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APAC Edition
3rd April 2024
 
THE HOT STORY
ILO in Thailand steps up campaign to protect rights of vulnerable migrant groups
The International Labour Organization (ILO) in Thailand is implementing a project to protect the rights of vulnerable migrant groups, particularly female workers and migrant children in Southeast Asia. The project aims to promote decent work, reduce vulnerability, and prevent labour exploitation, violence, human trafficking, and smuggling. There are approximately 10.6 million migrants in Southeast Asia, with nearly half being women and 1.3 million being children. Migrants, especially those in low-wage occupations, face various challenges such as labour exploitation, trafficking, violence, and harassment. The "Protect" project, carried out by four UN agencies, will strengthen laws and policies, improve mechanisms for protecting rights, and enhance access to information and services. The project has a budget of $15m, with a significant contribution from the European Union. According to Chihoko Asada-Miyakawa, Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the ILO, migration policies need to be gender-responsive, inclusive, and aligned with international labour standards to ensure protection and decent work for migrants.
WORKFORCE
Over 60% of Hong Kong film and TV workers face wage delays, survey finds
More than 60% of film and TV workers in Hong Kong experience wage delays, with almost one-fifth enduring delays of up to six months, according to a survey by Lingnan University. The research team called on the government to promote fair working conditions, including standard contracts, for workers in the industry. The majority of workers face fragmented employment patterns, making it difficult for them to seek improvements in their treatment. The survey also found that most workers in the industry had informal work agreements, with less than 25% having formal contracts. Over half of the respondents earned less than HK$20,000 per month, lower than the city's median income. The survey revealed that camera crews, lighting technicians, and electricians experienced the most frequent wage delays. Only half of the respondents were successful in pursuing wage claims. The industry also lacks occupational safety measures and is plagued by long working hours, according to the survey, which urges the government to regulate the industry and introduce labour-friendly measures.
Only 10% of intern doctors in Korea enroll for internship training amid walkout
Only 10% of intern doctors in Korea have enrolled for internship training for the first half of the year, the country's health ministry said Tuesday, amid the protracted walkout by junior doctors in protest of the government's plan to increase medical school admissions. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, about 10% of the 2,687 new doctors who were supposed to start internships this year had registered with the Council for Graduate Medical Training as of the previous day. The rest refused to accept internships. Those who fail to register for internships by Tuesday will not be able to train as interns in the first half of this year. Instead, they have to start training in the second half of September or next March. The ministry said it has informed the students of this schedule and urged them to return and register. It has also emphasized that those who fail to register and return later will not be permitted to train in the first half of the year. About 12,000 interns and resident doctors have been on strike in the form of mass resignations since February 20 to protest against the proposed increase in the number of medical students.
HIRING
India's leading staffing firms see 20% increase in temporary hiring
India's leading staffing firms are experiencing a surge in temporary hiring, with about 30,000 open mandates for temporary positions in the April-June quarter of the new fiscal year. This represents a 20% increase compared to the same period last year. Companies in sectors such as e-commerce, retail, non-banking finance, consumer durables, and beverage bottling plants are opting to hire temporary employees for junior roles. The contracts for these positions typically last for 6-11 months. The increase in consumer spending after appraisals and the summer holiday season is expected to drive further recruitment in this segment. Temporary hiring allows companies to scale up and down as needed, providing flexibility in uncertain times. Experts predict a rise in open positions for temporary roles in the first quarter of the new fiscal year, particularly in consumer, banking, financial services, insurance, and manufacturing sectors. The IT sector is also leaning towards temporary roles, especially in cloud platforms. Overall, the temporary hiring trend is expected to continue, offering opportunities for job seekers in various industries.
STRATEGY
SAIC motor plans job cuts at joint ventures with GM and VW
China's SAIC Motor is planning to cut jobs at its joint ventures with General Motors and Volkswagen, as well as at its electric-car unit, in an effort to reduce costs and adapt to the changing automotive market. The state-owned automaker aims to cut 30% of employees at SAIC-GM, 10% at SAIC Volkswagen, and more than half at its Rising Auto EV subsidiary. The job cuts come as SAIC and its foreign partners have lost market share to Tesla and Chinese automakers in the electric vehicle sector. SAIC plans to implement stricter performance standards and offer payouts to lower-rated employees who resign. The company denies setting specific targets for job cuts. SAIC Motor has been China's largest automaker for nearly two decades but has seen its sales decline recently.
