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Recent Editions
Human Times
North America
The Trump administration has proposed eliminating the 60-day grace period for H-1B visa holders, which currently allows them to remain in the U.S. and seek new employment after job loss. This change, published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, would require affected workers to leave the country immediately upon losing their jobs, potentially disrupting major tech companies that depend on foreign talent. "DHS presumes that they will either offer the same jobs to equally qualified U.S. workers or go through the I-129 petition process," the notice stated. The grace period, in effect since 2017, has provided foreign workers time to transition after employment ends. If enacted, this rule would also affect other visa categories, including E-1, E-2, L-1, O-1, and TN visas, and is open for public comment for two months before becoming law.
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Human Times
UK
The government is reconsidering planned minimum wage increases for young workers due to concerns about rising employment costs. Ministers are examining whether the rapid wage hikes have contributed to the youth jobs crisis: nearly 1m 16 to 24-year-olds are neither working nor studying. A government spokesperson explained that while they remain committed to closing the wage gap, they have asked the Low Pay Commission to consider employment opportunities in future recommendations. Alan Milburn, who is leading a review into youth worklessness, has suggested that slowing wage increases may help persuade companies to hire young people more readily.
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Human Times
Europe
Germany's IG Metall union wants a commitment from Volkswagen to a landmark labour deal that was reached in December 2024. A leading representative for the union cited fears that a recent turnaround agreement could undermine the 2024 deal with widespread job losses, and members are to invoke a legal clause, which was part of the agreement, calling on management to negotiate on the matter. "Volkswagen expressly welcomes this," the carmaker said. "From the company's perspective, this step is necessary to consistently implement the measures adopted in 2024 and, at the same time, to address the additional challenges facing the entire automotive industry," it said. "This uncertainty cannot continue for the workforce at our locations," observed Daniela Cavallo, Volkswagen works council chief.
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Human Times
Middle East
The 52nd Arab Labor Conference commenced in Cairo on Sunday, gathering representatives from 21 Arab nations. Organised by the Arab Labor Organization and under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the conference will run until 20 September. Key topics include sustainable economic growth, climate change impacts on workplaces, and the role of startups in job creation. Delegates aim to align workers' skills with market needs and enhance employment opportunities. The conference also seeks to strengthen Arab cooperation in labour policies and improve workforce conditions across the region.
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