HR & Labor Management

Delta Pilots Ratify New Contract Featuring 30 Percent Raise

December 20, 2016

Half a decade after American Airlines filed for bankruptcy and workers were forced to take massive cuts to keep their positions, many U.S.-based airlines are posting record profits. The turn in fortunes is now turning up the heat on carriers to heed the demands of workers seeking compensatory treatment after years of sacrifice. One by one, carriers seem to be responding.

Religious Leaders Urge Australia to Ramp Up Fight Against Modern Slavery

December 16, 2016

The New York Times

A group of prominent religious leaders recently urged Australia to introduce laws to ensure forced labor is not used to produce goods sold in the country, saying ending slavery needed to be a national priority.

Warehouses Promised Lots of Jobs, but Robot Workforce Slows Hiring

December 16, 2016

Los Angeles Times

When Skechers started building a colossal distribution center in Moreno Valley six years ago, backers promised a wave of new jobs. Instead, by the time the company moved to the Moreno Valley, it had closed five facilities in Ontario that employed 1,200 people and cut its workforce by more than half. Today, spotting a human on the premises can feel like an accomplishment.When Skechers started building a colossal distribution center in Moreno Valley six years ago, backers promised a wave of new jobs. Instead, by the time the company moved to the Moreno Valley, it had closed five facilities in Ontario that employed 1,200 people and cut its workforce by more than half. Today, spotting a human on the premises can feel like an accomplishment.

Amnesty International Slams Colgate, Nestlé for Palm Oil Supply Chain Abuses

December 14, 2016

Forbes

Amnesty International has published a report into the practices of major consumer goods multinationals that unpicks the palm oil supply chain and finds evidence of forced labor, child employment and dangerous working conditions.

U.S. Jobless Rate at 9-Year Low, but Factory Payrolls Fall

December 14, 2016

Industryweek

U.S. hiring picked up in November, while the unemployment rate tumbled to a nine-year low on a drop in the number of people in the workforce and wages unexpectedly declined, providing a mixed picture of the labor market.

Some Tech Firms Welcome Trump's H-1B Reforms

December 12, 2016

Computerworld

IT services firms that hire U.S. workers and don't offshore work are looking forward to President-elect Donald Trump's crackdown on H-1B visa use. This includes firms such as Rural Sourcing Inc. (RSI), an Atlanta-based domestic software development company. RSI employs about 350 people and doesn't hire workers on temporary visas.

Retailer Primark Says Constantly Looking for Slavery in Its Supply Chain

December 12, 2016

The New York Times

British budget fashion chain Primark recently said it was constantly on the watch for any slavery in its supply chain while dismissing the idea that low cost meant exploitation.

U.S. Businesses Add 216,000 Jobs, Most in 5 Months

December 9, 2016

Los Angeles Times

Companies in the U.S. added a solid 216,000 jobs in November, the most since June and evidence that the incoming Trump administration is inheriting a solid economy. Payroll provider ADP said that nearly all the gains occurred in service sectors such as retail, hotels and restaurants, as well as higher-paying professional services. Construction firms added 2,000 jobs, while manufacturing shed 10,000.

Trump Presidency Could Restrict IT Outsourcing, Analysts Say

December 7, 2016

CIO

Donald Trump railed against the shifting of U.S. jobs overseas during his campaign, but it remains to be seen whether the President-elect will make good on his promises to reign in offshore outsourcing. The Indian-dominated offshore IT services market was already struggling to find its place in a market increasingly ruled by smaller and shorter term deals, cloud computing options, increased automation and intense competition.

Wal-Mart's Labor Scheduling Overhaul Could Transform Retail

December 7, 2016

Apparel

Wal-Mart has announced it will change employee scheduling systems and processes across 650 of its U.S. stores - with the goal of improving peak hour staffing and provide more predictability over hours for employees.