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Newsletter March, 2023

France: a draft collective agreement on value sharing

March, 2023
  • French unions and employers have agreed on a draft collective agreement on value sharing that facilitates profit-sharing, incentive schemes, and tax-free bonuses in all companies.
  • The agreement will be included in an employment bill which the government is expected to present in spring 2023.

Puerto Rico: Court declares Puerto Rico Act No. 41 null

March, 2023
  • On 3 March 2023, the Federal District Court of Puerto Rico ruled that Puerto Rico Act No. 41 of 20 June 2022 (Act No. 41) was approved in violation of the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA).
  • It also stated that changes to local employment statutes provided by the Act are null and void ab initio.

Canada: New pay transparency legislation in British Colombia

March, 2023

EU Council Presidency and European Parliament negotiators concluded an agreement on a European Year of Skills

March, 2023
  • On 7 march 2023, the EU Council presidency and European Parliament negotiators concluded a political agreement on a European Year of Skills from 9 May 2023 until 8 May 2024.
  • The European Commission welcomed the agreement, now subject to formal approval by the European Parliament and the Council.

ILO launched the new Employment Policy Action Facility (EPAF) and a Care Policy Investment Simulator

March, 2023
  • ILO recently launched two new instruments to support member states and social partners in developing, formulating, implementing, financing, and reviewing employment policies in line with current and future challenges at both global and national levels.

Australia: Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) published a new report

March, 2023
  • On 23 February 2023, the Australian Workplace Gender Equality Agency reported that the national gender pay gap has dropped to 13.3% and, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), women earn, on average, 87 cents for every $1 made by a man.

Nigeria: a decision on discrimination in the workplace

March, 2023
  • On 11 January 2023, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria ("NICN") repealed a discriminatory law, thus demonstrating the attention and commitment to achieving gender equity.
  • In the case Omolola Olajide v. The Nigerian Police Force & 2 others (unreported Suit No: NICN/AK/14/2021), the Court stated the unlawfulness of a dismissal of an unmarried pregnant woman because it was based on a law that the Court annulled as discriminatory. 

Whistleblowing: news from Netherlands and Italy

March, 2023
  • The European Whistleblowing Directive has recently been transposed in the Netherlands with the Whistleblowers Protection Act, and in Italy, with Legislative Decree No. 24 of 10 March 2023.