Prompt:
I am pleased to send you our web-based e-mail "Alert" prepared by Baker
& McKenzie's Global Labour, Employment & Employee Benefits Practice
Group("GLEEB"). The Alert's purpose is to provide our clients and friends
with timely updates - in a short "user friendly" fashion with hyperlinks to
articles with more detailed information on employment law developments from
around the world. Hence, the descriptive title of Global Employment Law
Alert. The July 2001 issue of the Global Employment Law Alert is included
below.

The Alert is organized into six sections - Global, Asia Pacific, Europe,
Africa/Middle East, South America, and North America. The Alert consists of
short, one-paragraph "blurbs," organized by country and region.  You can
quickly scan the Alert for items of particular interest, and then click on
the hyperlinks provided for each blurb for additional information.

Please email me back if you would like to be removed from my email list, or
if you would like to receive further information.

If you are not on our mailing list for our quarterly publication, The Global
Employer, which summarizes cutting-edge developments in labor and employment
law around the world, and would like to be, please email me your physical
address and I'll be glad to send you a copy of our latest edition.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Jordan W. Cowman
  Board Certified, Labor & Employment Law
  Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Baker & McKenzie
2001 Ross Avenue, Suite 2300
Dallas, Texas 75201
214/978-3015
214/978-3099 fax
jordan.w.cowman@bakernet.com

top
This email contains the latest Global Employment Law Alert!
 <http:\\www.bakernet.com\gel>

Baker & McKenzie

 <http://www.bmck.com/gel/current.asp?submitbtn=Show+Alerts&area=calert>
GLOBAL EMPLOYMENT LAW ALERT
Baker Events   Global   Asia Pacific   Europe & CIS   Africa/Middle East
South America   North America

Baker_EventsBaker Events	 top
VISIT OUR GLOBAL EMPLOYMENT LAW ALERT WEBSITE: To access our Alert program,
including current and past editions of the GEL Alert, please visit our
dedicated website at http://www.bakernet.com/gel. Readers can search the
current GEL Alert by category, or access our complete archive search engine
to review past GEL Alerts by topic, country, region, or date. In addition,
readers can search our Knowledge Base (K-Base) for surveys, resources, and
articles by members of our Global Labour, Employment & Employee Benefits
Practice Group.   Alert Date: 7/1/01

NEW PUBLICATION SCHEDULE: Based on feedback of our readership, the GEL Alert
will be disseminated twice per month (on the 1st and 15th day of each month)
beginning in mid-July. This will ensure that our readership receives the
most timely and up-to-date information possible on breaking developments.
Alert Date: 7/1/01

Baker Events: Mexico - On July 12, 2001 a seminar entitled "The Labor
Environment Today: Challenges and Perspectives" will be held in Guadalajara,
Mexico. For further information, contact Laura Garc?a-Cruz at
laura.garcia-cruz@bakernet.com <mailto:laura.garcia-cruz@bakernet.com> .
Alert Date: 7/1/01

GlobalGlobal	 top
** - INCREASE IN SPENDING ON AGING POPULATIONS: The Organization for
Economic Cooperation and Development recently released a report on the
fiscal implications of aging. The report concludes that the world's
industrialized countries may have to spend an additional 6 to 7 percent of
gross domestic product on pensions and healthcare by 2050 for older workers.
See " OECD  <http://www.oecd.org/media/release/ChapIV-EO69a.htm> Calls For
Fiscal And Other Reforms To Offset Higher Spending On Aging Populations."
<mailto:guenther.heckelmann@bakernet.com> guenther.heckelmann@bakernet.com
or  <mailto:paul.brown@bakernet.com> paul.brown@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

** - AFRICAN UNION LEADERS EXPRESS SOLIDARITY WITH STRIKING WORKERS: On June
5, 2001, union leaders from fourteen African countries signed a solidarity
message expressing disappointment over protracted salary negotiations with
their governments. The message urges African governments to keep promises
made to union workers in prior negotiations. Chief Government spokesman and
Information and Broadcasting Minister Vernon Mwaanga of Zambia described the
message as "irresponsible," explaining that union leaders should not comment
on matters in other countries. See " Union Solidarity In Africa
<http://www.allafrica.com/stories/200106050201.html> ."
<mailto:andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com> andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com or
<mailto:william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com> william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

** - PENSION REFORM BECOMING A PRESSING GLOBAL ISSUE: On June 7, 2001, the
World Bank reported that pension reform is becoming an increasingly
important global issue for developing and high-income countries. Many
countries have basic pension plans in place; however, most only cover 10% to
30% of the working population and impose a heavy strain on economic
development. The World Bank favors a multi-pillar pension plan consisting of
minimal contribution by the lifetime poor, access to various financial
instruments for the large informal sector, and a diversified sector for
formal workers.  <mailto:david.w.ellis@bakernet.com>
david.w.ellis@bakernet.com or  <mailto:robert.west@bakernet.com>
robert.west@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

** - INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE OPENS AND SECRETARY OF LABOUR ELECTED:
On June 5, 2001, the 89th session of the International Labour Conference
opened and elected Ms. Patricia A. Sto. Tomas as President. Ms. Sto. Tomas
is currently the Secretary of Labour and Employment for Philippines. She
emphasized major agenda items of the conference, including adoption of new
international standards on safety and health of workers. See " International
Labor Conference Opens
<http://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/inf/pr/2001/18.htm> ."
<mailto:william.watson@bakernet.com> william.watson@bakernet.com or
<mailto:jorge.de.regil@bakernet.com> jorge.de.regil@bakernet.com  Alert
Date: 7/1/01

** - ICFTU REPORT FINDS DISCRIMINATION AND RESTRICTIONS ON THE RIGHT TO
STRIKE IN SIX CARIBBEAN STATES: Recently, in a report on six members of the
Organisation of East Carribbean States (OCES), the International
Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) found excessive limitations on
the right to strike for many employees, evident workplace discrimination,
and non co-operation with the ILO. The report coincides with a review of
OECS trade policy by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and focuses on
respect for internationally recognised core labour standards in Antigua and
Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent
and the Grenadines. See " ICFTU Strike Report
<http://www.icftu.org/displaydocument.asp?Language=EN&Index=991212906> ."
<mailto:Richard.tuschman@bakernet.com> richard.tuschman@bakernet.com or
<mailto:neil.mcguinness@bakernet.com> neil.mcguinness@bakernet.com  Alert
Date: 7/1/01

** - ICFTU LAUNCHES REPORT ON FORCED LABOUR IN PRISONS: Prison labour is one
of the five exceptions stipulated in ILO Convention 29 concerning the
prohibition of forced labour. The issue, which is at the top of the agenda
at the current ILO annual conference, is also the subject of a new ICFTU
report. The ICFTU report states that from joint ventures of private
companies and public authorities to complete privatisation of the prison
system, penal institutions are increasingly being managed like fully-fledged
businesses to the detriment of their inmates, whose basic rights are
regularly violated. See " ICFTU Prison Labour Report
<http://www.icftu.org/displaydocument.asp?Language=EN&Index=991212917> ."
<http://www.icftu.org/displaydocument.asp?Language=EN&Index=991212917>
<mailto:Robert.p.lewis@bakernet.com> robert.p.lewis@bakernet.com or
<mailto:brian.s.arbetter@bakernet.com> brian.s.arbetter@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

** - WORKWEEK IN SOUTH KOREA LONGEST, FRANCE SHORTEST: On June 5, 2001,
Roper Reports Worldwide 2001 Global Consumer Study released its findings of
international labour statistics. The average full-time workweek for the 32
countries surveyed is 44.6 hours, with workweeks in South Korea the longest
and France with the shortest. See "International Labour Statistics."
<mailto:Gilles.jolivet@bakernet.com> gilles.jolivet@bakernet.com or
<mailto:carole.a.spink@bakernet.com> carole.a.spink@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

** - EUROPEAN UNION MEMBERS AGREE ON MEASURE TO REQUIRE CONSULTATION WITH
WORKERS: On June 11, 2001, the European Union (EU) member states came to a
political agreement requiring companies with 50 employees or less to consult
with workers before implementing lay-offs, decisions related to relocation,
or other economic restructuring. EU ministers also agreed on directives
addressing sexual harassment in the workplace. Finally, EU member states
also approved legislation to set noise limits in the workplace. See "
76/207/EEC
<http://www2.europarl.eu.int/omk/OM-Europarl?PROG=REPORT&L=EN&PUBREF=> ."
<mailto:Christine.obrien@bakernet.com> christine.obrien@bakernet.com or
<mailto:alex.valls@bakernet.com> alex.valls@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

** - ICFTU INSISTS THAT "CHILD LABOUR" BE RECOGNISED: On June 15, 2001,
global trade union organisations condemned governments who are beginning to
accept the exploitation of child labour. Activitsts complain that
governments have become increasingly supportive of weakening international
commitments to eliminate child labour, by leaving millions of children in
the workforce and seeking trivial improvements in their working lives. The
global union movement is now urging all governments to recognize the
importance of child labour. See " Global Unions Group
<http://www.icftu.org/displaydocument.asp?Language=EN&Index=991212987> ."
<mailto:Stewart.saxe@bakernet.com> stewart.saxe@bakernet.com or
<mailto:alex.valls@bakernet.com> alex.valls@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

** - EU COMMITTEE COMPROMISES ON PENSION PROPOSALS: On June 19, 2001, the
European Commission's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs agreed to a
series of amendments to open up pan-European occupational pension markets to
"pay as you go" schemes. The compromise was reached between those who prefer
to guarantee the security of pensions and those who support opening up
national markets and offering consumers more freedom of choice. See "
Compromise On Pension Proposals
<http://www2.europarl.eu.int/omk/OM-Europarl?PROG=PRESS-NEWSRP&L=EN&PUBREF=-
//EP//TEXT+PRESS-NEWSRP+NR-20010620-1+0+DOC+SGML+V0//EN&LEVEL=1> ."
<mailto:maura.ann.mcbreen@bakernet.com> maura.ann.mcbreen@bakernet.com or
<mailto:robert.west@bakernet.com> robert.west@bakernet.com  Alert Date:
7/1/01

** - EXXONMOBIL SUED OVER ACEH RIGHTS ABUSES: On June 20, 2001, human rights
groups accused ExxonMobil, the world's largest oil company, of human rights
abuses allegedly committed by security forces in Indonesia. Eleven villagers
allege that ExxonMobil was complicit in murders, rape, torture, and
kidnapping. See " ExxonMobil Sued Over Human Rights Abuses
<http://news.excite.com/news/r/010621/17/rights-indonesia-exxon> ."
<mailto:william.r.watson@bakernet.com> william.r.watson@bakernet.com or
<mailto:duane.gingerich@bakernet.com> duane.gingerich@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

** - IUF/COLSIBA AND CHIQUITA BRANDS INTERNATIONAL SIGN AGREEMENT ON TRADE
UNION RIGHTS FOR BANANA WORKERS: On June 14, 2001, an agreement on "Freedom
of Association, Minimum Labour Standards and Employment in Latin American
Banana Operations" was signed at the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
in Switzerland. The agreement, signed by representatives from the
International Union of Food (IUF), the Latin American Coordinating Committee
of Banana Workers Unions (COLSIBA), and Chiquita Brands International,
addresses worker health issues, environmental issues, and minimal labour
standards. See " Freedom  <http://www.iuf.org/iuf/Press/010614.htm>
Agreement."  <mailto:brian.s.arbetter@bakernet.com>
brian.s.arbetter@bakernet.com or  <mailto:kevin.coon@bakernet.com>
kevin.coon@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

** - ILO REPORTS ON CHILD TRAFFICKING IN WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA: On June
15, 2001, the International Labour Organisation released a report focusing
on the rising concerns of child trafficking in West and Central Africa. The
report is the result of the first phase of a project to combat trafficking
in children for labour exploitation in nine countries of West and Central
Africa. See " Child Trafficking Report
<http://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/inf/pr/2001/21.htm> ."
<mailto:andrew.b.cripe@bakernet.com> andrew.b.cripe@bakernet.com or
<mailto:carole.a.spink@bakernet.com> carole.a.spink@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

** - BUSINESSES WAKE UP TO THE THREAT OF HIV/AIDS: On June 23, 2001, the
United Nations Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN) published a
third report in a series of five special features to coincide with the UN
General Assembly's Special Session on HIV/AIDS. The report reveals that
HIV/AIDS threatens to adversely affect the economic and social progress
achieved to date in Southern Africa. Several large employers have initiated
responses to the issue through programs of prevention and care in Africa.
See " HIV/AIDS Threat
<http://allafrica.com/stories/printable/200106230015.html> ."
<mailto:andrew.j.bowling@bakernet.com> andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com or
<mailto:william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com> william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

** - ILO APPROVES GLOBAL SAFETY AND HEALTH AGRICULTURAL STANDARDS: On June
21, 2001, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) approved a new
international convention setting out the first global standards on safety
and health for agricultural workers. The convention sets out certain rights
for agricultural workers, including the rights to be informed on safety and
health matters, select safety and health representatives, and participate in
workplace inspections through the selected representatives. The standards
also address the handling and transport of materials and the sound
management of chemicals. The convention will take effect once it has been
adopted by two ILO member states. See " Proposed Convention Concerning
Safety
<http://www.ilo.org/public/english/standards/relm/ilc/ilc89/rep-iv-2b.htm> &
Health In Agriculture."  <mailto:gina.l.knight@bakernet.com>
gina.l.knight@bakernet.com or  <mailto:mary.maher@bakernet.com>
mary.maher@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

** - EMPLOYER SUED IN WRONGFUL DEATH ACTION WITH INTERNATIONAL IMPLICATIONS:
In a recent wrongful death suit filed in the United States, an employer has
been joined in an action against its employee who allegedly struck and
killed a teenager while driving and making cell phone calls on company
business. In the first case of its kind, the victim's family sought to
extend an employer's liability to the actions of its employees while talking
on a cell phone about company business after business hours. The employer in
this case did not have a internal policy on cell-phone use. Cases such as
this and increased reliance on cell-phones and other remote technology are
prompting many employers to address this issue on an international basis.
See " Wrongful Death Suit Over Cell Phone Use
<http://www.law.com/cgi-bin/gx.cgi/AppLogic+FTContentServer?pagename=law/Vie
w&c=Article&cid=ZZZQ61SKAOC&live=true&cst=1&pc=0&pa=0> ."
<mailto:gerald.l.maatman@bakernet.com> gerald.l.maatman@bakernet.com or
<mailto:andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com> andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

