Australia/The new Fair Work Act set to increase franchisors and holding companies' responsibilities. The Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Vulnerable Workers) Bill 2017 aims to afford better protection for vulnerable workers by means of tougher employer sanctions (ten-fold increase in penalties for serious contraventions) when the minimum protection levels contained in the Bill are infringed (minimum wage etc.). The Bill also bolsters the Fair Work Ombudsman's investigation powers so that its role of ensuring workers rights are respected can be effective. On 05 September, the Parliament permanently adopted a new version that introduced an additional contravention carrying a fine that could stretch to as much as AUD 630,000 for companies and AUD 126,000 for the people involved. This will affect franchisors that know or can reasonably expect that their franchisees are contravening labor regulations. It also targets holding companies vis-à-vis their subsidiaries. The only way to escape these fines is to take reasonable measures so these companies don't break the law.
an reasonably expect that their franchisees are contravening labor regulations. It also targets holding companies vis-à-vis their subsidiaries. The only way to escape these fines is to take reasonable measures so these companies don’t break the law.
India/Government presents its new wages code. India’s draft Code on Wages Bill was submitted to parliament on 10 August and is set to replace four laws currently in place. The goal is to cover a maximum number of workers as well as to streamline current legislation. Employers have immediately indicated their anxiety especially those in the textile sector because the new code will introduce a nationwide minimum wage, supplanting the current State-by-State wage setting system.
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