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Recent Editions
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Human Times
North America
Federal judge strikes down Trump administration's bid to slash FEMA's workforce

A federal judge has ruled against the Trump administration's attempt to reduce the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) workforce by 50%, saying that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) overstepped its legal authority. The ruling is a significant win for labor groups that argued the cuts violated protections meant to ensure FEMA's independence. Although the cuts were not implemented, the agency has faced significant staff departures, with over 4,300 employees leaving in the 2025 budget year. U.S. District Judge Susan Illston observed: “Frankly, the FEMA staffing plan number appears as if pulled from thin air.” FEMA responded in a statement late Saturday, saying: “DHS and FEMA are ready for the 2026 hurricane season . . . We're ensuring workforce stability and a strong, deployable force for upcoming national events and potential disasters; making the agency leaner, faster and laser-focused on supporting state, local, tribal and territorial partners before, during and after disasters . . . FEMA continues to maintain a roster of experienced leadership and support staff across headquarters and regional offices.”

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Human Times
UK
Government rethinks youth minimum wage rise

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
Volkswagen called on to commit to 2024 labour agreement

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
52nd Arab Labor Conference opens in Cairo

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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