** - ILO ADOPTS CODE ON PREVENTING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WORKERS WITH
HIV/AIDS: On June 22, 2001, the International Labour Organisation adopted a
new voluntary global code aimed at stopping discrimination in the workplace
against employees infected with HIV/AIDS. The code sets out guidelines on
the prevention of HIV/AIDS and managing and mitigating the impact of the
disease in the workplace. Additionally, the code addresses the support of
HIV/AIDS infected employees. See " ILO To Launch New Code Of Practice On
HIV/AIDS And The World
<http://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/inf/pr/2001/24.htm> Of Work."
<mailto:Carlos.dodds@bakernet.com> carlos.dodds@bakernet.com or
<mailto:christine.obrien@bakernet.com> christine.obrien@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

** - U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OFFERING US$9 MILLION IN GRANTS TO FUND
HIV/AIDS WORKPLACE EDUCATION EFFORT ABROAD: On June 27, 2001, the U.S.
Department of Labor announced that it was making available approximately
US$9 million to fund HIV/AIDS workplace education programs in other
countries. The DOL plans to award grants to qualified organizations in up to
10 countries. See " Global Workplace Prevention And Education Program
<http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2001_register&doc
id=01-16131-filedJill> ."  <mailto:Gerald.l.maatman@bakernet.com>
gerald.l.maatman@bakernet.com or  <mailto:abby.b.silverman@bakernet.com>
abby.b.silverman@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

** - ADEQUATE SAFEGUARDS FOR PERSONAL DATA TRANSFER: The European
<http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/index_en.htm> Commission recently adopted a
decision outlining contractual clauses to ensure adequate safeguards for
personal data transferred from the European Union to countries outside the
EU. The decision requires Member States to recognise that companies or
organisations using standard clauses in contracts concerning personal data
transfers to countries outside the EU are offering protection to the data in
compliance with the Data Protection Directive. See " Safeguard For Personal
Data <http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/en/lif/dat/1995/en_395L0046.html> ."
<mailto:Andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com> andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com or
<mailto:michael.j.wagner@bakernet.com> michael.j.wagner@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

** - HARMONIZING PENSION SYSTEMS: Commissioner Bolkenstein of the European
Commission recently announced several measures to harmonize the different
pension systems of the 15 Member States of the European Union. Currently 11
Member States apply the fiscal "omkeer-regel," a tax rule meaning that
pension premiums are tax deductible, whilst pension benefits are taxed at
the time of payment. Bolkenstein argues that the Member States that apply
other fiscal rules (Germany, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, and Luxembourg) should
also apply the "omkeer-regel" rule in order to harmonize the different
European pension systems.  <mailto:joseph.f.van.vlijmen@bakernet.com>
joseph.f.van.vlijmen@bakernet.com or  <mailto:mirjana.maric@bakernet.com>
mirjana.maric@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

** - GYPSIES PLAN SUIT AGAINST IBM: On June 21, 2001, an attorney for the
Gypsy International Recognition and Compensation Action (GIRCA) announced
that GIRCA is planning to file a civil suit against IBM, alleging that its
machines helped Hitler identify and send 600,000 members of the group to
their death in slave labour camps during the Holocaust. See " Gypsies Plan
Suit <http://news.findlaw.com/news/s/20010531/holocaustswissibmdc.html> ."
<mailto:markus.berni@bakernet.com> markus.berni@bakernet.com or
<mailto:alain.stehle@bakernet.com> alain.stehle@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

Asia_PacificAsia Pacific	 top
AU - LABOUR ASKED TO OUTLINE IMMIGRATION DETENTION POLICY: Phillip Ruddock,
the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs recently announced
that the Labour Government was compelled to outline plans for housing
illegal boat arrivals. Labour is trying to be firm on illegal workers and
those over-staying their visas, but they are sending mixed messages in
planning facilities to detain these over-stayers. See " Labor Outlines
Detention Policy
<http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/media_releases/media01/r01067.htm> ."
<mailto:spiro.mellos@bakernet.com> spiro.mellos@bakernet.com or
<mailto:michael.michalandos@bakernet.com> michael.michalandos@bakernet.com
Alert Date: 7/1/01

AU - LABOUR PARTY OFFICIALS INTERFERE WITH UNION BUSINESS: On June 14, 2001,
two senior Labour Party members, John Della Bosca and Senator Stephen
Hutchins, were accused of interfering in a union election battle to reclaim
power in their party. The president of the Australian Worker's Union
believes the interference was part of a plan to involve the Transport
Workers Union in taking control of the ruling right-wing faction of the
union movement and Australian Labour Party. See " Labor Party Interferes
<http://www.smh.com.au/news/0106/14/national/national24.html> ."
<mailto:paul.brown@bakernet.com> paul.brown@bakernet.com or
<mailto:spiro.mellos@bakernet.com> spiro.mellos@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

AU - UNION BOSS CHALLENGES T.V. STATION OWNER: On June 13, 2001, Union
leader Dean Mighell challenged Channel 7 owner, Kerry Stokes, to pursue him
for $1500 for breach of federal industrial relations laws. Mighell was fined
for breaching the Workplace Relations Act by using unlawful coercion against
Channel 7. Mighell calls the fine inappropriate and says he will not be
rushing to pay it. See " Union Boss Fined For Breach Of Workplace Relations
<http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/printpage/0,5481,2108751,00.html> Act."
<mailto:paul.brown@bakernet.com> paul.brown@bakernet.com or
<mailto:mary.maher@bakernet.com> mary.maher@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

AU - AUSTRALIAN INTERNET STANDARDS TO FOLLOW EUROPE: On June 5, 2001,
Australia's Internet Industry Association (IIA), its national body for
internet content, commerce, and connectivity, announced that it intends to
target compliance with the EU Privacy Directive as one of the key areas its
privacy code would address. The head of the IIA, Peter Coroneos, said that
the new standard IIA Privacy Code would establish industry benchmarks that
go beyond current Australian privacy legislation. He explained that the IIA
had foreseen EU compliance as a major issue for companies trading on the
internet which, by definition, defied national boundaries. See: " IIA
Privacy Code To  <http://www.iia.net.au/index2.html> Tackle EU Compliance.
<mailto:paul.brown@bakernet.com> paul.brown@bakernet.com or
<mailto:tim.dixon@bakernet.com> tim.dixon@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

AU - AUSTRALIAN UNION TO RUN CLASS ACTION CASE ON PASSIVE SMOKING: Recently,
the Australian Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union announced
that it had established a register of workers as a first step to gathering
case information for common law cases against employers who they alleged put
their employees at risk from exposure to smoking. The union says it will
also approach insurance companies in the coming weeks warning them that they
face serious insurance losses if they continue to insure companies that are
not smoke-free workplaces. Union representatives said "LHMU members will not
stop until they have succeeded in achieving smoke-free workplaces". See "
Union Announces Campaign For Smoke-Free Hospitality
<http://www.lhmu.org.au/union/381.html> Workplaces."
<mailto:paul.brown@bakernet.com> paul.brown@bakernet.com or
<mailto:mary.maher@bakernet.com> mary.maher@bakernet.com  Alert Date: 7/1/01

AU - EMPLOYER WRONG IN E-MAIL DISMISSAL: On June 13, 2001, the Western
Australia Industrial Relations Commission found that an employer was wrong
to dismiss a worker for storing what amounted to schoolyard dirty jokes in
his email folder. The Commission found that even though the worker had
breached the employer's internet and email policy, the breach was trivial
and the employer's application of the policy was inconsistent with its
conduct elsewhere. The decision highlights the need for employers to be
careful of overreacting to trivial or technical breaches of email policies
and that they need to properly explain to employees what constitutes
inappropriate or offensive material for the purposes of their policy. See "
Alan Victor Wilmott v Bank Of Western Australia Ltd
<http://www.ecruiting.com.au/express/bankwa140601.htm> ."
<mailto:paul.brown@bakernet.com> paul.brown@bakernet.com or
<mailto:mary.maher@bakernet.com> mary.maher@bakernet.com  Alert Date: 7/1/01

AU - TRIBUNAL WARNS EMPLOYERS TO REFLECT DIVERSITY IN ANTI-DISCRIMINATION
POLICIES: A recent decision by the New South Wales Administrative Appeals
Tribunal highlights the importance of taking into account the ethnic
diversity of staff when communicating company anti-discrimination policies.
In the case a school custodian was awarded compensation after her manager
ignored her sexual harassment complaints and then demoted her. The tribunal
found that the worker was not aware of the company's sexual harassment
policy but even if she had it would have been of little value to her as her
command of written English was poor. See: " D v Berkeley Challenge
<http://www.agd.nsw.gov.au/adtjudgments/2001nswadt.nsf/f1a6baff573a075dca256
862002912ec/ce97ad8f5a862ccdca256a5e0009b852?OpenDocument> ."
<mailto:michael.michalandos@bakernt.com> michael.michalandos@bakernt.com or
<mailto:kathleen.thornton@bakernet.com> kathleen.thornton@bakernet.com
Alert Date: 7/1/01

AU - AUSTRALIAN COURTS INCREASINGLY WILLING TO ENFORCE REASONABLE
RESTRAINTS: In a recent decision, the New South Wales Supreme Court has
banned an IT recruitment consultant from working in the New South Wales
recruitment industry for 3 months after she went to work for a direct
competitor. The Court was of the view that the financial hardship she would
have to endure as a result of enforcing her restraint or non-compete clause
will be for a limited time and was the price she must pay for a direct and
flagrant breach of her contract. See " HiTech Contracting Limited v Jane
Lynn <http://www.ecruiting.com.au/express/hitechvlynn180601.htm> ."
<mailto:paul.brown@bakernet.com> paul.brown@bakernet.com and
<mailto:spiro.mellos@bakernet.com> spiro.mellos@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

AU - AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SEEKS TO OUTLAW COMPULSORY UNION FEES: The
Australian Government has recently introduced a new bill into Parliament
which seeks to outlaw the use of "bargaining fee" clauses in workplace
agreements. The proposed legislation will make it unlawful for Australian
unions to charge a "service fee" to be imposed on a worker unless that
individual worker agrees in advance to the service fee. The government
contends that the service fees are an attempt by unions to introduce back
door compulsory unionism. See " Back Door Compulsory Union Tactic Removed
<http://www.dewrsb.gov.au/ministers/mediacentre/printable.asp?show=1819> ."
<mailto:paul.brown@bakernet.com> paul.brown@bakernet.com and
<mailto:mary.maher@bakernet.com> mary.maher@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

AU - IMMIGRANT BOAT CAPTURED OFF AUSTRALIA: On June 15, 2001, Australian
Federal police intercepted an Indonesian boat off Christmas Island carrying
231 suspected illegal immigrants from the Middle East. Five Indonesian
crewmembers were charged with people smuggling offenses, which can carry a
penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. See " Immigrant Boat Captured
<http://www.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/auspac/06/15/illegal.immigrants/index
.html> ."  <mailto:ian.dixon@bakernet.com> ian.dixon@bakernet.com or
<mailto:paulbrown@bakernet.com> paul.brown@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

AU - WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY BECOME KEY ISSUES IN THE WORKPLACE: On June
20, 2001, Queensland Council of Unions announced that workplace health and
safety issues are major items on their agenda. After reports of unhealthy
workplaces, the Council is urging employers and the government to establish
a Minimum Standards Code. See " Health And Safety
<http://www.qcu.asn.au/mr031.pdf> Become Key Workplace Issues."
<mailto:paul.brown@bakernet.com> paul.brown@bakernet.com or
<mailto:mary.maher@bakernet.com> mary.maher@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

AU - INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS MINISTER ACCUSED OF RENEGING ON REFORMS: On June
18, 2001, Australian union members accused the Industrial Relations
Minister, Mr. Della Bosca, of rushing controversial parts if his reform
package through Parliament. Unionists claim Della Bosca agreed to withhold
issues that were still being disputed, such as workers compensation, instead
of sending them to Parliament for a vote. See " Della Bosca Reneges On
Reforms <http://www.smh.com.au/news/0106/18/national/national9.html> ."
<mailto:kate.temple@bakernet.com> kate.temple@bakernet.com or
<mailto:garry.rich@bakernet.com> garry.rich@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

HK - EOC WELCOMES HIGH COURT RULING: On June 22, 2001 the Equal
Opportunities Commission (EOC) announced that it welcomes the Hong Kong High
Court's declaration that the Secondary School Places Allocation System
(SSPA) is discriminatory and therefore unlawful. SSPA was investigated
beginning in 1998 after complaints by parents whose children were allocated
to a lower band than their classmates of the opposite sex with lower
academic achievements. See " Court Rules SSPA Is Unlawful
<http://eoc.vh.hk.linkage.net/textmode/press/220601e.htm> ."
<mailto:Andrea.lauffs@bakernet.com> andrea.s.lauffs@bakernet.com or
<mailto:paul.tan@bakernet.com> paul.tan@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

ID - MASSIVE WORKERS' RALLIES AGAINST LABOUR DECREE ROCK INDONESIAN CITIES:
On June 13, 2001, Indonesian workers held rallies to protest a new labour
decree that favors employers and puts workers at a disadvantage. Under the
new decree, workers dismissed for incompetence or early retirement would
lose long-service payments. The decree came after complaints from employers
and investors about excessive costs incurred in the past year. See " New
Labor  <http://sg.news.yahoo.com/010613/1/w72q.html> Decree."
<mailto:Duane.j.gingerich@bakernet.com> duanej.gingerich@bakernet.com or
<mailto:edmund.leow@bakernet.com> edmund.leow@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

IN - CONGLOMERATE OF INDIA-BASED COMPANIES FORMS NEW ONLINE RECRUITING
VENTURE: On June 1, 2001, a consortium of companies based in eastern India
announced the formation of an online recruitment venture. Called
www.pilotyourcareer.com, the venture intends to expand to northern and
southern India, and then to Europe, Australia, and the U.S. This venture is
reported to be the first based out of the eastern part of India. See " India
<http://www.newsbytes.com/news/01/166339.html> On-Line Recruiting."
<mailto:Andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com> andrewj.boling@bakernet.com or
<mailto:narendra.acharya@bakernet.com> narendra.acharya@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

