WAGES
Tea industry groups back panel's proposal for minimum sustainable price as costs outpace prices
Five tea industry associations have welcomed the government committee's recommendation for a minimum sustainable price for tea. This recommendation aims to address rising production costs that are exceeding the prices received by producers. The proposed benchmark price is linked to wage movements and consumer price indices, which will be reviewed periodically. Producers believe this pricing mechanism will help absorb wage increases and support investment in tea production.
Spain's first general strike in 14 years brings clashing social and political desires to the fore
Spain recently marked its first general strike in over a decade, driven by millions of workers advocating for essential government responses to housing challenges. Major sectors joined in, causing widespread transportation disruptions and protests across the nation. Activists pushed for decisive reforms including rent regulation and tenant rights. As the political landscape shifts ahead of the elections, the strike's impact may reverberate into government decisions.
Higher EPS pension: Pensioners request Labour Ministry to withdraw EPFO circular rejecting exempted employees' higher pension claims
The National Confederation of Pensioners' Associations has requested the Labour Ministry's urgent intervention in pending pension cases. They seek to withdraw a circular from January 2025 that affects higher EPS pension eligibility. The NCPA emphasizes eliminating discrimination between exempted and unexempted establishments regarding pension rights. They have proposed several recommendations to streamline the processing of pension applications and address delays.
Behind Bangladesh's garment boom, workers cut food, healthcare as wages fall short
Garment workers in Bangladesh are facing financial struggles due to rising costs of living. Many workers, such as Shilpi Khatun, have seen wages stagnate while expenses continue to rise. Protests erupted recently, demanding an increase in the minimum monthly wage to 30,000 taka. The government plans to revise wages but has not announced the increase yet. The ongoing economic pressures are affecting workers' daily lives and choices.
EPFO’s November 19 meeting to be held in New Delhi: Can EPFO increase minimum EPS pension from Rs 1,000?
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation is gearing up for its 240th Central Board of Trustees assembly, scheduled for November 19, 2026, in New Delhi. However, official confirmation from the government about these proposed changes is still pending, even as calls for enhanced pension benefits persist.
There's deemed suspension if public servant is kept in judicial custody for over 48 hours: SC
The Supreme Court reiterated that public servants arrested and in judicial custody for over 48 hours face deemed suspension. In the case of Vishwajeet Singh, administrator of Sadar Hospital, the court restored his bail. Singh was accused of demanding a bribe for clearing a contractual worker's wages, which raised concerns. The court noted Singh was reappointed to the same position after his suspension was revoked.
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Social Security benefits at risk in 2032: Will 35 new Senators prevent a 22% cut?
Social Security benefit cuts 2032: Social Security faces a potential 22% benefit cut in 2032 as its retirement trust fund is projected to run out of reserves. Thirty-five newly elected senators will have to confront the funding challenge, with proposals ranging from raising payroll tax limits on high earners to changing how retirement funds are invested.
Care comes at a cost: India's ageing population exposes a broken caregiving system
India's rapidly ageing population is driving demand for caregivers, but the sector faces a shortage of trained workers, low wages, poor working conditions and uneven recruitment standards. High costs burden families, while inadequate training and job security undermine care quality. Experts call for professional recognition, better pay and structured training.
EPFO total contributions expected to rise by 25% in 2027-28 due to wage ceiling increase
EPFO is forecasting a major increase in its total contributions for the financial year 2027-28. The wage ceiling has been raised to ₹25,000 from ₹15,000, effective September 17. Total contributions for the current year are estimated to exceed previous budgeted amounts significantly. Additionally, the board will consider investing up to 3% in alternative investment funds.
France braces for protests on Saturday as Yellow Vests urge 'mass disobedience'
French unions, student groups, and the Yellow Vests movement are preparing for protests in Paris on Saturday. The protests aim to address the increasing cost of living while demanding improvements in wages and living conditions. Authorities are set to deploy 70,000 police officers to manage the demonstrations, which follow recent unrest. The protests will also focus on issues impacting young people and pensioners across the nation.
Social Security payroll tax cap rises to $192,300 in 2027: How much more will high earners pay from their paychecks, who will be affected, and what does it mean for your take-home pay?
Social Security taxes will take a bigger bite out of some high earners' paychecks in 2027. The taxable income limit is rising to $192,300 from $184,500, meaning another $7,800 of wages will be taxed. Workers earning above the new limit could pay up to $483.60 more next year. The increase comes as retirees are set to receive a 3.6% benefit boost.
US employers added a surprising 165,000 jobs in October; unemployment rate dipped to 4.1%
US employers added 165,000 jobs last month, surpassing economists' expectations and bringing the unemployment rate down to 4.1%. The Labor Department also revised previous months' job figures upwards, indicating stronger hiring trends.
Canada launches free CRS calculator to help Express Entry candidates check new high-wage points
CanadaVisa has released a free online calculator for Express Entry candidates to determine their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores following the implementation of Canada's high-wage occupation changes, effective November 3, 2026. The updated calculator factors in points for qualifying high-wage Canadian work experience or job offers, alongside other CRS factors such as age, education, language skills and employment history.
