecution under these laws, which were introduced in December 2018 to protect high-level commonwealth information. The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions has received seven agency referrals recommending prosecutions under these laws. While six referrals were not pursued, one is being considered. The sunset clause for the general secrecy offence expires this year, and the government must decide whether to renew, amend, replace, or remove it. The Independent National Security Legislation Monitor is reviewing the operation and breadth of these laws. The monitor is concerned about the unclear definition of "inherently harmful" and the potential misuse of high-level classifications. Experts argue that the secrecy provisions should not be used to cover up impropriety or hinder transparency. The Human Rights Law Centre suggests that the broadness and vagueness of these laws have a chilling effect on whistleblowing.
China hits back at U.S. for criticizing new Hong Kong security law
China says it strongly opposes and condemns what it described as the United States' denigration and smearing of the new Hong Kong security law. The Chinese embassy in the U.S. has urged Washington to respect China's sovereignty and stop meddling in its internal affairs. The U.S. State Department believes the new national security bill has the potential to accelerate the closing of a once open society. Concerns about the bill have been raised by other countries and organizations, including Britain, Canada, the European Union, and the United Nations. The Chinese embassy has defended the bill, stating that it punishes a small number of criminals while protecting law-abiding Hong Kong residents and the normal activities of foreign organizations and personnel. The legislation, known as Article 23, outlines offenses such as treason, sabotage, sedition, and espionage, with sentences ranging from several years to life imprisonment.
HIRING
IT hiring in India forecast to grow by 7%-8% in second half of 2024
Staffing firms in India are predicting a 7%-8% increase in IT hiring in the second half of 2024. The demand for tech talent reached a new high in February, with hiring mandates for IT professionals increasing by 50% compared to January. However, these mandates are projections and may not all result in actual hiring. The rebound in IT hiring is driven by both tier-1 and tier-2 players in the services sector, particularly in digital and AI domains. Despite the recent growth, current demand from the tech sector remains below the levels seen in 2022.
STRATEGY
ByteDance cuts jobs at Feishu unit
ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, is cutting jobs at its enterprise collaboration unit Feishu. The Feishu unit, which operates the Feishu office tool and its overseas version Lark, is streamlining its team and eliminating jobs. Up to 20% of Feishu's workforce of over 5,000 will be cut, with most layoffs in mainland China. ByteDance has not commented on the matter. The layoffs at Feishu have raised concerns about job security in China's tech sector. China's Big Tech firms have reduced hiring and job cuts due to an economic slowdown and regulatory uncertainty. Feishu, once a key business unit of ByteDance, will now focus on improving the competitiveness of its products, particularly in terms of AI capabilities. ByteDance has previously cut jobs in noncore operations, including its education services unit and video gaming operations.
McDonald's ends agreement with Sri Lankan partner
McDonald's has terminated its agreement with its local partner in Sri Lanka, resulting in the closure of all 12 outlets. The parent company decided to end the agreement due to standard issues, according to attorney Sanath Wijewardane. The stores had continued to operate for a few days after the deal was cancelled. McDonald's may consider returning with a new franchisee. The local partner, Abans, declined to comment. Reports suggest that McDonald's took legal action against Abans over allegations of poor hygiene.
INTERNATIONAL
Uber Eats in UK courier wins payout over ‘racist' facial recognition app
Uber Eats in the UK has settled a legal claim with a courier who alleged that the company's facial recognition app is racist. Pa Manjang, who is black, was dismissed by Uber Eats when his security selfie check repeatedly failed to match the photo held by administrators. All Uber Eats couriers are required to go through this process, but Manjang argued that the algorithm discriminates against people from ethnic minorities. The equalities watchdog in England supported Manjang's claim, and Uber Eats has agreed to settle for an undisclosed amount. The settlement does not imply any liability on the part of Uber Eats. The case highlighted concerns about the use of artificial intelligence and automated processes in employment decisions. Baroness Falkner, chairwoman of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, stated that AI can lead to discrimination and human rights abuses. The settlement is seen as serving a warning to employers to guard against unlawful discrimination when relying on automation. Manjang's lawyer emphasized the importance of the case in considering AI and automated decision-making in the context of work and potential unfairness and discrimination.
Washington state enacts strippers' bill of rights
Legislation known as the strippers' bill of rights has been signed into law in Washington state. The new law aims to create safer working conditions for people in the adult entertainment industry and allows clubs to sell alcohol. It requires training for employees to prevent sexual harassment and human trafficking, mandates security workers on site, and limits the fees owners can charge dancers. The law also enables adult entertainment businesses to obtain liquor licenses, tying them to compliance with the new safety regulations. Washington state now joins Illinois as the only states with worker protections for adult entertainers. The legislation is seen as a victory for workers and a step towards recognizing the humanity of those involved in the industry. The state Department of Labor and Industries will draft new rules and guidelines for workplace safety standards by early next year.
Number of people in poverty in Italy reaches decade high
The number of people living in poverty in Italy has reached its highest level in about a decade, despite the country's economic rebound since COVID restrictions were eased. According to national statistics bureau ISTAT, 5.75 million people, or 9.8% of the population, are living in "absolute poverty" and are unable to afford essential goods and services. This is a slight increase from the previous year and the highest level since 2014. Italy's economy has recovered more strongly than its neighbours, but the poorest citizens have not benefited from the rebound. Poverty levels have steadily risen since 2014, and the government's decision to phase out a poverty-relief subsidy has further impacted the poor. The north and centre regions have seen an increase in poverty, while the south has experienced a decrease.
 


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