IN - PEOPLES' UNION IN INDIA PROTESTS SLOW RESTORATION OF BUSINESS
INFRASTRUCTURE FOLLOWING RAVAGING EARTHQUAKE: On June 3, 2001, an Indian
peoples' union called Anjar Group-2001 engaged in angry protests during
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's visit to the earthquake devastated
Kutch district of Gujarat. Prime Minister Vajpayee was there to reiterate
his support for various relief packages for reviving trade, business, and
industrial units, as well as providing temporary shelters to residents whose
homes were lost in the earthquake. The Group's leader, Shyam Sunder, was
quoted as saying, "We have decided to observe a total Kutch shutdown during
the prime minister's visit as a mark of protest against the state
government's neglect and insensitivity to the suffering of the people." See
" People's Union Protest <http://www.economictimes.com/today/01poli01.htm>
."  <mailto:Andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com> andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com or
<mailto:narendra.acharya@bakernet.com> narendra.acharya@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

IN - FUNDED SYSTEM IS THE ANSWER TO REDUCE PENSION LIABILITY: On June 25,
2001, a working group created to review pension liability recommended that
the Indian Government switch to a funded system in order to reduce pension
liability. Currently, government employees do not contribute to their own
pensions. See " Pension Liability
<http://www.economictimescom/today/in03.htm> ."
<mailto:netima.luerakorn@bakernet.com> netima.luerakorn@bakernet.com or
<mailto:narenda.acharya@bakernet.com> narendra.acharya@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

JP - JAPANESE WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PROBLEMS: On June 8, 2001, a former
employee of a Japanese elementary school returned to the workplace and
killed eight children. This attack has fueled the growing concern of
workplace violence in Japan. See " Violent Crime In The Japanese Workplace
<http://new.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/asia-pacific/newid_1377000/1377000/13
77781.stm> ."  <mailto:hiroshi.kondo@bakernet.com>
hiroshi.kondo@bakernet.com or  <mailto:hideo.ohta@bakernet.com>
hideo.ohta@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

JP- NORTH KOREA BLASTS JAPAN FOR REFUSING VISAS FOR RALLY: On June 8, 2001,
a Tokyo-based monitoring agency quoted the official radio Pyongyang blasting
Japan for refusing to grant visas to North Korean officials wanting to
attend a protest in Tokyo criticizing history textbooks that "gloss over"
Japan's wartime aggression. See " North Korea Blasts Japan
<http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20010608/wl/japan_korea_textbook_dc_2.html>
."  <mailto:hiroshi.kondo@bakernet.com> hiroshi.kondo@bakernet.com or
<mailto:nam.paik@bakernet.com> nam.h.paik@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

JP - JAPAN PASSES LANDMARK PENSION BILL: On June 22, 2001, Japan enacted a
version of the U.S. 401(k) retirement savings plan that will, for the first
time, allow working individuals to choose how to invest part of their
pension monies. See " Japan Passes Landmark Pension Bill
<http://www.chinadaily.net/cndy/2001-06-23/15757.html> ."
<mailto:hiroshi.kondo@bakernet.com> hiroshi.kondo@bakernet.com or
<mailto:hideo.ohta@bakernet.com> hideo.ohta@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

JP - MONTHLY LABOUR SURVEY RELEASED: On June 19, 2001, the Japanese Ministry
of Health, Labour, and Welfare published its Monthly Labour Survey for April
of 2001, which reported statistics based on cash earnings, hours worked, and
number of people employed. See " Monthly Labour Survey
<http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/database/db-l/1304fr/mk1304re.html> ."
<mailto:hideo.ohta@bakernet.com> hideo.ohta@bakernet.com or
<mailto:niroshi.kondo@bakernet.com> hiroshi.kondo@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

KR - POLICE IN KOREA ARREST UNION LEADERS AS SECOND AIRLINE STRIKE NEARS
END: On June 16, 2001, four Korean Air union leaders were arrested for
heading an illegal strike. Korean Air Lines Co. had agreed with unions to
withdraw the arrest warrants as part of a deal to end a two-day strike by
the pilots; however, the police decided to carry out the warrants anyway.
See " Police  <http://sg.biz.yahoo.com/010618/1/10m0q.html> Arrest Union
Leaders In Korea."  <mailto:nam.h.paik@bakernet.com> nam.h.paik@bakernet.com
or  <mailto:narenda.achayra@bakernet.co> narenda.achayra@bakernet.com  Alert
Date: 7/1/01

MM - RIGHTS GROUP SAYS MYANMAR STILL USING FORCED LABOUR: On June 11, 2001,
Human Rights Watch reported that despite an official ban, Myanmar was still
using forced labour. Human Rights Watch reported that migrants entering
Thailand from several divisions of Myanmar said they had personally taken
part in or witnessed forced labour as recently as May. The migrants reported
harsh labour and violence by supervising military police. See " Forced
Labour in Myanmar
<http://new.findlaw.com/international/s/20010612/rightsmyanmardc.html> ."
<mailto:prachern.tiyapunjanit@bakernet.com>
prachern.tiyapunjanit@bakernet.com or
<mailto:anurat.tiyaphorn@bakernet.com> anurat.tiyaphorn@bakernet.com  Alert
Date: 7/1/01

MY - TEACHERS IN MALAYSIA TOLD TO HAVE BABIES ON THE HOLIDAYS: On June 24,
2001, Deputy Education Minister Abdul Axix Samsuddin urged woman teachers to
plan their pregnancies around their classroom schedules. Since the Ministry
does not provide substitutes for teachers on maternity leave and most
teachers are women, Samsuddin fears that if too many teachers go on
maternity leave at once, the classrooms will be shorthanded. See " Have Your
Babies On The Holidays
<http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=7&id=37946> ."
<mailto:duane.j.gingerich@bakernet.com> duane.j.gingerich@bakernet.com or
<mailto:guenther.heckelmann@bakernet.com> guenther.heckelmann@bakernet.com
Alert Date: 7/1/01

NZ - NEW ZEALAND WATERSIDE WORKERS WIN LANDMARK CASE BUT CALL OFF STRIKE
ACTIONS: Waterside workers in Auckland called off strike action which was to
occur on June 28, 2001, despite winning a landmark case which would have
allowed the action to go ahead. Their employer, Ports of Auckland, argued in
the New Zealand Employment Court that the proposed strike action of up to
250 workers breached the new good faith provisions under the Employment
Relations Act. However, the Court ruled that there was no evidence that the
strike notice had significantly undermined the talks and was unconvinced
that the action breached good faith provisions. See " Court Backs Walk-Out
<http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=197260&thesection=news&t
hesubsection=general> ."  <mailto:paul.brown@bakernet.com>
paul.brown@bakernet.com or  <mailto:kathleen.thornton@bakernet.com>
kathleen.thornton@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

NZ - COURT SLOWS IMPACT OF REFORM LAWS IN NEW ZEALAND: A recent full bench
of the New Zealand Employment Court has overturned a decision of the new
Employment Relations Authority to prohibit cross-examination during a
hearing. The Authority had relied on the new Employment Relations Act's
guidelines that it was to focus on practical solutions and conduct quick
fire investigations. However, the Court found that cross examination was a
necessary ingredient of the principles of natural justice. See " Judges
Upset Quick-Fire Hearings
<http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?thesection=business&thesubsectio
n=&storyID=192556> ."  <mailto:paul.brown@bakernet.com>
paulbrown@bakernet.com or  <mailto:kathleenthornton@bakernet.com>
kathleen.thornton@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

PH - UNICEF ENVOY DECRIES CHILD SEX TRADE: On June 8, 2001, Agnes Chan, a
Hong Kong- born singer and ambassador for the United Nation's Children's
Fund (UNICEF) urged the international community to help stop the sexual
exploitation of children in the Philippines. At least 20,000 homeless
children roam the streets where they are beggars, child prostitutes, petty
thieves, and drug couriers. Even worse, between 60,000 and 100,000
Philippine children are victims of the country's sex trade. See " UNICEF
Envoy Decries Child Sex Trade
<http://www.inquirer.net/brk/2001/jun/08/brkpol_5-1.htm> ."
<mailto:romeo.salonga@bakernet.com> romeo.salonga@bakernet.com or
<mailto:akira.ito@bakernet.com> akira.ito@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

PH - GOVERNEMENT WORKERS GET SALARY HIKE: On June 8, 2001, Philippine
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed a law granting salary increases to
government employees who have been surpassed by workers in the private
sector in terms of compensation and benefits. The bill will upgrade all
national government salaries by 5%, including teachers, and will also
increase the wages of the Philippine National Police with a 12% increase.
All salary increases are effective on July 1, 2001. See " Government Workers
Get Salary Increase <http://www.inq7.net/brk/2001/jun/08/brkpol_21-1.htm> ."
<mailto:romeo.salonga@bakernet.com> romeo.salonga@bakernet.com or
<mailto:gil.zerrudo@bakernet.com> gil.zerrudo@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

PH - PHILIPPINES NBI CLAMPS DOWN ON CYBERTHIEVES: The Philippine National
Bureau of Investigation recently reported it will formally charge two former
employees of the Thames International Business School for allegedly breaking
into the school's computer system and stealing digital material. The former
employees are the first to be charged with hacking and piracy under the
Philippines E-Commerce Act. See " Hacking And
<http://www.newsbytes.com/news/01/16678.html> Piracy Charges."
<mailto:romeo.l.salonga@bakernet.com> romeo.l.salonga@bakernet.com or
<mailto:gil.zerrudo@bakernet.com> gil.zerrudo@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

TW - GOVERNMENT TO RELAX RESTRICTIONS ON PENSION FUND USAGE: The Council of
Labor Affairs (CLA) of the Taiwan Government recently passed three important
resolutions. CLA announced that within three months, the relevant rules will
be amended and become effective to enable: (1) a company to pay severance
out of part of its pension fund; (2) a company to allocate part of its
pension fund to its subsidiary company's account if employees will be
transferred to such subsidiary; and (3) the city and local county
governments to set up committees to approve payment of pension to retirees
without the retirees involving in legal action or stamps for approval from
the pension fund committee of a company. See " News From Taiwan
<http://www.bakernet.com/gel/articles/article-pension fund usage.doc> ."
<mailto:Seraphim.mar@bakernet.com> seraphim.mar@bakernet.com or
<mailto:remington.huang@bakernet.com> remington.huang@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

TW - PROFESSIONALS ARE IN DEMAND IN TAIWAN: A recent survey reported by a
local Taiwan media source suggests that professionals in the areas of
finance and securities, business administration and marketing, and IT
engineering are in high demand in Taiwan. See " Professionals Needed In
Taiwan <http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200106/22/eng20010622_73287.html>
."  <mailto:remington.huang@bakernet.com> remington.huang@bakernet.com or
<mailto:seraphim.mar@bakernet.com> seraphim.mar@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

TW - TAIWAIN WORKERS USE ELECTRONIC VISAS: Taiwanese workers traveling to
Hong Kong will be granted an electronic visa beginning in the next Lunar New
Year. See " Electronic Visas
<http://hk-imail.singtao.com/inews/public/article_v.cfm?articleid=24625&intc
atid=1> ."  <mailto:seraphim.mar@bakernet.com> seraphim.mar@bakernet.com or
<mailto:william.kuo@bakernet.com> william.kuo@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

Europe___CISEurope & CIS	 top
BE - MARKS AND SPENCER CLOSINGS IN BELGIAN COURTS: On June 1, 2001, a report
issued by the Belgian Government concluded that the closings of four Marks
and Spencer stores which resulted in the cutting of 315 jobs was unlawful
and broke employment legislation. Belgian law requires that companies
provide adequate notice of closure plans to trade unions and works councils
before acting on such a decision. Marks and Spencer said that the stores
sustained heavy losses and they had no choice but to close the stores. See "
M <http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4197006,00.html> &S
Escapes Belgian Courts."  <mailto:francois.gabriel@bakernet.com>
francois.gabriel@bakernet.com or  <mailto:anne.laurent@bakernet.com>
anne.laurent@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

DE - GERMAN UNION AIMS FOR WAGE BOOST IN 2002: On June 5, 2001, the German
service-sector union, Verdi, announced it will seek significant wage
increases during the next round of negotiations despite calls for greater
labour-market flexibility in the German economy. Most unions accepted
moderate pay settlements in 2000 which are due to expire late next year, and
recent mergers of many unions and increased clout and political power are
expected to make upcoming negotiations very contentious. See " Verdi Aims
For Wage Boost In 2002
<http://www.handelsblatt.com/hbiwwwangebot/fn/relhbi/sfn/buildhbee/cn/bp_art
ikel_e/docid/427611/strucid/PAGE_201098/pageid/PAGE_201098/SH/0/depot/0/inde
x.html> ."  <mailto:guenther.heckelmann@bakernet.com>
guenther.heckelmann@bakernet.com or  <mailto:claudia.heins@bakernet.com>
claudia.heins@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

DE - GERMAN AIRLINE AVERTS STRIKE: On June 8, 2001, German airline Lufthansa
averted a strike with its disgruntled pilots, frustrating other union
leaders and possibly ruining the company's finances in the process. The
strike was ended by an agreement which guarantees a three year pay increase,
with a nearly 30% raise in the first year of the agreement. Although the
strike cost Lufthansa US$23 million, the pay raises are set to cost
Lufthansa almost US$99 million in the first year alone. The settlement and
the procedures to reach it have drawn fire in Germany, a nation where
management and labour groups usually broker moderate compromises. See "
Lufthansa Averts Strike
<http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20010608/bs/germany_lufthansa_49.html> ."
<mailto:guenther.heckelmann@bakernet.com> guenther.heckelmann@bakernet.com
or  <mailto:markus.kappenhagen@bakernet.com> markus.kappenhagen@bakernet.com
Alert Date: 7/1/01

DE - CYBER PROTEST COULD TOPPLE LUFTHANSA WEBSITE: On June 20, 2001, human
rights activists in Germany planned a cyber demonstration in an attempt to
crash the German airline Lufthansa's web site. The activists threatened to
flood the site with requests for information in protest of the airline's
role in the deportation of illegal aliens from Germany. See " Airline
Protest To Crash Website
<http://www.newsbytes.com/cg.../im.display.printable?client.id=newsbytes&sto
ry.id=16699> ."  <mailto:Markus.kappenhagen@bakernet.com>
markus.kappenhagen@bakernet.com or  <mailto:claudia.heins@bakernet.com>
claudia.heins@bakernet.com  Alert Date: 7/1/01

