DOMESTIC WORKERS
India will fail to plug jobs gap even with 7% growth, says Citi
The quality of jobs being created in India is another challenge, the economists said. An analysis of the official data showed about 46% of the workforce is still employed in agriculture, even though the sector contributes less than 20% to gross domestic product.
Canadian airline WestJet cancels at least 150 flights following a surprise strike by mechanics union
The strike came after the federal government issued a ministerial order for binding arbitration on Thursday. That followed two weeks of turbulent discussions with the union on a new deal. On Thursday, WestJet said the union "confirmed they will abide by the direction. Given this, a strike or lockout will not occur, and the airline will no longer proceed in cancelling flights".
US chip dreams will fade without more immigrants
In a rare display of bipartisan cooperation, Democrats and Republicans passed the Chips and Science Act to revitalize US semiconductor manufacturing. However, a failure to address the shortage of skilled workers threatens the industry's growth. Proposed solutions include a specialized visa program and increased support for STEM education.
Budget 2024: Skilling industry demands incentives, tax rebates and labour codes in meeting with FM Sitharaman
Ahead of the Union Budget for 2024-25, the Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs held the eighth Pre-Budget Consultation in New Delhi, focusing on employment and skill development. Key figures like Anshuman Magazine and Suchita Dutta emphasized the need for skilled workers and job readiness among graduates. Discussions also highlighted incentives for skill improvement and formal employment practices, including lowering GST rates for employment services. There were calls for greater inclusion of women in the workforce and the expansion of social security measures. Startups advocated for foreign language education to tap into global job markets.
No imprisonment of four Hinduja family members; trafficking and exploitation charges dismissed, says group
In a recent development related to the Hinduja family trafficking case, the spokesperson of the family announced that accused members have been cleared of exploitation and human trafficking charges. The court dismissed the most serious charge of human trafficking against them. Four prominent Hinduja family members were convicted for exploiting underpaid servants at their luxurious villa in Geneva, Switzerland.
Artificial Intelligent slaves
The word robot is traced to the Slavic word for forced labourers i.e., slaves. Slaves have existed in all parts of the world. Names have been different. Techniques to enslave been different. Some used threats of violence. Some told stories - God told you to follow the occupation of your father, nothing else, was the story told in Hindu scriptures. The gods created slavery for their own pleasure, said Mesopotamian mythology. Women have to serve women, said Biblical myths.
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Hinduja Family, UK's richest, facing charges for human trafficking, paying domestic staff less than spending on dog in Switzerland
Four members of the Hinduja family are facing charges in Switzerland over allegations of exploiting their domestic staff, including human trafficking and unfair treatment. The case highlights stark contrasts in treatment and expenditures on their staff and pet dog, sparking a broader conversation on domestic worker mistreatment in Geneva.
SOP in final stages to facilitate visa for Chinese technicians needed in mfg units: Official
The Indian government has finalized a standard operating procedure (SOP) to expedite visa approvals for Chinese professionals needed by manufacturing units under the PLI scheme. This move aims to address delays in visa processing for technicians essential for installation, repairs, and training in sectors like textiles and automobiles
Hinduja family staff settle civil lawsuit over domestic workers’ exploitation allegations
A deal to end the civil suit was reached this week, Olivier Peter, a lawyer for one of the three claimants said, without confirming the details of the accord. The settlement comes more than six years after the workers filed their case. The legal proceedings have been beset by delays but got underway this week in Geneva.
India should seek easy visa norms for semi and unskilled workers in bilateral agreements: Experts
Trade experts suggest India should negotiate easy visa norms in bilateral agreements to boost remittances and wages for semi and unskilled workers. These agreements can also help curb illegal entry of Indian laborers into developed nations.
Melinda French Gates to give $1 billion for women's rights
French Gates, one of the biggest philanthropic supporters of gender equity in the US, said Tuesday in a guest essay for The New York Times that she's been frustrated over the years by people who say it's not the right time to talk about gender equality. "Decades of research on economics, well-being and governance make it clear that investing in women and girls benefits everyone," she wrote.
Melinda Gates explains why she left Gates Foundation. Set to launch charitable organization for gender equality
Melinda Gates will be starting her charitable organization focusing on gender equality. She had earlier decided to step down from the Bill Gates Foundation.
UK PM Rishi Sunak faces revolt over plans to scrap Graduate Route visa: Report
According to 'The Observer' newspaper, Sunak is facing a Cabinet revolt over plans to scrap the Graduate Route scheme, the definitive factor for choosing UK universities among Indian students who have topped the tally of these post-study visas since it was launched in 2021.
Do international employees still have to make EPF contributions after Karnataka High Court ruling?
Karnataka High Court's April 25, 2024 ruling deemed special provisions for International Workers under EPF Scheme unconstitutional, affecting EPF contributions, retirement age eligibility, and equality before law for these workers.
Are foreign students taking advantage of UK's graduate visas? Govt-backed review finds no evidence
A recent report by the Migration Advisory Committee highlights the vital role of international graduates under the UK's Graduate Route visa, benefiting universities and enriching research. Concentrated among top nationalities, this route has seen significant growth, raising concerns about exploitation but overall contributing positively to the higher education sector.
