Calls to increase wages in Philippines seen as untimely
Although the country sees some signs of recovery, the situation still remains “very unstable”, said a labour official.
Laos set for first minimum wage raise since 2018
The government has begun discussion on raising the national minimum wage this March amid rising inflation and the increasing cost of living.
Japanese businesses repay COVID-19 subsidies amid crackdown
As of January 21, a total of 5.26 trillion yen (US$45.5 billion) had been distributed in employment subsidies.
Singapore’s total employment rebounds in Q4 last year
Q4 of 2021 saw total employment growing 47,400 compared to the decline of 2,400 in the third quarter, said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Workplace safety measures bolstered in South Korea as new law takes effect
Businesses face harsher sentences of a minimum one-year prison sentence or up to 1 billion won in fines in the event of fatal workplace accidents.
Call for faster pay hikes for low-paid workers in the Philippines
Labour group Partido Manggagawa (PM) has urged companies to raise wages of low-paid workers faster than those who earn higher salaries.
Vietnam’s digital transformation accelerated in 2021
Digital transformation is a new engine driving Vietnam’s socio-economic development, facilitating the country’s economic recovery.
Indonesia urges regions to boost workers’ digital literacy
The Communication and Informatics Ministry is encouraging regional governments to boost the digital literacy of human resources in their regions.
Hybrid work will be default for Singapore’s public employees
Hybrid working would likely become a permanent feature of the public sector workforce, according to the Office of the Clerk of Parliament.
Trade union calls for raise of New Zealand’s minimum wage
The minimum wage should be increased as annual inflation in the country has hit a 30-year high of 5.9%, says the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.
Japanese workers accept lack of pay hike, says trade union leader
In this year’s wage talks, Rengo is aiming for salary hikes of around 4%, including pay scale raises of around 2% and regular wage hikes.
Thailand considering hike in minimum wages
The Labour Ministry will conduct a feasibility study on increasing the minimum daily wage as the prices of consumer goods, food, and fuel increase.
Singapore expects to create over 17,000 new jobs over next five years
This is attributed to the fixed asset investments received in 2021, as well as the reopening of travel in the second half of the year.
Indonesian companies should not use minimum wage as effective wage
Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah has said the widespread practice of companies using minimum wage as the effective wage needs to be addressed
Employees in Malaysia promised fair maternity leave and allowance
Following complaints of ambiguity, the Women’s Aid Organisation said it sought clarification from Malaysia’s human resource ministry.
Japan continues to debate feasibility of wage hike
Contrary to the Prime Minister’s call, the Japan Business Federation says it is difficult to set a blanket level of salary increases for all companies.
Hong Kong allows public officials to WFH amid rise in COVID-19 cases
Many public employees are expected to work remotely as some government departments may temporarily cut back on some services.
Number of discouraged workers in South Korea hits all-time high in 2021
The number of discouraged workers in South Korea spiked to an all-time high in 2021 amid a weak labour market due to the prolonged pandemic.
New Zealand calls on for companies to be prepared for Omicron disruption
Finance Minister Grant Robertson cautioned firms to ensure business continuity plans are in place and vowed government support.
Indonesia told to adopt more flexible WFH policy
Amid a spike in Omicron transmission, the WFH policy needs to be implemented with more flexibility, says the Labour Institute Indonesia.
Singapore urges firms to prepare for Omicron’s disruption to the workplace
Businesses, especially those providing essential services, should ensure robust business continuity plans like split-team arrangements.
5-day paid pandemic leave proposed in the Philippines
Sen. Leila De Lima has called on Congress to pass a law that mandates paid leave of five days for workers who contract COVID-19.
Taiwan’s unemployment rate fell in December for sixth straight month
The unemployment rate fell by 0.02 percentage points from November to 3.64% in December, as the country continues to recover from the pandemic.
Indonesia’s female labour force participation remains low
The patriarchal culture in the country has caused the labour force participation (TPAK) of female workers to lag behind that of male ones.
India prepares to set a salary structure for WFH workers
A draft framework will be proposed to the Finance Ministry, with any subsequent changes requiring amendment to the tax laws.
BusinessNZ seeks clarity on SOP for Omicron outbreak
Clarity is being sought on the definitions of a contact, and the triggers for isolation once the Omicron strain starts spreading in the community.
Unemployment in Australia falls to lowest point in 13 years
The states of New South Wales and Victoria each added 32,000 and 25,000 to the employment numbers in late 2021, respectively.
Bill to protect workers’ rest hours proposed in the Philippines
The proposed bill will penalise employers who intrude on workers’ “rest hours” and to prevent tasks and meetings from encroaching on personal time.
Japan’s major business lobby urges firms to raise workers’ pay
A specific target of pay hikes that member firms should adopt was not specified, considering the varying pace of earnings recovery of companies.
Taiwan increases maternity and paternity leave
The Ministry of Labour (MOL) has increased paid parental leave and implemented other family-friendly policies with immediate effect.