DE - VOLKSWAGEN SCRAPS JOBS PROGRAM: On June 25, 2001, Volkswagen AG revoked
an offer to create 5,000 new jobs in Germany after disappointing talks
between company management and trade union IG Metall. See " VW Scraps Jobs
Program
<http://www2.handelsblatt.com/hbiwwwangebot/fn/relhbi/sfn/buildhbee/cn/bp_ar
tikel_e/strucid/PAGE_201095/pageid/PAGE_201095/docid/434016/SH/0/depot/0/ind
ex.html> ."  <mailto:guenther.heckelman@bakernet.com>
guenther.heckelman@bakernet.com or  <mailto:markus.kappenhagen@bakernet.com>
markus.kappenhagen@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

DE - NEW WORKS CONSTITUTIONS ACT IN GERMANY: On June 22, 2001, the German
Parliament adopted the new Works Constitutions Act 2001. The most important
innovations under the law are: (i) the simplification of the election
procedure, (ii) the establishment of additional representative bodies
besides the Works Council, which is thought to lead to a wider spread of
employee representation particularly in small and medium size enterprises,
and (iii) its extension of co-determination rights in the field of
environmental protection. See " German Parliament Works Act
<http://www.bundestag.de/> ."  <mailto:Bernhard.trappehl@bakernet.com>
bernhard.trappehl@bakernet.com or  <mailto:claudia.heins@bakernet.com>
claudia.heins@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

DE - NEW TAKE-OVER-DIRECTIVE: On June 6, 2001, the new European
Take-Over-Directive was adopted to simplify and harmonise the European
company laws with respect to take-overs. The German Government strictly
opposes the harmonisation and regulation of management behaviour in
take-over situations and will probably use the full length of the transition
period until 2007 to incorporate the Directive into German law.
<mailto:bernhard.trappehl@bakernet.com> bernhard.trappehl@bakernet.com or
<mailto:guenther.heckelmann@bakernet.com> guenther.heckelmann@bakernet.com
Alert Date: 7/1/01

DE - NEW BILL TO CHANGE THE SOCIAL COURT PROCEDURE ACT: The German
Government has introduced a bill to provide for alterations of the
provisions on fees, enhancements of preliminary relief, and acceleration of
the legal proceedings. Although the changes of the statute on fees still
includes the exemption from costs for insured persons and recipients of
benefits, it introduces provision that fees will be calculated according to
the amount in dispute pursuant to the "Gerichtskostengesetz" (Court Fees
Act).  <mailto:gabriele.mastmann@bakernet.com>
gabriele.mastmann@bakernet.com or  <mailto:christian.reichel@bakernet.com>
christian.reichel@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

ES - IBIZA TROUBLED BY PLANE STRIKES: On June 25, 2001, the Spanish Airline
Pilot's Union announced that its workers plan to go on strike, one day a
week, throughout the entire summer until pilots reach a better labour
agreement. See " Pilots Strike In Spain
<http://www.burnitblue.com/news/news.asp?News=869> ."
<mailto:choncha.martin@bakernet.com> choncha.martin@bakernet.com or
<mailto:fermin.guardiola@bakernet.com> fermin.guardiola@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

ES - SPANISH BANK TO CLOSE 1,000 BRANCHES: On June 26, 2001, Banco Santander
Central Hispano (BSCH), Spain's largest bank, announced plans to close 1,000
branches, sell the land, and request half of the senior staff take an early
retirement in an effort to increase profits over the next two years. See "
BSCH Closes Branches
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/business/newsid_1408000/1408913.stm> ."
<mailto:alex.valls@bakernet.com> alex.valls@bakernet.com or
<mailto:eduardo.garcia.calleja@bakernet.com>
eduardo.garcia.calleja@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

FR - FRENCH POLICE CLASH WITH WORKERS AS PROTESTS HIT PRISONS: On June 8,
2001, protests at prisons across France resulted in outbreaks of violence as
police clashed with disgruntled workers who were demanding more staff and
improved resources to ensure their safety. In some instances police were
forced to use batons and tear gas to disperse prison workers who were
blocking access to the jails and had to use truncheons to remove many
protestors. The protests were called by three national trade unions in
reaction to a failed jailbreak in which two guards were taken hostage by
armed inmates at a prison in suburban Paris during May of 2001. See " French
<http://sg.news.yahoo.com/010607/8/tbvl.html> Prison Workers Clash With
Police."  <mailto:denise.broussal@bakernet.com> denise.broussal@bakernet.com
or  <mailto:gilles.jolivet@bakernet.com> gilles.jolivet@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

FR - THOUSANDS IN PARIS PROTEST AGAINST MASS LAY-OFFS: On June 10, 2001,
thousands of Parisians took to the streets to protest against mass lay-offs,
pressuring the French Government to strengthen planned labour law reform
legislation. Paris has been the site of many such protests in recent months
following massive lay-offs by many French employers. Estimates ranged from
15,000 to 20,000 participants in the protests. See " Thousands Protest Mass
Lay-Offs <http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/20010610/t000048482.html> ."
<mailto:christine.lagarde@bakernet.com> christine.lagarde@bakernet.com or
<mailto:gilles.jolivet@bakernet.com> gilles.jolivet@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

FR - U.S. AND FRANCE AGREE ON TAXATION OF FRENCH SOCIAL SECURITY: Recently,
the United States and France reached an agreement on tax contributions to
and from French social security plans. The agreement clarifies the
application of Article 18 of the Convention between the U.S. and French
governments to avoid double taxation. See " U.S.-France Agreement On Taxes
<http://ftp.fedworld.gov/pub/irs-news/ir-01-54.pdf> ."
<mailto:Kerry.a.weinger@bakernet.com> kerry.a.weinger@bakernet.com or
<mailto:denise.broussal@bakernet.com> denise.broussal@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

FR - FRANCE INCREASES MINIMUM WAGE: On June 26, 2001, union and business
leaders in France agreed that the minimum wage increase to take effect July
1, 2001, is disappointing. Union leaders are looking for a more significant
increase; however, business leaders sought a lesser increase this year, as
many French companies are struggling with the workweek reduction and the
pending currency conversion. See " France Increases Minimum Wage
<http://www.travail.gouv.fr/actualites/declarations/dagenda.html> ."
<mailto:gilles.jolivet@bakernet.com> gilles.jolivet@bakernet.com or
<mailto:denise.broussal@bakernet.com> denise.broussal@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

FR - MARKS & SPENCER EMPLOYEES IN PARIS MARCH IN PROTEST: On June 26, 2001,
the staff of Marks & Spencer, set to lose their jobs do to closure of all
French stores by the end of the year, marched through central Paris
demanding bonus payments. The protesters want an immediate bonus of f12,000
each in recognition of their work. See " Paris Protest March
<http://erope.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/europe/06/26/markspenc.strike/index.html>
."  <mailto:gilles.jolivet@bakernet.com> gilles.jolivet@bakernet.com or
<mailto:deinse.broussal@bakernet.com> denise.broussal@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

FR - DISMISSAL ON ECONOMIC GROUNDS WILL BECOME MORE DIFFICULT IN FRANCE: A
recently drafted bill, in the French Parliament, which addresses regulations
regarding dismissals and collective dismissals based on economic grounds,
will soon make employee dismissals more difficult. The bill provides for a
mediator to resolve conflicts as well as a works council to make alternative
proposals in the event of a disagreement. See " Job Dismissal in France Will
Become More Difficult <http://www.bakernet.com/gel/articles/France -
Dismissal On Economic Grounds.doc> ."  <mailto:sophie.cahen@bakernet.com>
sophie.cahen@bakernet.com or  <mailto:gilles.jolivet@bakernet.com>
gilles.jolivet@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

FR - EMPLOYERS MUST PROVIDE EMPLOYEE TRAINING: French Labour law provides
that an employer has a general and permanent obligation to adapt an employee
to their position, by means of professional training. Most recently, French
case law has determined that an employer must ensure the adaptation of its
employees to the evolution of their positions; however, the employer is not
obligated to provide initial job training. See " Employers Must Provide
Training <http://www.bakernet.com/gel/articles/France - Employee Training
.doc> ."  <mailto:christine.artus-j?gou@bakernet.com>
christine.artus-j?gou@bakernet.com or  <mailto:gilles.jolivet@bakernet.com>
gilles.jolivet@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

FR - FRENCH FINANCE MINISTER QUESTIONS NEW EMPLOYMENT LAW: The French
Finance Minister has recently raised concerns over a new employment law that
will make it more difficult for French employers to fire their staff.
Measures of the new law include mandatory pay out for all employees that are
let go, a right to employee retraining under full contract, and an increase
in the power of works committees. See " New French
<http://sg.biz.yahoo.com/010614/1/xdyq.html> Jobs Law."
<mailto:oliver.vasset@bakernet.com> olivervasset@bakernet.com or
<mailto:denise.broussal@bakernet.com> denise.broussal@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

FR - PAID PATERNITY LEAVE FOR NEW FATHERS: On June 11, 2001, French Prime
Mister Lionel Jospin announced that his Socialist-led coalition government
will create a two-week paid paternity leave for new fathers by January 1,
2002. The legislation will be added to existing French labour laws that
offer all new fathers three days of paid leave in the three months following
a new birth. See " Paid Paternity  <http://www.frenchduncan.co.uk/News.htm>
Leave For Fathers."  <mailto:Denise.broussal@bakernet.com>
denise.broussal@bakernet.com or  <mailto:oliver.vasset@bakernet.com>
oliver.vasset@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

FR - CONTEMPLATED CLOSURE OF PRODUCTION UNITS IN ALCATEL: On June 27, 2001,
Serge Tchuruk, Alcatel's Chairman, announced that his group will keep only a
dozen out of the 120 production units which are currently operating within
the group. He indicated that Alcatel will become "a company without
factories." The Alcatel group employs a total of 130,000 employees, out of
which 38,000 are working in France.  <mailto:Gilles.jolivet@bakernet.com>
gilles.jolivet@bakernet.com or  <mailto:maxime.pigeon@bakernet.com>
maxime.pigeon@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

FR - CANCELLATION OF COMPANY SOCIAL PLAN WITHIN MOULINEX-BRANDT:
Moulinex-Brandt recently announced the closure of its factory located in the
north of France, which employs 670 employees. On June 14, 2001, the Labour
Administration ("DDTE") cancelled the social plan drafted by the employer
for the closure of this factory ("constat de carence"). The consequence of
such a decision is the obligation for the company to reinitiate the entire
dismissal procedure and to draft another social plan which will take into
account the DDTE's observations.  <mailto:Gilles.jolivet@bakernet.com>
gilles.jolivet@bakernet.com or  <mailto:maxime.pigeon@bakernet.com>
maxime.pigeon@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

GR - GREEK AIRLINE UNION SET TO STRIKE: On June 9, 2001, Greece's civil
aviation authority workers announced they would conduct strikes in an effort
to demand a new work agreement. The Greek union OSPYA announced plans to
conduct a 24-hour strike on June 15 and a 48-hour strike on June 29 if a
comprehensive work agreement is not signed to ensure Greece's civil aviation
workers additional benefits and better pay. The strikes are expected to
disrupt flights during Greece's busiest tourist season. See " Greek
<http://sg.biz.yahoo.com/010608/8/ttzk.html> Aviation Union May Strike."
<mailto:corrado.bartolli@bakernet.com> corrado.bartolli@bakernet.com or
<mailto:geza.kajtar@bakernet.com> geza.kajtar@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

IE - IRISH SUPERMARKET WORKERS ANNOUNCE PLANS TO STRIKE: On June 8, 2001,
more than 9,000 workers at the Tesco supermarket chain throughout the Irish
Republic announced plans to strike. The anticipated stoppage is expected to
result in picketing at all of Tesco's 75 stores throughout Ireland. The
workers are represented by the Mandate trade union and Ireland's Services,
Professional Technical Union. See " Tesco Workers Set To Strike
<http://www.ananova.com/business/story/sm_321409.html> ."
<mailto:michael.ingle@bakernet.com> michael.ingle@bakernet.com or
<mailto:christine.obrien@bakernet.com> christine.obrien@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

IE - CALL ON GOVERNMENT TO ADOPT RADICAL STRATEGY FOR ADULT LEARNING: Irish
Tanaiste, Ms. Mary Harney T.D., recently launched the joint Council of
Directors of the Institutes of Technology, the Conference of Heads of Irish
Universities, and the Irish Business and Employers Confederation Report on
lifelong learning. See " Government Urged To Adopt Radical Strategy To Adult
<http://www.ibec.ie/ibec/Press/PressPublicationsdoclib3.nsf/966008fe067c28d8
802569420055bc17/747e98390c91b98c80256a5c005a77bb?OpenDocument> Learning."
<mailto:christine.obrien@bakernet.com> christine.obrien@bakernet.com or
<mailto:ellen.temperton@bakernet.com> ellen.temperton@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

IE - IRISH LABOUR UNION SETTLES GUINNESS PLANT CLOSING DISPUTE FOR 10-YEAR
SUPPLY OF BEER: It is common in the beer industry worldwide for employees to
enjoy beer privileges in the form of employer-supplied weekly beer
allotments. However, the Services, Industrial, Professional & Technical
Union ( SIPTU <http://www.siptu.ie/> ), Ireland's largest labour union,
recently invoked the beer allowance in a unique way in settling a plant
closing dispute with Guinness <http://www.guinness.com/> , the well known
Irish beer maker. Guinness' announcement to close its Dundalk plant led to a
longstanding dispute and strike. The company and the union recently settled
their differences by agreeing that laid off workers will receive severance
packages of between 37,000 and 137,000 Irish pounds (US$40,000 and
US$147,700), and the continuation for up to 10 years of benefits, including
the beer allowance.  <mailto:christine.obrien@bakernet.com>
christine.obrien@bakernet.com or  <mailto:shona.newmark@bakernet.com>
shona.newmark@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