Sweltering heat pushes up demand for temporary workers in rural markets
There is a 20% year-on-year increase in rural job vacancies, according to executives at recruitment services and consumer companies. They estimate 20,000-50,000 new temporary jobs are being created this year thanks to robust summer season demand in rural and semi-urban areas while companies with a large focus on rural businesses are looking to bolster sales and distribution presence in the hinterlands.
EPFO evaluates course of action on Karnataka HC judgement on foreign workers
"While holding the highest regard for the Court's decision, the EPFO (Employees' Provident Fund Organisation) is actively evaluating the course of action in response to this judgement," the EPFO said in response to the queries pertaining to the judgement.
Inclusion of foreign workers in PF unconstitutional, says High Court
The move, which is likely to be challenged by govt and the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), will impact thousands of expatriates who have contributed to the social security scheme or are currently part of it.
HC strikes down inclusion of foreign workers in PF, calls it unconstitutional
HC's call will likely face resistance from the govt and the PF body because already a large number of expats have either contributed to or are currently enrolled in the social security program.
UK's higher salary thresholds for skilled work visas kick in
UK has increased Skilled Worker visa thresholds for foreign workers to reduce migration and protect local workers. Family Visa income requirements have also risen, aligning with Skilled Worker criteria. New measures target cheap labor and support resident workforce development.
Centre to fast-track enrolment of unorganised workers on e-Shram
The Center is expediting the enrollment of unorganized sector workers on the e-Shram portal, which provides a universal account number (UAN) and supports them with skilling and employment initiatives. Discussions with various ministries and state governments are underway to integrate data and eliminate duplication, ensuring accurate records of unorganized workers. The move precedes the Lok Sabha elections, anticipating future social security benefits or the implementation of Labour Codes. The portal currently has 295 million registered workers, aiding the government in tracking the impact of social sector schemes.
ILO urges nations to recognise domestic workers as care workers; proposes to include them in social security system
In its policy paper, released on Friday, ILO said care economy is expected to create 300 million jobs by 2035 and hence it is important to recognize the skills of domestic workers and ensure adequate remuneration and other benefits to them while also raising awareness of the critical role that domestic workers play in caring, directly and indirectly, for children, older persons, persons with disabilities in need of support, and those in need of long-term care.
US launches five-week pilot programme to renew H-1B visas domestically: Check if you're eligible
Launched on January 29, the pilot renewal programme will run till April 1. It will allow H-1B visa holders who are currently in status to renew their visas in the US before a temporary trip abroad. An announcement in this regard was made during the historic State visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June last year. In a statement on Monday, the State Department said the pilot programme will accept applications from January 29, 2024, through April 1, 2024, or when all application slots are filled, whichever comes first.
Budget 2024: If not you, your domestic help may be happy with the budget
Interim Budget: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the interim budget on February 1. There are hopes and expectations from various segments of the population regarding the budget. Some believe that Sitharaman might deliver a populist budget due to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, while others think the government is not under pressure to please different voting segments. Another argument is that the budget might provide benefits to the bottom rungs of the economy, including rural and urban poor. The budget could also extend social security benefits to domestic workers as part of the proposed Social Security Code.
Activist behind 'Selfie with Daughter' launches campaign to compensate women for domestic work
Sunil Jaglan, the activist behind the 'Selfie with Daughter' initiative, has launched the 'Womaniya GDP' campaign in Haryana's Hisar and Jind districts, focusing on women in rural areas. The campaign aims to give women a fair share for their unpaid domestic work. Jaglan believes that women's work needs to be valued financially, and he suggests that a monthly income should be added to their accounts.
Indian-origin man jailed for molesting domestic worker, hurting man in Singapore
A 61-year-old Indian-origin man, Singaram Palianeapan, was sentenced to 10 months in jail in Singapore for using criminal force to outrage the modesty of a person and punching a man with a metal chain wrapped around his fist. Singaram pleaded guilty to the charges. He was caught on the closed-circuit television camera of the lift where the incident took place. Anyone convicted of using criminal force to outrage modesty in Singapore can face up to three years in jail, a fine, or caning.
Budget 2024: Domestic staff may get minimum wage, pension ahead of general elections
Union Budget 2024:The Labour Bureau, under the ministry of labour and employment, has conducted an all-India domestic workers' survey and is in the process of finalising it. The government will work on cost implications after examining the data and work profile before arriving at the contours of the proposed social security benefits.
Saudi Arabia introduces new work visa rules for foreign domestic workers
This move comes as part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to streamline and regulate the domestic labor market. The Ministry of Human Resources has established the Musaned platform to empower customers with information about their rights, duties, and related services. These services encompass visa issuance, recruitment requests, and the contractual relationship between employers and workers.
Almost all states have prepared draft rules on four labour codes, says Union Minister Bhupender Yadav
In 2019 and 2020, 29 central labour laws were amalgamated, rationalised and simplified into four labour codes, viz, the Code on Wages, 2019; the Industrial Relations Code, 2020; the Code on Social Security, 2020; and the Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code, 2020.
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