Industrial Relations and Labour Law

• The recent G20 Labour and Employment Ministers' meeting in Fortaleza on 25-26 July 2024 highlighted several critical themes relevant to businesses and employer organizations worldwide.
• Key Takeaways are:

- creation and transition to formal jobs and the promotion of decent work; 

- Policies to provide access to adequate -improven and strengthened- social protection systems, which are the foundation of a more inclusive, stable, fair and equal society;

- addressing gender-based disparities and the need for comprehensive policies to dismantle discriminatory norms and barriers, tackle pay gaps, and ensure women's equal economic participation.

• Eramet, a pioneering force in the mining industry, has signed its first global agreement to establish a comprehensive social protection solution for its employees worldwide.
• Known as Eramet Global Care, this agreement underscores the company's commitment to employee welfare and corporate social responsibility. It ensures that employees receive consistent benefits regardless of their location and promotes equity and solidarity within the organisation.

• On 7 April 2024, a significant advancement for working mothers in Ethiopia was celebrated with the inauguration of new daycare facilities at Yirgalem Addis Textile Factory PLC and Ethio-Impact Manufacturing PLC.
• These centres are designed to offer safe, stimulating, and child-friendly environments, crucially supporting the needs of mothers employed in the demanding textile and garment industry sectors.

• On 5 March 2024, Carrefour unveiled its strategic plan for diversity and inclusion.
• The Company has initiated a four-pillar action plan aimed at transforming the Company's diversity landscape by 2026.
• It includes comprehensive anti-discrimination and unconscious bias training, establishing a community of role models, enhancing recruitment from diverse origins, and promoting employees from diverse backgrounds, especially women.

• On 5 February 2024, Sanofi unveiled "Cancer and Work: Acting Together," a comprehensive global programme to support employees diagnosed with cancer or other serious illnesses. 
• This initiative ensures job security, salary continuation, and social benefits for at least twelve months, regardless of the employee's role or location, marking a significant step forward in corporate responsibility and employee welfare.

• On 25 January 2024, Eurofound published gross and nominal statutory minimum wages applicable in European Union (EU) countries that have a statutory minimum wage.
• It also offers an analysis of the the landscape for minimum wage workers across the EU.

• In 2023, L'Oreal's social programme program Share & Care, created to provide social and health protection and wellbeing at work for all employees, often exceeding local requirements, celebrated its 10th anniversary.
• Last November, the Company confirmed its commitment, adding to the program new measures related to cancer prevention and financial, psychological, and practical support during treatment and upon returning to work, as well as support for victims of domestic violence. 

• On 22 December 2023, member states’ failed to find a majority over the platform work directive deal negotiated with the European Commission and the European Parliament. 
• The negotiation for an agreement on the directive on platform work will continue under the Belgian Presidency as of 1 January 2024.