IE - IBEC CALLS FOR RIGHT TO WORK FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS: On June 20, 2001, the
Irish Business and Employer's Confederation (IBEC) called on the Government
to grant asylum seekers the right to work after six months, even if their
applications have not been approved within that timeframe. See " Right To
Work
<http://www.ibec.ie/ibec/Press/PressPublicationsdoclib3.nsf/966008fe067c28d8
802569420055bc17/ae99d68911d44a2880256a710032fcee?OpenDocument> ."
<mailto:john.evanson@bakernet.com> john.evanson@bakernet.com or
<mailto:michael.ingle@bakernet.com> michael.ingle@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

IE - IBEC SAFETY GUIDE WILL HELP EMPLOYERS PREVENT ACCIDENTS: On June 6,
2001, the Irish Business and Employer's Confederation (IBEC) published a new
guide on Occupational Safety and Health, which is intended to inform
employers on measures to prevent accidents, bad health, and injuries at
work, as well as how to meet legal responsibilities. See " IBEC Safety Guide
<http://www.ibec.ie/ibec/Press/PressPublicationsdoclib3.nsf/966008fe067c28d8
802569420055bc17/c4bde05ac0643be280256a63005e5bd1?OpenDocument> ."
<mailto:christine.obrien@bakernet.com> christine.obrien@bakernet.com or
<mailto:nigel.moss@bakernet.com> nigel.moss@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

IT - MIGRANTS INTERCEPTED OFF ITALY: On June 25, 2001, authorities in Italy
reported capturing nearly 200 assumed migrants from Bangladesh and
Afghanistan off the southern tip of the country. See " Migrants Captured
Near Italy
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/europe/newsid_1405000/1405983.stm>
."  <mailto:cristina.capitanio@bakernet.com> cristina.capitanio@bakernet.com
or  <mailto:riccardo.sensi@bakernet.com> riccardo.sensi@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

IT - EMPLOYEES CAN CHALLENGE THEIR DISMISSAL ALSO BY MEANS OF A TELEGRAM
DICTATED ON THE PHONE BY A THIRD PERSON: On June 5, 2001, the Italian
Supreme Court ruled that an employee can validly challenge their dismissal
by means of a telegram if this is actually dictated and sent by the
telephone set of a third per
son, provided that the telegram clearly states
the name of the employee and there is evidence (to be given in Court) that
the latter had previously entrusted the third person with this charge. See "
Decision 7620 <http://www.legge-e-giustizia.it/> ."
<mailto:massimiliano.biolchini@bakernet.com>
massimiliano.biolchini@bakernet.com or
<mailto:paolo.soo.invernizzi@bakernet.com> paolo.soo.invernizzi@bakernet.com
Alert Date: 7/1/01

IT - PRIVATE INVESTIGATIONS ON EMPLOYEES: The Italian Supreme Court ruled
recently that employer can legitimately engage a private detective to
conduct an investigation on an employee's working activity when there is a
serious suspicion of any illegal activity against the employer (as in the
case of insider trading, breach of confidentiality, theft, etc.). Until
recently, the engagement of a private detective in labour investigations had
been permitted by judges only to the limited purpose of checking the
truthfulness of the employee's purported sickness, but not in other cases,
since the collection of any information which is not strictly related to the
performance of the employee's duties is severely banned by the law as a
criminal offence. See " Decision  <http://www.legge-e-giustizia.it/> 14383."
<mailto:carlo.marinelli@bakernet.com> carlo.marinelli@bakernet.com or
<mailto:umberto.percivalle@bakernet.com> umberto.percivalle@bakernet.com
Alert Date: 7/1/01

IT - REGIONAL ALLOCATION OF WORK PERMITS FOR NON-EU CITIZENS: The Italian
Ministry of Labour recently enacted an internal  <http://www.minlavoro.it/>
regulation which allocates to each Italian Regional administration the
number of work permits to be issued in favour of non-EU citizens. According
to law decree dated April 9, 2001, the total number of permits to be granted
at the national level for the current year is 50,000 for non-seasonal
self-employed and employed workers and 33,0000 for seasonal workers. See "
Work Permits
<http://www.comune.jesi.an.it/MV/gazzette_ufficiali/2001/113/3.htm> ."
<mailto:massimiliano.biolchini@bakernet.com>
massimiliano.biolchini@bakernet.com or
<mailto:paolo.petrosillo@bakernet.com> paolo.petrosillo@bakernet.com  Alert
Date: 7/1/01

IT - EMPLOYEE PRISONERS' RIGHT TO ANNUAL PAID HOLIDAYS: The Italian
Constitutional Court
<http://www.giustizia.it/cassazione/giurisprudenza/giuris.html>  recently
ruled that article 20, paragraph 16 of Law 354/1975 is unconstitutional
insofar as it does not grant a right to paid annual holidays to prisoners
who carry out any working activity within the jail's administration (as hard
labour was abolished in Italy decades ago). The Court determined that
article 35 of the Italian Constitution protects "every kind of working
activity" and that article 36 provides that "all employees have a right to
annual paid holidays that cannot be waived," irrespective of the peculiarity
of the working relationship and the conditions of its performance.
<mailto:massimiliano.biolchini@bakernet.com>
massimiliano.biolchini@bakernet.com or
<mailto:alessia.raimondo@bakernet.com> alessia.raimondo@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

NL - IT COMPANIES FAIL TO MEET STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS ON WORKS COUNCILS:
Many newly established IT companies have been found to have breached the
statutory requirement on setting up a works council. According to Dutch law,
a works council must be established when a company employs 50 or more
employees. Approximately 40 companies were recently inspected, more than
half of which failed to comply with the Dutch statutory requirements on
works councils. It also appears that many IT companies are unaware of Dutch
statutory requirements regarding the establishment of a works council.
<mailto:mirjam.a.de.blecourt@bakernet.com> mirjam.a.de.blecourt@bakernet.com
or  <mailto:mirjana.maric@bakernet.com> mirjana.maric@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

NL - INCREASE OF FEMALE EMPLOYEES: Recent reports state that the expansion
of jobs in Holland in the second half of 2000 is attributable to the female
workforce. During this period the total number of jobs increased by almost
60,000 to reach a total figure of 7.4 million jobs. On the other hand the
workforce is confronted with problems with long-term unemployed males who
will find it increasingly difficulty to find employment.
<mailto:karin.w.m.bodewes@bakernet.com> karin.w.m.bodewes@bakernet.com or
svenne.korthalsaltes@bakernet.com <mailto:svenne.korthalsaltes@bakernet.com>
Alert Date: 7/1/01

NL - LABOUR INSPECTION ON THE ROAD: Between the months of July and August of
2001, the Dutch Labour Inspection will visit approximately 1,300 companies
in order to evaluate their labour conditions. Special attention will be
given to employed minors. Targeted sectors will be the catering industry,
supermarkets, recreation parks, farms, laundry services, and healthcare.
<mailto:karin.w.m.bodewes@bakernet.com> karin.w.m.bodewes@bakernet.com or
<mailto:svenne.korthalsaltes@bakernet.com> svenne.korthalsaltes@bakernet.com
Alert Date: 7/1/01

NL - SOCIAL POLICY TEST OF COMPANIES: "FNV Bondgenoten," one of the largest
Dutch trade unions in the private sector, is going to test the social
aspects of company employment policies using a self-designed measuring
instrument called "Social Policy Test." FNV Bondgenoten intends to enter
into collective labor agreements only with companies that pursue sound
social employment policies.  <mailto:mirjam.a.de.blecourt@bakernet.com>
mirjam.a.de.blecourt@bakernet.com or  <mailto:steffan.j.dejong@bakernet.com>
steffan.j.dejong@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

PL - POLISH EMPLOYMENT GROUPS CREATE WORKFORCE INITIATIVE FOR 21ST CENTURY:
Recently, Polish employment groups signed an agreement that serves as the
foundation for the creation of the Staff of the 21st Century Initiative. The
stated goal of the 21st Century Initiative is to stimulate the development
and popularize knowledge of human resource management in Polish economic
organizations and institutions. The initiative will spread their message
through conferences and workshops promoting modern knowledge, preparing
problem-oriented expert opinions concerning human resource management, and
preparing and promoting publications on human resources. See " Focusing
<http://www.warsawvoice.pl/v658/Business00.html> On Human Capital."
<mailto:agnieszka.duda@bakernet.com> agnieszka.duda@bakernet.com or
<mailto:jerzy.skrzypowski@bakernet.com> jerzy.skrzypowski@bakernet.com
Alert Date: 7/1/01

RO - ROMANIAN TRADE UNION MEMBERS ADOPT HUNGER STRIKE: On June 15, 2001,
trade union leaders in Romania announced they will begin a hunger strike in
response to positions of the American owner of a steel plant in Resita,
which stopped steel production and refused to pay workers. The unionists
will continue to strike until steel production resumes and workers salaries
are paid. See " Union Members Adopt Hunger Strike
<http://www.imfmetal.org/imf/main/main_text.cfm?show=news&ID=1244> ."
<mailto:julie.borozda@bakernet.com> julie.borozda@bakernet.com or
<mailto:katerina.lewenbuk@bakernet.com> katerina.lewenbuk@bakernet.com
Alert Date: 7/1/01

RU - PROTESTERS DECLARE THAT GOVERNMENT'S VERSION OF THE LABOUR CODE
VIOLATES WORKERS' RIGHTS: On June 19, 2001, the Russian State Duma announced
that it was going to address the long-awaited Labour Code issue on July 5,
2001, as the government has now resolved its differences with the main
labour unions. In response to that announcement, two unions which objected
to the government's draft of the Labour Code organized protests in Moscow
and other cities in Russia. See " Protesters Declare Labor Code Won't Work
<http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2001/06/20/003.html> ."
<mailto:jean.brough@bakernet.com> jean.brough@bakernet.com or
<mailto:katerina.p.lewinbuk@bakernet.com> katerina.p.lewinbuk@bakernet.com
Alert Date: 7/1/01

RU - AIR CONTROLLERS STRIKE FOR BETTER PAY: On June 19, 2001, Russian air
traffic controllers participated in hunger strikes or called in sick.
According to their trade union, the workers chose these forms of protest
because the Russian Air Code forbids air traffic controllers to strike.
Salaries for air traffic controllers range from 1,500 rubles (approximately
US$51) to 16,000 rubles per month. See " Air Controllers Strike
<http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2001/06/20/061.html> ."
<mailto:carol.patterson@bakernet.com> carol.patterson@bakernet.com or
<mailto:katerina.p.lewinbuk@bakernet.com> katerina.p.lewinbuk@bakernet.com
Alert Date: 7/1/01

RU - AEROFLOT THREATENS TO STRIKE: An airline technicians' union issued
recent warnings to Aeroflot Airlines of a month-long strike on July 1, 2001,
if management does not respond to employees' demands of improved working
conditions and higher salaries. The union stated, however, that it would
abide by the court decision if Aeroflot succeeded in obtaining the court's
order on blocking the strike. See " Aeroflot Strike Threat
<http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2001/06/20/061.html> ."
<mailto:jean.brough@bakernet.com> jean.brough@bakernet.com or
<mailto:katerina.p.lewinbuk@bakernet.com> katerina.p.lewinbuk@bakernet.com
Alert Date: 7/1/01

SE - VOLVO CUTS STAFF AS RESULT OF EUROPEAN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN: On June 1,
2001, Volvo announced that it was cutting an unspecified number of jobs in
the coming weeks because of the slowing European economy. The company
announced that it would cut many jobs throughout Europe because of the
decreasing demand for heavy vehicle, bus, and construction machines. Volvo
announced that it would not make any cutbacks in U.S. factories, saying that
it expected an upturn during the fall of 2001." See " Volvo To Cut Staff
Because Of Economic Downturn In
<http://www.ananova.com/business/story/sm_310677.html?menu> Europe."
<mailto:sten.bauer@bakernet.com> sten.bauer@bakernet.com or
<mailto:niklas.lundquist@bakernet.com> niklas.lundquist@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

UK - TEACHERS UNION LEADERS CALL ON NEW LABOUR GOVERNMENT TO MAKE EDUCATION
A PRIORITY: On June 8, 2001, teachers' unions called upon the re-elected
Labour Government to make education a priority by reducing staff shortages
and making the teaching profession an attractive career again. Teacher union
leaders announced they would like to support the Labour Government's
attempts to raise standards in UK schools, but the unions are demanding that
teachers be given more support than they have in years past. The General
Secretary of the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women
Teachers demanded the new Labour Government provide a fair contract to
protect against excessive workloads, more support in dealing with
discipline, and improved pay. See " Shortage Warning From Teachers
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/education/newsid_1377000/1377711.stm> ."
<mailto:Christine.obrien@bakernet.com> christine.obrien@bakernet.com or
<mailto:john.evanson@bakernet.com> john.evanson@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

UK - UK UNION LEADER LAUNCHES WORKERS RIGHTS CAMPAGN: On June 9, 2001, a UK
union leader launched a campaign to ensure British employees the same legal
rights as those found elsewhere within the European Union. Roger Lyons,
representative of the Manufacturing, Science, and Finance Union (MSF), is
attempting to change the perception amongst businesses that Britain is soft
towards lay-offs by requiring that employers consult workers regarding
redundancies. This campaign comes in reaction to several recent substantial
job cuts that were made without consultation. The campaign by the MSF would
allow British unions to take employers to court for not consulting workers
before announcing cutbacks, as is already the case in the European Union.
See " New Workplace Rights Demanded
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/business/newsid_1379000/1379220.stm> ."
<mailto:sarah.gregory@bakernet.com> sarah.gregory@bakernet.com or
<mailto:ellen.temperton@bakernet.com> ellen.temperton@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

UK - SCOTTISH TEACHERS UNION VOTES TO BOYCOTT EXAM TESTING: On June 9, 2001,
members of Scotland's largest teaching union voted to boycott internal
assessments for students. The teachers expressed their dissatisfaction with
the new testing plans by voting to boycott the internal assessments, which
would put more emphasis on year-round pupil testing and require students
pass a minimum of three internal assessments before being allowed to sit for
the final exam. The teachers are concerned of the additional burden the
assessment plan puts on them as well as the students. See " Teachers Vote
For Boycott Of Exam Testing
<http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/0,,2-2001193972,00.html> ."
<mailto:christine.obrien@bakernet.com> christine.obrien@bakernet.com or
<mailto:ellen.temperton@bakernet.com> ellen.temperton@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

