Malaysia to exclude some sectors from minimum wage rate mandate
These include the informal sector, companies employing less than five workers, and businesses facing huge losses because of the pandemic.
China launches campaign to limit overtime work
To protect workers’ rights to adequate rest, the authorities are clamping down on employers who make their staff clock excessive overtime.
South Korea’s minimum wage policy faces overhaul
The incoming administration headed by President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol is seeking to overhaul the country’s highly controversial minimum wage policy.
New Zealand’s Fair Pay Agreements to create level playing field for workers
The new legislation aims to create an environment in which good employers are not disadvantaged by paying reasonable, industry-standard wages.
New Zealand introduces Fair Pay Agreements Bill
The Fair Pay Agreements Bill has been introduced to Parliament to lift incomes and improve working conditions, especially of medium and lower earners.
Singapore’s guidelines on fair employment practices to become law
A White Paper has proposed that the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices be enshrined in law.
Thailand to review minimum wage increase
Amid rising costs of living, the National Wage Committee is expected to hold a meeting to consider the proposal to increase the daily minimum wage.
Workplace harassment to be compensated in South Korea
Under the revised Accident Compensation Act for Public Servants, sickness and death caused by workplace harassment will be compensated.
Hong Kong provides protection for workers under quarantine
A proposed amendment to the employment law will ensure that workers undergoing isolation or quarantine can enjoy sick leave.
Indonesia set to pass Bill on sexual violence
To strengthen legal protection for workers, the Manpower Ministry is preparing a decree to prevent and handle cases of sexual violence in workplaces.
Malaysia moots Bill that could make gig workers formal employees
In a first of its kind, the federal government will debate on an amendment Bill that could redefine the relationship of gig workers and tech companies.
New Zealand raises minimum wage and taxes on the rich
The move to raise minimum wage from the current NZ$20.0 (US$13.5) to NZ$21.2 (US$14.3) per hour has drawn widespread criticism from businesses.
Australia enforces payment of workers’ superannuation
The Australian Taxation Office will penalise employers who fail to pay workers’ superannuation after delaying its enforcement due to the pandemic.
Singapore reviews fair employment practices
Incentives that are based on employees’ use of sick leave will be deemed as “unfair practice”, says the Manpower Minister.
Bill for “right to disconnect” filed in the Philippines
If House Bill 10717 is enacted, it could be against the law for employers to contact their staff outside working hours.
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.
Singapore warns against legislating WFH arrangements
The country believes that the approach to workplace flexibility should be inclusive, as remote working is not practical for all types of workers.
Singapore issued over $141,000 fines for workplace management breaches
These include asking employees to return to the workplace when they can work from home, and not implementing sufficient safe distancing measures.
Firms in the Philippines encouraged to implement WFH
Government agencies also urged companies to provide sufficient assistance for individuals who are undergoing quarantine and isolation.
Malaysia mulls enacting new regulations for gig sector
New legislation is being considered to protect and safeguard the welfare and safety of workers in the gig sector.
Indonesia mandated to revise job creation law
The government will have to amend parts of the law within two years, or it would be deemed unconstitutional.
Fully vaccinated job applicants in the Philippines given advantage
A proposed new policy will grant employers the discretion to hire application based on their vaccination status.
New Zealand rejects claim that vaccine mandate breaches human rights
Claims by five government workers who said that their human rights have been violated due to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate have been dismissed.
Singapore to raise retirement and re-employment ages
The retirement and re-employment ages for employees will be progressively raised under the law to enable older Singaporeans to continue working.
Malaysia priorities safety of employees working from home
Malaysia is making amendments to the Employment Act 1955 on flexible work to ensure employees can work safely from home.
Employers in Malaysia required to bear full cost of hiring foreign workers
Foreign workers are currently required to undergo a mandatory quarantine period of seven days at a government-certified quarantine centre.
Malaysia proposes amending Employment Act
The human resources minister has tabled for the first reading a Bill to amend the Employment Act to insert a new section on paternity leave in Parliament.
India mulls reclassifying gig workers as employees
Gig and platform workers may be reclassified as employees in a major government policy move amid a changing employment landscape.
Malaysia mandates COVID-19 vaccinations for government staff
Malaysia has announced that all medically fit federal government employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Sacked port worker in New Zealand loses High Court case
An ex-customs service worker who opted not to be vaccinated and consequently got sacked has lost her case at the High Court.