Co-funded by the European Union
Newsletter January, 2024

Technical meeting on decent and sustainable work in the inland waterways sector

January, 2024
  • A technical meeting on decent and sustainable work in the inland waterways sector was held in Geneva from 20 to 24 November 2023 to discuss opportunities, challenges, and future actions. 
  • Representatives from governments, workers, and employers adopted a set of conclusions and recommendations to guide ILO and its Member States, encouraging a strict collaboration with river and regional economic commissions.

 

 

 

Safran renewed the global framework agreement (GFA) on corporate social responsibility

January, 2024
  • On 4 December 2023, Safran announced the renewal of the global framework agreement (GFA) on corporate social responsibility (CSR) with the global union federation IndustriALL Global Union.

European Union: provisional agreement on the Artificial Intelligence Act reached

January, 2024
  • On 8 December 2023, the Council presidency and the European Parliament's negotiators reached a provisional agreement on the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act. 
  • The Act aims to ensure that AI systems in the EU respect fundamental rights and values, while stimulating innovation and investment in AI in Europe.
  • Both Parliament and Council must formally adopt the agreed text for it to become EU law.
  • The AI Act should apply two years after it enters into force.

New ILO Global Report on Public Employment Services

January, 2024
  • On 12 December 2023, ILO presented its first global report on public employment services (PES) and active labour market policies (ALMPs), published on 14 July 2023. 
  • ILO presented its main findings during an online launch event, with the participation of the World Employment Confederation (WEC), the World Association of Public Employment Services (WAPES), and the World Bank (WB). 
  • The report's findings will be used to provide technical advisory services for ILO Member States.

Mexico: reform bill reducing working hours still pending

January, 2024
  • Last year, the House of Representatives Member Susana Prieto presented a Bill to constitutionally amend working hours from 48 to 40 hours a week.
  • In November 2023, members of the Board of the Chamber of Deputies made a series of recommendations and changes to the Bill that returned to the Constitutional Points Committee. 
  • On 15 December, the Mexican Congress closed its final ordinary session for 2023. The Bill will be discussed when the next ordinary session opens in February 2024.

New Zealand: New law allows 90-day trial employment periods for all employers

January, 2024
  • On 21 December 2023, the Employment Relations (Trial Periods) Amendment Bill was passed in Parliament.  
  • It was introduced as a Member’s Bill in August 2023 in the previous Parliament.
  • It provides that, with effect from 23 December 2023, all employers in New Zealand can use 90-day trial periods, extending its scope of application.