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Recent Editions
Human Times
North America
New York City is facing a lawsuit that accuses it of discriminating against gay male employees by only providing coverage for in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures to women and heterosexual couples. The proposed class action was filed by a former assistant district attorney and his husband, who claim they were denied coverage for IVF treatments. The lawsuit argues that the city's employee health insurance plan discriminates against gay men by narrowly defining infertility and excluding them from coverage. The case, if successful, could set a national precedent. The plaintiffs argue that the city's policy violates federal, state, and city laws against workplace discrimination based on sex and sexual orientation, as well as their rights to equal protection and due process under the U.S. Constitution. The proposed class could potentially include thousands of people. New York City is currently considering a bill that would require IVF coverage for all employees, regardless of marital status or sexual orientation.
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UK
A new study suggests that workers are increasingly likely to stay in their current roles as they prioritise job stability amid an uncertain economic outlook. The CIPD's labour force survey reveals lower staff attrition and fewer job moves this year. The quarterly survey, which quizzed more than 2,000 businesses, shows that just 30% expected to increase their staff numbers over the summer, the smallest proportion since early 2021. The report also shows that public sector employers are twice as likely as private companies to cut jobs over the next three months. It was found that 55% want to maintain their headcount at existing levels, the highest proportion since the winter of 2016. Recruiters believe that the lucrative pay offers seen during the pandemic's highly-competitive jobs market have decreased, with 5% pay rises now considered more realistic. Noting that the hiring market is returning to pre-pandemic levels, James Cockett, labour market economist at the CIPD, said: "The so-called Great Resignation is well and truly over and has been replaced by the Big Stay, with more people opting for job stability."
Full IssueHuman Times
Europe
France's "Choose France" summit, hosted by President Emmanuel Macron, attracted international CEOs and finance executives to discuss foreign investments and the country's push to become a financial hub post-Brexit. Morgan Stanley plans to add 100 staff to its Paris research team, while other companies like First Abu Dhabi Bank and Nigeria's Zenith Bank are opening offices in Paris. The investments also include the establishment of factories for decarbonized industry and the production of low-carbon nitrogen fertilizer. More projects are expected to be announced, including tech and AI-related initiatives. France's efforts to attract foreign investments have made Paris a growing financial center, with banks and hedge funds relocating from the UK. The country is working on further plans to enhance Paris' appeal as a European financial center. Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire will host a lunch with top bankers, including JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon and Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon.
Full IssueHuman Times
Middle East
Chinese companies ZhenHua and CNOOC Iraq have won bids to explore Iraqi oil and gas fields, according to Iraq's oil minister. The licences for 29 projects aim to increase domestic output, with more than 20 companies pre-qualifying. Chinese companies have been the only foreign players to win bids, while Iraqi Kurdish company KAR Group took two. Notably, there were no US oil majors involved. China's CNOOC Iraq won a bid to develop Iraq's Block 7 for oil exploration, while ZhenHua won a bid to develop the Abu Khaymah oilfield in Iraq's southern Muthanna province. Iraq's main goal with this licensing round was to increase gas output for power plants, but no bids were made on fields with large gas potential. Iraq has faced challenges in its oil sector development due to unfavourable contract terms and recurring military conflict in the region.
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