UK - BRITISH GOVERNMENT FACES SETBACK ON WORKERS RIGHTS: On June 8, 2001,
the UK faced a setback as it became apparent that a European Union (EU)
proposal regarding workers' rights was going to pass, a proposal fiercely
opposed by British industry. Britain has been steadfastly opposed to the EU
proposal which would require employers with more than 50 workers to consult
their employees before announcing cutbacks. The British Government had been
able to keep the issue from gaining support within the European Commission
by forming an alliance with Germany, Denmark, and Ireland, but recent
remarks by representatives from Denmark and Germany make it likely that a
compromise may be reached in the near future allowing the proposal to pass.
See " UK Faces Defeat On Workers
<http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/0,,2-2001193534,00.html> ' Rights."
<mailto:sarah.gregory@bakernet.com> sarah.gregory@bakernet.com or
<mailto:ellen.temperton@bakernet.com> ellen.temperton@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

UK - UK ACADEMICS AGREE TO PAY OFFER: On June 6, 2001, academics in the UK
voted to accept a pay deal that ensures a 4.3% pay raise and reforms the pay
scales for higher education. Members of Natfhe, the UK higher education
union, voted four-to-one in favor of the proposal, which will provide a
staged increase in wages beginning in September of 2001. Natfhe began
industrial actions in December of 2000 over pay raises and the restructuring
of the pay scale, but called off the strikes in February of 2001 after talks
began with employers. See " Academics Agree On Pay Offer
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/education/newsid_1373000/1373439.stm> ."
<mailto:michael.ingle@bakernet.com> michael.ingle@bakernet.com or
<mailto:christine.obrien@bakernet.com> christine.obrien@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

UK - LOCAL GOVERNMENT WORKERS ACCEPT PAY DEAL AND END THREAT OF STRIKES: On
June 5, 2001, local government workers accepted a pay deal that will raise
wages 3.5% over the next year, assuaging concerns of strike actions across
the UK. Approximately 1.2 million employees in Wales, England, and Northern
Ireland accepted the pay deal, brokered after months of tense negotiations
between union representatives and council bosses. Union leaders have called
the new deal a just settlement, but acknowledged that there is still much
work to be done to ensure that workers delivering vital services to their
communities receive a fair wage. See " Local Government Workers Accept Pay
Deal
<http://www.societyguardian.co.uk/localgovt/story/0,7890,501909,00.html> ."
<mailto:sarah.gregory@bakernet.com> sarah.gregory@bakernet.com or
<mailto:john.evason@bakernet.com> john.evason@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

UK - AIRLINE COMPENSATES PREGNANT STEWARDESSES: On June 5, 2001, British
Airways agreed to compensate over 500 stewardesses who were transferred to
lower-paid non-flight duties because they had become pregnant. British
Airways brokered a deal with the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU)
after three years of negotiations that will cost British Airways ?2.3
million. British Airways was forced to negotiate the claims after the TGWU
won an individual case in 1998. The airline had defended its policy of
insisting that female staff refrain from flying once they become aware they
are pregnant by saying that its concerns over health and safety are
reinforced by a European Union directive. See " ?2.3 Million Victory For
Pregnant Aircrew
<http://www.telegraph.co.uk/et?ac=005174948248396&rtmo=3HrAurxM&atmo=rrrrrrr
q&pg=/et/01/6/5/npreg05.html> ."  <mailto:sarah.gregory@bakernet.com>
sarah.gregory@bakernet.com or  <mailto:christine.obrien@bakernet.com>
christine.obrien@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

UK - EMPLOYERS CRACK DOWN ON NET SURFING EMPLOYEES: On June 6, 2001, a
recent survey of UK employers showed that 75% of information technology
managers and corporate internet users feel that monitoring and filtering
procedures are necessary. Increasing concerns over the amount of money and
time wasted every year on internet surfing have resulted in a booming of the
internet filtering industry. Many unions have opposed efforts by employers
to monitor the surfing, saying that these techniques are resulting in
intimidation and stress for employees. See " Company Crackdown On Staff Who
Surf <http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/business/newsid_1370000/1370956.stm>
."  <mailto:sarah.gregory@bakernet.com> sarah.gregory@bakernet.com or
<mailto:ellen.temperton@bakernet.com> ellen.temperton@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

UK - SCOTTISH SUPERMARKET STAFF TAKING ACTING LESSONS: On June 4, 2001,
Scottish supermarket staff began taking acting lessons to improve the way
they communicate with customers. Managers at Safeway stores in Edinburgh
will be the first in the UK to be trained by thespians to attract customers
to new areas where customers will be able to watch food made to order.
Presentation skills will be taught to all manner of employees in the store
to bring attention to new product lines of the business. Representatives at
the Transport and General Workers Union criticized the idea as "bonkers."
See " Supermarket Staff To Get Acting Lessons
<http://www.ananova.com/business/story/sm_315258.html> ."
<mailto:christine.obrien@bakernetcom> christine.obrien@bakernet.com or
<mailto:ellen.temperton@bakernet.com> ellen.temperton@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

UK - GAY CHUNNEL STAFF GET EQUAL TRAVEL RIGHTS: As of June 1, 2001, travel
concessions for Channel Tunnel staff are to be extended to same-sex
partners, following talks between operator Eurotunnel and the Transport and
General Workers' Union (TGWU). Eurotunnel staff and opposite-sex partners
have recently been able to qualify for tunnel shuttle train one-way fares of
just ?1, a concession now available for same-sex couples of three years or
more. Eurotunnel representatives said that they were delighted to enact the
measure, which removes discrimination between heterosexual and same-sex
relationships. See " Gay Chunnel Staff Get Equal Travel Rights
<http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_311904.html> ."
<mailto:ellen.temperton@bakernet.com> ellen.temperton@bakernet.com or
<mailto:john.evason@bakernet.com> john.evason@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

UK - LONDON UNDERGROUND STRIKE AVERTED AFTER AGREEMENT WITH UNION: On June
2, 2001, London Underground workers called an end to two days of planned
tube strikes following an agreement on jobs and safety. Representatives from
the Rail Maritime and Transport Union (RMTU) announced the cancellation of
the planned strikes after securing promises from London Underground
management that staff would not face compulsory redundancies or job cuts
which may undermine safety. The RMTU was concerned that proposals to
semi-privatise the tube would lead to job losses which would compromise
safety in the tunnel. See " Jobs Deal Ends Tube Strikes Threat
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4197082,00.html> ."
<mailto:peter.duff@bakernet.com> peter.duff@bakernet.com or
<mailto:michael.ingle@bakernet.com> michael.ingle@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

UK - NEW BLAIR REGIME PUTS MINIMUM WAGE AND UNION RECOGNITION AT TOP OF
LABOUR AGENDA: On June 8, 2001, after being elected to a second term as
British Prime Minister, Tony Blair said that workplace issues will be key to
his party's agenda. At the top of the agenda are an increase in minimum wage
and union recognition laws, which guarantee recognition if 40% of a
company's workers in a certain department vote for the union. See " Blair
<http://www.labour.org.uk/lp/new/labour/labour.wwv_main.main?p_full=1&p_lang
uage=us&p_cornerid=364783> 's Agenda."  <mailto:john.evason@bakernet.com>
john.evason@bakernet.com or  <mailto:christine.obrien@bakernet.com>
christine.obrien@bakernet.com  Alert Date: 7/1/01

UK - UK GOVERNMENT SITE DISCRIMINATES: An Australian web expert recently
made claims that the United Kingdom's government web site was poorly
designed and discriminated against users with disabilities. Tom Worthington,
an ANU academic, said that there are internationally recognized guidelines
on how to provide access to the web for disabled people that the UK has not
enforced. See " UK Government Site
<http://www.austarlianit.news.com,au/common.storyPage?0,3811,2103755%255E442
,00.html> ."  <mailto:sarah.gregory@bakernet.com> sarah.gregory@bakernet.com
or  <mailto:christine.obrien@bakernet.com> christine.obrien@bakernet.com
Alert Date: 7/1/01

UK - GOVERNMENT INCREASES MINIMUM PAY OF YOUTH: The National Minimum Wage
for "young people" is to be increased from ?3.20 an hour to ?3.50 an hour
from October of 2001. The government has accepted the Low Pay Commission's
recommendation, which means that 140,000 young people across the UK will see
their pay boosted by ?10.50 for a 35 hour week, a 9% increase. See " Young
Workers Get Pay Increase
<http://poltics.guardian.co.uk/tax/story/0,9061,510873,00.html> ."
<mailto:ellen.temperton@bakernet.com> ellen.temperton@bakernet.com or
<mailto:john.evason@bakernet.com> john.evason@bakernet.com  Alert Date:
7/1/01

UK - CITY BROKER SALES SETTLES NAZI UNIFORM CLAIM: In a highly publicised
claim by a former employee, City Broker Tullett & Tokyo Liberty, a city
broker, recently settled the claim made by a former employee, Laurent
Weinberger, who resigned after being given a different a job on less pay
after refusing to put on a Nazi uniform. His lawyer said the case was a
manifestation of a wider problem of a certain culture within the City of
London. The terms of the settlement remain confidential.
<mailto:sarah.gregory@bakernet.com> sarah.gregory@bakernet.com or
<mailto:christine.obrien@bakernet.com> christine.obrien@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

UK - GOVERNMENT TO PROMOTE DISPUTE RESOLUTION: New moves to encourage
dispute resolution and stem the rising number of employment disputes are to
be examined by the UK Government. A main objective will be to resolve
problems within the workplace rather than parties having to go through the
tribunal system. The government says it will look closely at the whole
process of employment dispute resolution and that the review will include
ways of fostering workplace solutions to resolve disputes before they
escalate to tribunal claims.  <mailto:john.evason@bakernet.com>
john.evason@bakernet.com or  <mailto:ellen.temperton@bakernet.com>
ellen.temperton@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

UK - ECJ FOLLOWS ADVOCATE GENERAL'S OPINION IN BECTU CASE: An earlier
Opinion of the Advocate General indicated that the UK provision whereby
holiday entitlement does not accrue during the first 13 weeks of employment
does not accord with the Working Time Directive has been followed recently
by the European Court of Justice. This will mean that workers engaged on
short term contracts will be entitled to take, or perhaps be recompensed for
untaken holidays during their brief periods of employment.
<mailto:sarah.gregory@bakernet.com> sarah.gregory@bakernet.com or
<mailto:ellen.temperton@bakernet.com> ellen.temperton@bakernet.com  Alert
Date: 7/1/01

UK - RADIO PRESENTER SACKED FROM BBC RADIO WALES BECAUSE HE WAS "TOO
ENGLISH": An award winning radio presenter who maintained that his show was
axed because he was insufficiently Welsh when the radio station was looking
for "welsh tonality" has brought a claim against BBC Radio Wales. While the
radio station maintains that the programme simply did not fit the station's
new agenda, this is just one more claim in a series of claims made by
English workers under the Race Relations Act.
<mailto:sarah.gregory@bakernet.com> sarah.gregory@bakernet.com or
<mailto:christine.obrien@bakernet.com> christine.obrien@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

UK - SCOTTISH COURT OF SESSION REVERSES DECISION ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION: In
an important decision for employers, the Scottish Court of Session has
reversed a Scottish EAT decision which held that discrimination on the basis
of sexual orientation fell within the Sex Discrimination Act 1975. The Court
of Session decision has confirmed that it does not.
<mailto:sarah.gregory@bakernet.com> sarah.gregory@bakernetcom or
<mailto:christine.obrien@bakernet.com> christine.obrien@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

UK - EUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICE RULES THAT UK EMPLOYERS MUST PROVIDE SHORT
TERM WORKERS WITH LEAVE: On June 26, 2001, the European Court of Justice
ruled that UK employers must provide short-term workers with a paid vacation
benefit or its cash equivalent. The British Chamber of Commerce has asserted
that extending paid leave to short-term workers would cause difficulties for
employers, particularly those that employ working parents. See "
Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematographic
<http://www.lawreports.co.uk/ecjjune0.3.htm> & Theatre Union v. Secretary Of
State For Trade And Industry."  <mailto:francois.gabriel@bakernet.com>
francois.gabriel@bakernet.com or  <mailto:john.evanson@bakernet.com>
john.evanson@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

Africa_Middle_EastAfrica/Middle East	 top
BH - TRAINING PLANS TO INTEGRATE BAHRAINIS INTO LABOUR MARKET: On June 23,
2001, the Ibn Khuldoon Social Centre in Arad announced the centre is
launching four new programmes designed to train and rehabilitate citizens in
the labour market. Several other social centers are following suit, offering
various training programmes intended to integrate Bahrainis into the job
market. See " Training For Bahraini Citizens
<http://www.bah-molsa.com/english/news23-6-2001a.htm> ."
<mailto:samir.hamza@bakernet.com> samir.hamza@bakernet.com or
<mailto:hazim.rizkana@bakernet.com> hazim.rizkana@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

BH - BAHRAIN CRACKS DOWN ON FREE VISA CYCLE: On June 26, 2001, Bahrain's
Labour and Social Affairs Minister announced a crack down on illegal visas.
The Government is offering a six month grace period for employers to apply
to legalise their workers, without penalty. See " Free Visa Crack Down
<http://www,bah-molsa.com/english/news26-6-2001a.htm> ."
<mailto:samir.hamza@bakernet.com> samir.hamza@bakernet.com or
<mailto:hazim.rizkana@bakernet.com> hazim.rizkana@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

CF - ACTIVISTS CLAIM THAT TRADE UNION RIGHTS ARE LACKING IN CENTRAL AFRICAN
REPUBLIC: Activists claim that the recent arrest of the General Secretary of
the Workers' Trade Union Centre of Central Africa (USTC) brings to light the
lack of respect for human rights in the Central African Republic. The USTC
is the country's largest national trade union centre and is one of five
national centres asking the Central African government to pay several months
worth of salary arrears owed to civil servants. See " Central African
Republic: Appeal For The Respect Of Trade
<http://www.icftu.org/displaydocument.asp?Language=EN&Index=991213014> Union
Rights."  <mailto:andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com> andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com
or  <mailto:william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com> william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com
Alert Date: 7/1/01

