As artificial intelligence and automated decision-making technologies rapidly evolve, transforming workplaces globally, the Australian government faces growing pressure to update the Fair Work Act of 2009. This push for legislative reform is driven by the increasing use of AI and ADM systems in essential employment processes and operations. A forward-looking report from the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment,
The U.N. Cybercrime Convention, formally titled “Countering the Use of Information and Communications Technologies for Criminal Purposes,” represents the United Nations’ first international criminal justice treaty of the 21st century. Adopted by the U.N. General Assembly on December 24, 2024, this landmark treaty emerged primarily to address the growing threat of cybercrime in an increasingly digital world. The development of
In an age where workplace equality and inclusivity are paramount, Thailand finds itself at a crossroads in enhancing its workplace harassment and discrimination laws. The current legal provisions aim to offer some degree of protection to employees, but they fall short in addressing the full spectrum of discriminatory practices and harassment that can occur in diverse workplace settings. These gaps
In a move that has sparked significant controversy and debate, President Donald Trump recently issued an executive order that rolls back a long-standing anti-discrimination directive, initially established in 1965. The directive had enforced essential protections for workers employed by federal contractors, prohibiting discriminatory practices based on factors such as race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and national origin.
Despite years of efforts to bridge the gender pay gap in the UK, recent analysis shows that it will take until 2065 for the gap to close, highlighting a concerning reality that progress is still painstakingly slow. A study conducted by pensions and reward company Isio analyzed data from 10,000 companies, revealing that women’s median hourly pay in the 2023-24
A growing consensus is emerging among employers and researchers about the need for stricter enforcement and potential banning of unpaid and underpaid internship schemes. The research conducted by the Sutton Trust highlights several critical issues related to access and equitable distribution of internships, which have become essential for securing desirable job positions. Presently, there is a noticeable class divide that
The recent legislative development introduced by the Federal Government of Australia aims to enhance gender equality within the workplace. The bill, known as the Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Setting Gender Equality Targets) Bill 2024, mandates that organizations with a workforce of at least 500 employees establish and meet specific gender equality targets. This article delves into the provisions of the
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has intensified its efforts to address gender-based pay disparities in workplaces across the United States. A landmark equal pay lawsuit was recently brought against the Thomas B. Finan Center, a psychiatric facility operating under the Maryland Department of Health. This case, culminating in a substantial settlement, illustrates the persistent challenges facing women in
In a significant stride towards promoting safer work environments, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has launched an innovative training manual designed to assist employers in preventing and managing violence and harassment at the workplace. This initiative is particularly timely, as recent statistics reveal that one in five individuals faced such issues at work in 2022 despite commitments from ILO member
Despite efforts to promote gender equality in the workplace over the past few decades, a recent analysis by HR and payroll software provider Ciphr reveals that the gender pay gap remains a significant issue in female-dominated occupations in the UK. This in-depth study, based on data from the Office for National Statistics, highlights that a staggering 70% of occupations primarily
In a landmark case, a Texas jury recently ordered SkyWest Airlines to pay $2.17 million to a female parts clerk who faced severe sexual harassment at the workplace. However, due to statutory caps, this amount was later reduced to $300,000. The verdict indicates the intense scrutiny companies like SkyWest face regarding the maintenance of a safe and respectful work environment.
In a revealing report by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), recent data has brought to light a persistent and widening gender pay gap in Australia during the 2023-24 period. The gender pay gap has been increasing, currently standing at 21.8%, meaning women earn just 78 cents for every dollar earned by men. This alarming statistic results in a yearly