Mass protests sweep France as huge crowds demand higher wages, back students' demands
France witnessed a wave of protests advocating for increased wages and student rights, drawing attention from both unions and political leaders. The Interior Ministry estimates around 600,000 participants, while unions claim nearly 1.6 million people took part in these demonstrations. Disruptions in schools and public transport were rampant, as blockades and strikes organized by students and workers unfolded.
AI gains fail to cool rising staff costs at Indian IT services firms
Although artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are changing the traditional labour-intensive model of IT services, they have yet to bring down employee costs for the country’s top six IT services companies—Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, HCLTech, Wipro, Tech Mahindra and LTM (formerly LTIMindtree).
Centre identifies 22 works to boost fodder security, livestock infrastructure under VB-G RAM G Act
The Centre has asked states and Union Territories to strengthen fodder security, pasture development and livestock infrastructure under the VB-G RAM G Act, identifying 22 permissible works. These include fodder banks, silage units, grazing lands and livestock shelters, aimed at addressing shortages and supporting rural households dependent on animal husbandry.
Hundreds of thousands strike across France for higher wages and to back students
The Paris march began peacefully on Thursday afternoon at Place de la Republique. The large crowd included many students carrying signs reading, "Inequalities seriously jeopardize our future" and "We can't spend our whole lives just trying to make a living." They were joined by workers and retirees demanding higher wages and pensions.
Eiffel Tower shuts to visitors on November 5 amid nationwide protests in France
On November 5, the Eiffel Tower closed its doors due to nationwide strikes and protests in France. Among the demands were better wages and improved education conditions for citizens. Estimates suggest up to 700,000 people demonstrated outside Paris, with many more in the capital. French authorities deployed 70,000 police officers to ensure public safety during the strikes. Disruptions were also expected across various sectors like rail and air services.
EPFO reveals conditions to join EPF, EPS and EDLI
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has raised the Employees' Provident Fund wage ceiling to enhance participation. Employees earning between Rs 15,000 and Rs 25,000 will now be required to join the schemes. Those earning less than Rs 15,000 can also opt into the schemes voluntarily. This increase in ceiling may lead to higher PF contributions and, consequently, greater retirement savings.
Bank of England set to raise interest rates for first time in three years as Iran war fuels inflation
The Bank of England is widely expected to raise interest rates for the first time in three years as the US-Iran conflict fuels energy prices and inflation. Policymakers remain divided over the need for further tightening and the risks to economic growth.
Bangladesh garment factories close as workers clash with police in pay protests
Bangladesh's garment workers have been demanding a minimum wage increase due to rising living costs. Following their protests, police intervened with tear gas and stun grenades in several areas. Factory shutdowns were reported, impacting the country’s crucial garment industry significantly. The government is responding by forming a new wage board to address workers’ demands. Workers are expected to receive their first salaries under this new pay scale in January.
Bangladesh deploys additional paramilitary forces as garment workers' protests continue
Protests by garment workers in Bangladesh have persisted for five days due to demands for higher wages. Authorities have deployed additional paramilitary forces to manage the ongoing unrest in various industrial areas. BNP activists are actively attempting to maintain order while claiming infiltrators from the disbanded Awami League are causing chaos. A special tribunal has established a Wage Board to address worker concerns regarding compensation.
US midterms: JD Vance says administration fought replacement of American workers with lower-wage foreign employees
US Vice President JD Vance highlighted the Trump administration's actions to combat visa fraud and safeguard American jobs. He emphasized that American employment should be prioritized for citizens over foreign workers to ensure sovereignty. Meanwhile, disruptions during the 2026 midterm elections in North Carolina caused polling hours to be extended across several precincts.
Garment workers' protests in Bangladesh turn violent
The BNP government has formed a wage board to determine revised pay scales for garment workers. However, protests have continued, potentially emerging as a major challenge for the Tarique Rahman government, which is already facing growing anti-incumbency amid a slowdown in the domestic economy.
From unpaid salaries to refund demands: China man charges Rs 2,600 to argue with bosses, businesses on behalf of customers; videos go viral
A man in Guangzhou, China, is offering to argue on behalf of people who struggle with confrontations for 188 yuan (around Rs 2,600). His service covers disputes over unpaid wages, refund requests, poor services and cosmetic surgery results. Videos of his unusual work have drawn attention online, with users sharing the complaints they would want him to handle.
Bangladesh garment factories reopen as wage protests keep industry on edge
Bangladesh's garment factories reopened on Monday after widespread closures and production disruptions a day earlier, but manufacturers remain concerned about further unrest over workers' demands for higher wages.
Has EPFO extended ECR filing deadline from October 31, 2026? What employers need to know
Employers must file the Electronic Challan-cum-Return for September 2026 by October 31, 2026. The EPFO extended the previous deadline to accommodate changes in contribution calculations due to the new wage ceiling. For the period of September 1 to 16, contributions are calculated at Rs 15,000, while from September 17 onward, they will be at Rs 25,000.
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