EG - EGYPTIAN WORKERS ABROAD WILL BE INSURED: Recently, Egypt's Prime
Minister announced that all Egyptian expatriate workers will need to have
insurance. He said that these expatriate workers are one of the country's
most important assets because they earn money for themselves and send
remittances back to Egypt, earning money for the national economy as well.
See " Egyptian Workers Will Get Insurance
<http://www.metimes.com/2K1/issue2001-23/bus/egyptian_workers_abroad.htm> ."
<mailto:hazim.rizkana@bakernet.com> hazim.rizkana@bakernet.com or
<mailto:samir.hamza@bakernet.com> samir.hamza@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

GA - GABON UNDER SCRUTINY BY WORLD UNION: On June 25, 2001, the
International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) published a report
asserting that Gabon is not complying with internationally recognised core
labour standards. The ICFTU report calls on the World Trade Organisation and
the International Labour Organisation to require Gabon to address the
problems of basic workers rights, especially freedom of association, the
right to collective bargaining, and safeguards against discrimination, child
labour, and forced labour. See " Gabon Under Scrutiny By World Union
<http://www.icftu.org/displaydocument.asp?Language=EN&Index=991213050> ."
<mailto:william.r.watson@bakernet.com> william.r.watson@bakernet.com or
<mailto:jorge.a.de.regil@bakernet.com> jorge.a.de.regil@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

KE - PENSION AND MEDICAL BENEFITS SET FOR REFORM: On June 11, 2001, the
Kenyan Government announced its intent to begin reforming pensions and
medical benefits to improve entitlements to its 425,000 public servants. The
government will begin two new studies, one to advise on options for
administering future pensions, and the other to determine the viability of
establishing medical insurance for these workers. See " Pension And Medical
Reforms <http://www.allafrica.com/stories/printable/200106140093.html> ."
<mailto:Andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com> andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com or
<mailto:william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com> william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

MW - CHILD LABOUR RAMPANT IN MALAWI'S TOBACCO INDUSTRY: On June 5, 2001, the
Chief Executive of the International Tobacco Growers in Africa, Garbbett
Thyangathya, admitted that the tobacco industry is employing children in
tobacco estates or in selling cigarettes at marketplaces to supplement their
families' income. The Ministry of Gender and Youth is now aware of the
situation and plans to implement measures to prosecute those that continue
to employ children in Africa. See " Tobacco Industry Employs Children
<http://www.allafrica.com/stories/200106050154.html> ."
<mailto:andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com> andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com or
<mailto:william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com> william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

NG - CHEVRON WORKERS PROTEST WELFARE PACKAGES: On June 18, 2001, workers of
Chevron Nigeria Limited became engaged in an industrial dispute with
management over welfare-related issues. The protest was directed at
resolving the negative impact of the on-going merger arrangement between
Chevron and Texaco on Nigerian workers. See " Workers Tackle Over Welfare
Packages <http://allafrica.com/stories/printable/200106180424.html> ."
<mailto:andrew.j.boling@bakernetcom> andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com or
<mailto:william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com> william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

NG - NLC WANTS SACKED CIVIL SERVANTS REINSTATED: The Nigeria Labour Congress
(NLC) has recently called on the Nigerian Government to release a report
reviewing cases of civil servants affected by cutbacks. The NLC is asking
that these workers be reinstated immediately. See " NLC Calls For Worker
Recall <http://allafrica.com.storeis/printable/200106250189.html> ."
<mailto:hazim.rizkana@bakernet.com> hazim.rizkana@bakernet.com or
<mailto:samir.hamza@bakernet.com> samir.hamza@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

SD - OIL COMPANIES ARE TARGETS IN THE WAR AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT: On June
23, 2001, the leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army
(APLM/A), John Garang, identified foreign oil companies and their workers as
"legitimate targets" in the war against the Khartoum government. Garang says
these oil companies are a threat to the APLM/A because they continue to
drill for oil in the region. See " Oil Companies
<http://allafrica.com/stories/printable/200106230042.html> 'Legitimate
Targets'."  <mailto:andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com>
andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com or  <mailto:william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com>
william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

SY - SYRIAN JOBLESS RATE IS AS LEAST 20 PERCENT: On June 7, 2001, economic
expert Nabil Marzuk announced that the unemployment rate in Syria had
reached 20% and could increase. Experts believe that Syria needs 6% annual
economic growth to absorb the 300,000 new workers that enter the market each
year or the unemployment rate will continue to increase. See " Unemployment
Rate In Syria
<http://www.metimes.com/2K1/issue2001-23/reg/syrian_jobless_rate.htm> ."
<mailto:Samir.hamza@bakernet.com> samir.hamza@bakernet.com or
<mailto:hazim.rizkama@bakernet.com> hazim.rizkama@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

SZ - ANTI-UNION DECREE INTERNATIONALLY CONDEMNED: On June 26, 2001,
following a report from the International Confederation of Free Trade Union
(ICFTU) condemning Swaziland for alleged non-union measures, news of
international solidarity has began to build momentum in the region. The
ICFTU report highlighted Swaziland's union rights record by focusing on
severe anti-union laws and actions. See " Anti-Union Decree Internationally
Condemned
<http://www.icftu.org/displaydocument.asp?Language=EN&Index=991213051> ."
<mailto:william.r.watson@bakernet.com> william.r.watson@bakernet.com or
<mailto:jorge.a.de.regil@bakernet.com> jorge.a.de.regil@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

TR - INTERNATIONAL UNION CRITICIZES NATIONAL SECURITY RATIONALE FOR BANNING
STRIKE ACTION: On June 8, 2001, the Turkish Government decreed a two-month
suspension of a major strike in the country's glass industry, basing its
decision upon concerns for national security. The International Federation
of Chemical Mine and General Workers' Union (ICEM) criticized the ban of the
strike action, saying that the Turkish Government routinely abuses its power
to cancel strikes using national security as a rationale. Union leaders have
called the rationale absurd, and have been actively courting international
support for the striking workers in Turkey. ICEM also criticized the
procedures for resolving labour disputes, saying that Turkey's official
arbitrators rarely decide a dispute in a union's favor. See " Turkish Glass
Strike Banned <http://www.icem.org/update/upd2001/upd01-37.html> ."
<mailto:akos.fehervary@bakernet.com> akos.fehervary@bakernet.com or
<mailto:geza.kajtar@bakernet.com> geza.kajtar@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

UG - SALARY SCALES TO CHANGE: On June 14, 2001, the Vice-President of Uganda
said that the government will begin to scale workers' salaries according to
the type of work performed. The Cabinet will discuss a policy aimed at
changing salaries so that civil servants working in risky areas, or for
longer hours, would be highly paid. Consequently, salaries for judges and
politicians would not increase until those in lower classes have coverage.
See " Salary Changes
<http://www.allafrica.com/stories/printable/200106140044.html> ."
<mailto:Andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com> andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com or
<mailto:william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com> william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com  Alert
Date: 7/1/01

ZA - NUMSA ISSUES 48-HOUR NOTICE FOR A STRIKE: On June 18, 2001, the
National Union of Metal Workers South Africa gave a 48-hour notice for a
protected strike at XStrata company in Rustenburg. NUMSA and the company
have thus far failed to resolve a two-month old dispute over a voluntary
separation package and the lay-off of 200 workers. See " Xstrata Prepares
For Strike <http://allafrica.com/stories/printable/200106180390.html> ."
<mailto:andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com> andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com or
<mailto:william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com> william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

ZM - SOCIAL SERVICES CRIPPLED BY THREE-WEEK STRIKE: The recent crisis in
Zambia has continued as schools, hospitals, and other government services
were damaged by the three-week long strike. An estimated 80,000 nurses,
teachers, and government workers began to strike in mid-May to gain a 100
percent increase in wages. Many of these public servants cannot afford to
eat two meals a day, as most are paid less than US$50 each month. See "
Crisis In Zambia Continues
<http://allafrica.com/stories/printable/200106140135.html> ."
karim.nassar@bakernet.com <mailto:Karim.nassar@bakernet.com>  or
<mailto:nassar.alfaraj@bakernet.com> nassar.alfaraj@bakernet.com  Alert
Date: 7/1/01

ZM - ZIMBABWEAN UNIONS WARN OF PROTESTS OVER FUEL: Zimbabwe's primary labour
federation, the Zimbabwe Confederation of Trade Unions, recently stated that
it feared a violent reaction if the government did not eliminate a 70
percent increase in the price of petrol. The trade unions also threatened a
two-day national strike to protest price increases on regular petrol,
diesel, and other fuels. See " Fuel Prices Sky-Rocket; Union Threatens
Protest
<http://www.iol.co.za/general/newsprint.php3?art_id=qw992694302839B251> ."
<mailto:andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com> andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com or
<mailto:william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com> william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

ZM - HEALTH WORKERS WILL NOT STRIKE: The NDOLA Central Hospital (NCH) nurses
and paramedics recently discarded ideas of going on strike after learning
that the Zambian Government has purportedly released K$187 million which may
be used to correct disparities in their salaries. See " Health Workers
Choose Not To Strike
<http://allafrica.com.stories/printable/200106250425.html> ."
<mailto:andrew.j.boling@bakernetcom> andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com or
<mailto:william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com> william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

ZM - ZCTU GIVES GOVERNMENT ULTIMATUM: The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions
(ZCTU) recently has given the Zambian Government a two month deadline to
resume operations at Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) and the Kafue
Textiles of Zambia (KTZ). The ZCTU blames economic structural reform
policies for the decline in living standards for the two industries. See "
ZCTU Issues Ultimatum
<http://allafrica.com/stories/printable/200106250166.html> ."
<mailto:andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com> andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com or
<mailto:william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com> william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

ZM - CSUZ AND STATE NEGOTIATING PAY INCREASE: On June 22, 2001, the Civil
Servants Union of Zambia (CSUZ) denied reports that the Zambian Government
had issued a 95 percent pay increase and should call off their current
strike. The CSUZ President stated that negotiations were still in progress
with the government. " Pay Increase Still In Works
<http://allafrica.com/stories/printable/200106250461.html> ."
<mailto:andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com> andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com or
<mailto:william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com> william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

ZW - ZIMBABWE WAR VETERANS CONTINUE COMPANY RAIDS: On June 5, 2001, the
Zimbabwe Federation of Trade Unions (ZFTU), a labour organization made up of
war veterans who fought against the white minority rule in the 1970's, took
over the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU). The ZCTU has been accused
of sacrificing workers jobs and supporting those that oppose Zimbabwe's
president. Joseph Chinotimba, the war veterans' leader, has made it known
that the ZFTU will represent the interests of the workers. See " Labour
Raids Continue <http://www.allafrica.com/stories/200106050293.html> ."
<mailto:andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com> andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com or
<mailto:william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com> william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

ZW - VETERANS' FARM SIEGE CONTINUES TO THREATEN JOBS AND OUTPUT: On June 5,
2001, war veterans continued their takeover of a farm in Bindura threatening
crop production, risking about US$90 million in annual aid, and potentially
leaving 400 employees without work. Some have speculated that this latest
takeover is politically motivated since it has been rumored that Elliot
Manyika, a candidate for the Bindura parliamentary, sanctioned this farm
invasion as part of his campaign. See " Vets
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200106050305.html> ' Farm Siege."
<mailto:andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com> andrew.j.boling@bakernet.com or
<mailto:william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com> william.j.dorsey@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

South_AmericaSouth America	 top
AR - PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION STRIKE PARALYZES ARGENTINA: On June 9, 2001,
Argentina's largest national strike in recent history continued as tens of
thousands of public transportation workers continued their work stoppage.
The union decided to call the strike after the Argentinine Government
refused to provide enough jobs and good wages for workers. Argentina's
employment situation has worsened in recent years, with the country in the
midst of a recession that has lasted three years and has dropped the
unemployment rate to 14.7%. See " Argentina Paralyzed By Strike
<http://sg.news.yahoo.com/010608/8/twvq.html> ."
<mailto:carlos.dodds@bakernet.com> carlos.dodds@bakernet.com or
<mailto:daniel.orlansky@bakernet.com> daniel.orlansky@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

AR - PRELIMINARY DETECTION IS INCORPORATED INTO MANDATORY MEDICAL PROGRAM:
Recently, a new law pertaining to health insurance providers was
incorporated into the Argentine Mandatory Medical Program. Resolution 939/00
establishes that health insurance providers and their associations have a
duty to include new provisions of hearing aids and hearing prosthesis, as
well as hearing and speech rehabilitation therapy into their benefits
packages. See " Resolution 939/00
<http://www.bakernet.com/gel/articles/Argentina Law 25-415.doc> ."
<mailto:carlos.dodds@bakernet.com> carlos.dodds@bakernet.com or
<mailto:micaela.geiderman@bakernet.com> micaela.geiderman@bakernet.com
Alert Date: 7/1/01

AR - EXECUTIVE ORDER REGULATES WORKERS COMPENSATION: Argentina recently
enacted Executive Order 410/01, which regulates various aspects of worker's
compensation law. The new Executive Order addresses pension benefits,
prevention programs, and health issues. See " Executive Order 410/01
<http://www.bakernet.com/gel/articles/Argentina Executive Order 410-01.doc>
."  <mailto:daniel.orlansky@bakernet.com> daniel.orlansky@bakernet.com or
<mailto:micaela.geiderman@bakernet.com> micaela.geiderman@bakernet.com
Alert Date: 7/1/01

AR - DECREE REGULATES LAW 25.191: A decree recently passed in Argentina
regulates Law 25.191, which creates the National Register of Rural Workers
and Employers and implements mandatory use of the booklet of rural workers.
See " Decree Law <http://www.bakernet.com/gel/articles/Argentina Decree
453-01.doc> ."  <mailto:daniel.orlansky@bakernet.com>
daniel.orlansky@bakernet.com or  <mailto:carlos.dodds@bakernet.com>
carlos.dodds@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

AR - EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES ARE REGULATED: Argentina recently enacted a new law
to enforce provisions of an agreement establishing laws for employment
agencies. See " Executive Order 489/01
<http://www.bakernet.com/gel/articles/Argentina Executive Order 489-01.doc>
."  <mailto:micaela.geiderman@bakernet.com> micaela.geiderman@bakernet.com
or  <mailto:carlos.dodds@bakernet.com> carlos.dodds@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

