Labour relations | GlobalPost

Thomson ReutersJune 18, 2013 08:02

PHNOM PENH (Reuters) - Sixteen Cambodian garment workers and union representatives have been charged with inciting violence and damaging property during a strike for higher pay at a factory making clothes for U.S. sportswear company Nike, a lawyer said on Tuesday. Low-cost labor has attracted Western brands to Cambodia and garments now account for around 75 percent of exports from the Southeast Asian country, but strikes over pay and working conditions have become common.

Quebec construction workers on strike after negotiations break down

The Canadian PressJune 17, 2013 17:02

MONTREAL - The sounds of hammering, drilling and digging at Quebec's bustling construction sites were replaced by chants and waving picket signs as workers walked off the job Monday in a general strike. Among the sites paralyzed by the walkout that began at midnight is the construction of Montreal's superhospitals, which are among the biggest construction projects in Canada. One of those hospitals is mired in corruption scandals that have rocked Quebec's industry. Now the industry has more than just arrests and anti-corruption measures to slow it down.

Quebec construction workers on strike after negotiations break down

The Canadian PressJune 16, 2013 17:00

MONTREAL - Quebec's construction sites will be idle on Monday because of a general strike called by unions. Negotiations broke down Saturday and the strike began at midnight. The unions represent more than 175,000 residential, industrial and commercial construction workers. Workers insist a main problem for them was an attempt by the Quebec construction association to change the amount of overtime they would get for extra hours worked. The union also says they were being asked to agree to a 14-hour day and six-day work week at regular wages.

Saskatchewan's top court dismisses appeal of firings at labour relations board

The Canadian PressJune 11, 2013 18:33

REGINA - Saskatchewan's highest court has dismissed, for the second time, an appeal of firings at the province's labour relations board. Labour Minister Don Morgan was pleased with the decision that came after five years of legal wrangling. "It's usual when a government changes, especially in our province, that people in boards such as the labour relations board, would be replaced," Morgan said Tuesday.

Worker rights issues pose a challenge to Gulf building boom

Thomson ReutersJune 5, 2013 14:51

By Praveen Menon DUBAI (Reuters) - A strike by thousands of migrant workers at Dubai's biggest builder Arabtec last month may be a harbinger of a new wave of industrial activism that threatens to disrupt the Gulf's latest construction boom. Gulf nations have relied heavily on the supply of cheap labor from Asia to build their vast housing and infrastructure needs. But their treatment of foreign workers has been criticized repeatedly by rights groups who have demanded that governments repeal oppressive labor laws.

Rubber bullets fired at South African mine strikers, several hurt

Thomson ReutersMay 21, 2013 06:46

By Wendell Roelf CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - Ten striking South African miners were taken to hospital on Tuesday after being hit by rubber bullets, police said, as labour strife spread ahead of mid-year pay negotiations. As well as the violence at a chromium mine, the National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (NUMSA) said it wanted a 20 percent industry-wide salary rise after a two-day stoppage at a Mercedes-Benz plant in East London.

labor minister-ordinary wage

Yonhap News AgencyMay 20, 2013 03:31

SEOUL, May 20 (Yonhap) -- The labor minister proposed Monday that the management, labor and government hold a meeting to discuss a highly controversial issue of whether bonuses should be included in the "ordinary wages" of workers. Ordinary wages refer to payments in addition to one's salary that include overtime, holiday shifts, paid annual leave, severance and other allowances. Much attention has recently been given to the inclusion or exclusion of regular bonuses due to the financial impact that the definition could have on companies.

Saskatchewan passes omnibus labour law; unions argue it may hurt workers

The Canadian PressMay 13, 2013 20:32

REGINA - The Saskatchewan government has passed a labour act melding 12 pieces of legislation into one omnibus law that allows for more flexible work hours, shortens the qualifying time for parental leave and ensures disabled people can't be paid less than minimum wage. But the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour says it's rife with loose ends, waters down current labour standards and undermines bargaining rights.

Bangladesh army: search for bodies in collapsed building ending Monday, 1,127 victims found

The Canadian PressMay 13, 2013 05:30

DHAKA, Bangladesh - Bangladesh's military is ending its search for bodies in the wreckage of an eight-story garment factory building that collapsed last month because no more victims are expected to be found, officials said Monday. Also Monday, the government agreed to allow the country's garment workers to form trade unions without permission from factory owners as part of growing concessions for industry reform following the building collapse.

Emergency manager reveals Detroit is nearly broke; city may have no choice except bankruptcy

The Canadian PressMay 13, 2013 04:15

DETROIT - The first report by Detroit's emergency manager declares that the city is broke and at risk of running completely out of money — a financial meltdown that could mean employees don't get paid, retirees lose their pensions and residents endure even deeper cuts in municipal services.