CYBERSECURITY
Over 13,000 people affected by Hong Kong Cyberport data breach
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner has found that personal data, including ID card and passport numbers, of over 13,000 people was stolen in a data breach at Hong Kong's Cyberport. The privacy watchdog has issued an enforcement notice to Cyberport, demanding improvements to its cybersecurity measures. Cyberport failed to implement sufficient security measures, according to the investigation. The breach, which occurred in August last year, affected staff, jobseekers, and former employees. The stolen data included names, ID card and passport numbers, and in some cases, financial information. Cyberport has been unable to explain why it retained data beyond the intended storage period. The breach was only disclosed in September, after being added to the list of victims by ransomware group Trigona. The hackers gained access through brute force attacks and disabled Cyberport's antivirus program. The Privacy Commissioner has demanded action to address the breach and improve cybersecurity.
CORPORATE
South Korea to offer incentives for corporate reform
South Korea's financial regulator has announced that the government will provide additional incentives to companies participating in the government's corporate reform programme. The Financial Services Commission will exempt firms improving their governance structure from a regulation regarding auditor designation, as a way to encourage voluntary efforts. Other incentives for listed companies in the "Corporate Value-up Programme" include exemption from payments of annual fees to the stock bourse. The ministry formulating financial policies is also considering other tax support measures and seeking amendments to the Capital Markets Act to enable firms to pay dividends to shareholders on a quarterly basis. 
ECONOMY
India's manufacturing industry sees solid growth in March
India's manufacturing industry experienced strong growth in March, reaching its highest level in 16 years. The HSBC final India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 59.1, indicating accelerating demand and increased hiring. The data is a boost to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, which has focused on manufacturing to grow the economy. Both output and new orders sub-indexes rose to their highest levels since October 2020, and exports expanded at the fastest pace in nearly two years. Despite concerns about inflation, manufacturers remain optimistic about future business conditions. Input costs rose, but not all were passed on to clients. The Reserve Bank of India is expected to hold off on interest rate cuts due to inflation concerns.
INTERNATIONAL
US companies argue that the NLRB is unconstitutional
Amazon, SpaceX, Starbucks, and Trader Joe's are among US companies which are arguing that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is unconstitutional. The Supreme Court has previously upheld the constitutionality of the NLRB and rejected similar arguments. The attacks on the NLRB are seen as a response to growing support for unions among Americans. The NLRB has been more assertive in prosecuting employers for violating workers' rights and has implemented rules to facilitate the unionisation process. If these corporations succeed in their constitutional challenges, the NLRB's ability to protect workers' rights and negotiate fair contracts could be compromised. Additionally, other government agencies may also be at risk. The Supreme Court's conservative majority has shown a pro-business stance, which raises concerns for labour rights and administrative agencies. However, there is optimism as workers are organising in greater numbers, and history has shown that popular support for unions can influence the Supreme Court's decisions, writes  Kate Andrias of Columbia University.
Public opinion turns against immigration in the Netherlands
Public opinion in the Netherlands has shifted against immigration, posing a threat to businesses across Europe, Bloomberg reports. Recent laws and regulations, along with anti-migrant sentiment, have raised concerns among Dutch companies that rely on international talent. The victory of far-right politician Geert Wilders in the 2022 election reflects the changing public opinion. Dutch companies, particularly in the tech sector, are worried about restrictions on hiring foreign workers, and the uncertainty in the Dutch business climate has led some to consider relocating their headquarters.
Bill allows pension fund members in South Africa to make early withdrawals
South African lawmakers have given their support to a bill that allows pension fund members to withdraw up to a third of their savings before retirement. The Pension Funds Amendment Bill, which will be implemented in September, requires funds to be divided into three components and allows members to transfer or withdraw savings if they change or lose their job. Deputy Finance Minister David Masondo highlighted that the withdrawal of retirement savings would be subject to tax. The bill, which received bipartisan support, will now be considered by the National Council Of Provinces before being signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
OTHER
Australians urged to speak out on high food prices
Australians are being urged to voice their concerns over high food prices as an inquiry into the retail sector comes to a close. Woolworths and Coles have been accused of price-gouging customers and stifling competition, prompting the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to review prices and competition in the sector. The inquiry is also examining the effectiveness of the grocery code of conduct, which governs how supermarkets treat their suppliers. The Greens and the coalition are working on measures to break up the supermarket giants, but Labor does not support this move, fearing it could lead to higher food prices and job insecurity. Assistant Competition Minister Andrew Leigh stated that the government would wait for the ACCC's report before taking any action. The inquiry has received submissions from concerned Australians, who hope for a solution to rising food prices.
 


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