The FPAA Repeal Bill repealed the Fair Pay Agreements (FPAs) legislation, was introduced into Parliament on 29 March 2022 and received Royal Assent on 1 November 2022.
On 5 January 2024, the Government enacted the so-called Karin Law (in honour of Karin Bolaños, a worker who tragically took her own life after falling victim to workplace harassment) against workplace harassment.
The law applies to all companies, regardless of size, and includes regulations relevant to the State Administration and its multiple agencies.
It aims to set a legal framework for a safe and healthy work environment, not only punishing workplace and sexual harassment but also preventing them with education and protocols.
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.
On 2 November 2023, the Norwegian Supreme Court stated that offshore workers’ so-called “available time” - when the employee is available for the employer - pursuant to their CBA does not correspond to “working hours” under the Working Environment Act (“WEA”).
On 10 January 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor published a final rule on employee or independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
On 10 January 2024, the International Labour Organization (ILO) published a new annual report on the global labour market, employment trends, and emerging labour market challenges.
The report shows a complex scenario, characterised by disparities between high- and low-income countries, a large part of the workforce employed informally and the prevision of a slight increase in global unemployment in 2024.
At the same time, although the recovery from the pandemic remains uneven and economic conditions due to inflation have worsened, labour markets have shown impressive resilience.
On 14 December 2023, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament agreed on a text for the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
It requires formal approval by the Legal Affairs Committee and the European Parliament as a whole, as well as by the Council (EU governments) to enter into force.
It aims to enhance the protection of the environment and human rights in the EU and globally.
The Commission proposal was introduced on 23 February 2022, and the Council adopted its general approach on 1 December 2022.
On 29 November 2023, the ILO presented its new Approach to Good Governance and Decent Work in Uzbekistan's Cotton, Textile, and Apparel Sectors.
The ILO approach aims to achieve important objectives, such as respecting fundamental principles and labour rights in the cotton supply chain, developing inclusive and sustainable enterprises, and strengthening the capacity of employers' and workers' organisations to promote decent work.