Industrial Relations and Labour Law

• On 27 June 2024, the Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill was introduced to Parliament.
• It amends several pieces of legislation administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) to reduce compliance burdens, clarify statutory provisions, address regulatory inconsistencies, and respond to technological changes.
• The Bill was open for public submissions until 4 September 2024.

• Federal Law No. 10 of 2023 is a new UAE law that regulates the relationship between psychiatric patients and various entities, including employers. It provides guidelines to ensure the protection, dignity, and rights of individuals with mental health conditions.
• It applies across the UAE, except the financial free zones, the

• President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently signed Republic Act 11996, known as the "Eddie Garcia Law," which strengthens the rights and protections of workers in the movie and television industry.
• This legislation aims to ensure safer and fairer working conditions.
• Coverage of new legislation:

- Mandatory employment contracts detailing work conditions and non-discrimination clauses.

- Strict complianc

- Regular payment of wages and social security benefits.

• On 22 February 2024, the Supreme Court of New South Wales dismissed a negligence claim in a workplace slip incident.
• The Court found that the company had taken reasonable precautions to ensure safety and that there was insufficient evidence to prove that the accident resulted from their negligence. This emphasizes the importance of evidence in establishing negligence and the inherent safety of workplace conditions.

• On 26 April 2024, the new law amending the Labour Code to reduce the maximum limit of weekly working hours from 45 to 40 hours entered into force.

• Brazil has introduced Law No. 14.831, establishing the "Certificado Empresa Promotora da Saúde Mental," a certificate granted to companies that promote mental health and well-being among their employees.
• To qualify, companies must adhere to guidelines focusing on mental health promotion, worker well-being, and transparency, including offering psychological support and promoting work-life balance.
• The certification is valid for two years and could be used in marketing to highlight a company's commitment to mental health. Non-compliance can result in the certificate's revocation.

• 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.

• Talenteum, the HR Fintech Startup that matches Talents from Africa willing to work remotely with international companies, recently published a white paper highlighting AI's crucial role in recognising migrant skills and fostering digital inclusion.
• According to the paper, the effective use of AI in integrating migrant talent presents a unique opportunity to enhance workforce diversity, drive innovation, and promote social responsibility.
• The presented challenges and solutions offer a roadmap to more effectively leveraging migrant talent, ensuring that businesses remain competitive and socially responsible in a rapidly evolving digital economy.