AR - LAW ORDERS CREATION OF ADVISORY UNIT: Argentine legislators recently
enacted Regulation 222/01, which orders the creation of an Advisory Unit of
Medical Commissions that will issue preliminary legal opinions for settling
labor disputes. See " Regulation 222/01
<http://www.bakernet.com/gel/articles/Argentina Regulation 222-01.doc> ."
<mailto:daniel.orlansky@bakernet.com> daniel.orlansky@bakernet.com or
<mailto:micaela.geiderman@bakernet.com> micaela.geiderman@bakernet.com
Alert Date: 7/1/01

BO - BOLIVIAN MINERS CLASH WITH POLICE: On June 9, 2001, almost 5,000
Bolivian miners clashed with police and used explosives to destroy parts of
a courthouse in La Paz. The miners, who came from all across Bolivia to
demand that the Bolivian Government provide financing and equipment to help
revive the mining industry, invaded La Paz' main plaza and shouted
criticisms at Bolivian President Hugo Banzer. The miners are employed by
cooperatives that have been affected by the Bolivian economic slump, and
have insisted that they would remain in La Paz until their demands have been
met. See " Miners Wreak Havoc <http://sg.news.yahoo.com/010609/8/u2w0.html>
."  <mailto:manuel.diaz@bakernet.com> manuel.diaz@bakernet.com or
<mailto:carlos.felce@bakernet.com> carlos.felce@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

BR - LABOUR COURT HOLDINGS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET: The Superior Court
(TST) will allow a database of legal decisions from TST and the regional
labour courts to be available on TST's website. The database may be accessed
at www.tst.gov.br/brs/juni.html <http://www.tst.gov.br/brs/juni.html> .
<mailto:sergio.caiuby@bakernet.com> sergio.caiuby@bakernet.com or
<mailto:augusto.m.dias-netto@bakernet.com> augusto.m.dias-netto@bakernet.com
Alert Date: 7/1/01

CL - LABOR UNITES AGAINST U.S.: On June 8, 2001, U.S. and Chilean trade
union officials said labour groups from both countries are taking a united
stance to fight proposed free trade agreements that do not include
sufficient protection for workers. Trade Unions have met with members of the
U.S. Congress to urge further debate on the matter and to encourage both
nations to release details of the negotiations to the public. See "
U.S.-Chile  <http://www.aflcio.org/globaleconomy/ftaa.pdf> Free Trade
Pacts."  <mailto:ricardo.oavalle@bakernet.com> ricardo.oavalle@bakernet.com
or  <mailto:ignacio.garcia@bakernet.com> ignacio.garcia@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

CL - CHILE TRADE UNIONS RESPOND TO GLOBALISATION: The Labour and Society
Programme of Chile recently published a response to globalization from a
trade union perspective. The composition begins with a historical account of
how Chile enters the process of globalization, democracy and development in
Chile, and finally the new directions of social and economic development.
<mailto:Fernando.saenz@bakernet.com> fernando.saenz@bakernet.com or
<mailto:ricardo.ovalle@bakernet.com> ricardo.ovalle@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

CO - THOUSANDS OF COLOMBIANS PROTEST IMF BUDGET REFORMS: On June 8, 2001,
thousands of Colombian teachers, state workers, and students protested
budget reforms mandated in the agreements between Colombia and the
International Monetary Fund (IMF). The protests were against a new law that
would control the growth of federal payments to states and municipalities.
Over 300,000 teachers and 125,000 public health workers have been striking
since May of 2001 to protest the proposal, enacted as part of a
deficit-cutting agreement with the IMF in return for loan assistance. See "
Colombia  <http://sg.news.yahoo.com/010608/8/tnl1.html> Hit By Huge
Protests."  <mailto:antonio.duarte@bakernet.com> antonio.duarte@bakernet.com
or  <mailto:jorge.rodriquez@bakernet.com> jorge.rodriquez@bakernet.com
Alert Date: 7/1/01

CO - COLUMBIAN TRADE UNIONIST ASSASSINATED: On June 22, 2001, the president
of the National Union of Drinks Industry Workers of Columbia, Oscar Dario
Soto, was assassinated. The International Union of Food (IUF) has written to
the president of Columbia asking for a thorough investigation into the
matter. See " Trade  <http://www.iuf.org/iuf/index.html> Unionist
Assassinated."  <mailto:antonio.duarte@bakernet.com>
antonio.duarte@bakernet.com or  <mailto:jorge.rodriguez@bakernet.com>
jorge.rodriguez@bakernet.com  Alert Date: 7/1/01

CO - GLOBAL UNIONS URGE ILO INQUIRY: Global unions have recently called on
the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to investigate the alleged
widespread murder and abduction of trade unionists in Columbia. The unions
are asking the ILO to investigate all aspects of trade union rights in
Columbia, especially looking into the government's hesitation to take
measures guaranteeing the security of trade unionists. See " Unions
<http://www.icem.org/update/upd2001/upd01-38.html> Ask ILO For Help."
<mailto:j.richard.hammet@bakernet.com> j.richard.hammet@bakernet.com or
<mailto:antonio.duarte@bakernet.com> antonio.duarte@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

PE - UNIONS FEARFUL OVER POTENTIAL ECONOMICS MINISTER: On June 8, 2001,
Peruvian labour leaders became fearful over the possibility that Pedro Pablo
Kuczynski may take over the economics ministry in the incoming government.
Labour leaders fear that Kuczynski would trample workers rights, saying that
he has indicated in the past that job security for workers is not a major
concern for him. Influential members of the financial system were pressing
for Peruvian President-elect Alejandro Toledo to name Kuczynski as head of
the economics ministry, saying that he is the only salvation of the country
after months of corruption scandals. See " Peru
<http://www.montereyca.com/rc/business/docs/08985014.htm> 's Unions Fear
Kuczynski As Economics Minister."  <mailto:manuel.diaz@bakernet.com>
manuel.diaz@bakernet.com or  <mailto:carlos.felce@bakernet.com>
carlos.felce@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

VE - VENEZUELAN UNIONS DEMAND 38% INCREASE IN MINIMUM WAGE: On June 5, 2001,
Venezuelan labour unions demanded a 38% increase in the minimum wage, to an
minimum of 200,000 bolivars per month for workers. Even though a 10%
increase is expected to be decreed soon, the Venezuelan unions have rejected
this amount as too small, saying it would only allow the average Venezuelan
family of five to cover 70% of basic food costs. The business sector is
opposed to further rises in the minimum wage, saying that the foundering
state of the Venezuelan economy could not support such a large increase. See
" Venezuela Unions Demand 38% Minimum Wage Hike
<http://sg.biz.yahoo.com/010605/15/s8tl.html> ."
<mailto:manuel.diaz@bakernet.com> manuel.diaz@bakernet.com or
<mailto:carlos.felce@bakernet.com> carlos.felce@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

VE - VENEZUELAN UNION SEEKS SUPPORT: On June 7, 2001, the International
Metalworkers Federation (IMFed) asked its affiliates to support striking
members of the Venezuelan steelworkers union SUTISS. The IMFed is seeking
support for SUTISS, which for six months has unsuccessfully attempted to
engage the management at the SIDOR steel plant in discussions over pay and
working conditions. The IMFed also criticizes the leadership of Venezuelan
President Hugo Chavez, mostly for his anti-union policies and demands upon
the Venezuelan trade unions. See " Striking Steelworkers Need Support
<http://www.imfmetal.org/imf/main/main_text.cfm?show=news&ID=1187> ."
<mailto:manuel.diaz@bakernet.com> manuel.diaz@bakernet.com or
<mailto:carlos.felce@bakernet.com> carlos.felce@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

North_AmericaNorth America	 top
CA - GLOBAL-GIX CANADA INC. FINED CA$64,000 FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY
VIOLATIONS: Global-Gix Canada, Inc., a company that shreds metal prior to
its disposal or reuse in industry, was recently fined CA$64,000 for a
violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. After an employee
suffered serious head injuries from using a machine, Global-Gix Canada, Inc.
pleaded guilty to failing to shield or guard the shredding machine so that
material being processed could not endanger a worker. See " Global-Gix
<http://www.gov.on.ca/LAB/ann/01-31e.htm> Fined For Safety Violations."
<mailto:kevin.b.coon@bakernet.com> kevin.b.coon@bakernet.com or
<mailto:william.r.watson@bakernet.com> william.r.watson@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

CA - NEWMONT CANADA LIMITED FINED CA$75,000 FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY VIOLATION:
On June 11, 2001, Newmont Canada Limited, an Ontario corporation that owns
and operates Golden Giant Mine, was fined CA$75,000 for a violation of the
Occupational Health and Safety Act when a worker suffered serious eye
injuries. The company pleaded guilty to failing to take reasonable
precaution of requiring a worker to wear a full face shield or other
equipment that would protect him from facial damages. See " Newmont Fined
<http://www.gov.on.ca/LAB/ann/01-32e.htm> For Safety Violation."
<mailto:kevin.b.coon@bakernet.com> kevin.b.coon@bakernet.com or
<mailto:william.r.watson@bakernet.com> william.r.watson@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

CA - TRIBUNAL TO EXAMINE WHETHER HATE MESSAGES ON A WEB SITE CREATE EMPLOYER
LIABILITY FOR DISCRIMINATION: In Vancouver, a tribunal will look into the
complaint of Mark Schnell who claims that Machiavelli and Associates Emprize
Inc. and John Micka discriminated against him by communicating messages on a
Web site that are likely to expose persons to hatred and contempt based on
their sexual orientation. Mr. Schnell visited the Web site in question on
numerous occasions, noting the offensive and derogatory nature of the
comments, as well as the implication that homosexuals are pedophiles. See "
Hate Messages <http://www.chrc-ccdpca/news-comm/2001/NewsComm310501.asp?l=e>
."  <mailto:david.t.cote@bakernet.com> david.t.cote@bakernet.com or
<mailto:cheryl.j.elliott@bakernet.com> cheryl.j.elliott@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

CA - CANADIAN UNEMPLOYMENT RATE UNCHANGED: On June 8, 2001, Statistics
Canada reported the unemployment rate and size of labour force in Canada
remained at 7% for the third consecutive month. This leaves employment up
0.3% over the first five months of 2001. See " Canadian Unemployment Rate
Unchanged <http://www.statcan.ca/english/econoind/lfsadj.htm> ."
<mailto:david.t.cote@bakernet.com> david.t.cote@bakernet.com or
<mailto:stewart.d.saxe@bakernet.com> stewart.d.saxe@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

CA - CANADIAN EMPLOYERS FACE SHORTAGE OF IT WORKERS: On June 6, 2001, Paul
Swinwood, president of Software Human Resource Council, reported that based
on several recent surveys, Canadian employers are facing a severe shortage
of qualified information technology workers. Swinwood also reported that
there are no indications of a slow down in the market. See " Survey
<http://www.shrcca/lmi/SHRC-conferenceboard.pdf> Of IT Occupations."
<mailto:stewart.d.saxe@bakernet.com> stewart.d.saxe@bakernet.com or
<mailto:cheryl.j.elliott@bakernet.com> cheryl.j.elliott@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

CA - RULING ON ARBITRATOR'S DUTIES: On June 19, 2001, the Ontario Court of
Appeal ruled in Parry Sound v. OPS on an arbitrator's right and obligation
to interpret and apply employment-related statutes outside the Labour
Relations Act. The ruling indicated that arbitrators have broad powers in
deciding such questions. See " Parry Sound v. OPS
<http://www.ontariocourts.on.ca/decisions/2001/june/parryC34171.htm> ."
<mailto:neal.sommer@bakernet.com> neal.sommer@bakernet.com or
<mailto:kevin.coon@bakernet.com> kevin.coon@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

CA - NEW HOLIDAY OBSERVANCE: Canada's National holiday, Canada Day, will be
observed on July 2, 2001. Ordinarily Canada Day is observed on July 1 in
each year (the anniversary of Confederation), but because July 1, 2001 is a
Sunday, the holiday will be observed on Monday July 2, 2001. Each province
establishes rules for employees' eligibility for a paid holiday, and this
holiday is no exception. See " Canada
<http://www.gov.on.ca/LAB/ann/01-30fe.htm> Day."
<mailto:neal.sommer@bakernet.com> neal.sommer@bakernet.com or
<mailto:stewart.saxe@bakernet.com> stewart.saxe@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

CA - BILL 68 PASSES AND WORKERS PROMISE DEFIANCE: The Nova Scotia
Government's anti-strike legislation, Bill 68, was passed on June 27, 2001,
but a union representing health-care workers is urging its members to defy
the legislation and stay on the picket line. The bill makes it illegal to
continue to strike. Anyone who violates it faces stiff penalties and fines
that could be up to CA$2000 a day. The bill also gives the provincial
cabinet power to impose a wage settlement. See " Bill 68
<http://www.halifax2.cbc.ca/cgi-bin/templates/view.cgi?/news/2001/06/27/ns_b
ill68pass010627> ."  <mailto:david.t.cote@bakernet.com>
david.t.cote@bakernet.com or  <mailto:cheryl.j.elliott@bakernet.com>
cheryl.j.elliott@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

CA - GOVERNMENT ACTS WILL LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD FOR CONTRACTORS: On June
14, 2001, Canadian Labour Minister Chris Stockwell announced that Ontario
will be taking action to level the playing field for contractors and bulk
truckers by making certain that all will pay their fair share of insurance
premiums and retail sales taxes. See " Act Evens
<http://www.gov.on.ca/LAB/ann/01-33e.htm> Playing Field."
<mailto:stewart.d.saxe@bakernet.com> stewart.d.saxe@bakernet.com or
<mailto:cheryl.j.elliot@bakernet.com> cheryl.j.elliot@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

MX - U.S. LIFTS SOME LIMITS ON MEXICAN CARRIERS: On June 6, 2001, the Bush
Administration announced that Mexican firms with operations in the United
States may apply for authority to provide truck services for the
transportation of international cargo. These firms may also apply to provide
bus services between certain points in the United States. The announcement
is an attempt to meet NAFTA provisions imposed in 1995. See " Restrictions
Lifted On Mexican Carriers <http://www.teamstersjc40.com/the.htm> ."
<mailto:manuel.limon@bakernet.com> manuel.limon@bakernet.com or
<mailto:rene.x.perez-ruiz@bakernet.com> rene.x.perez-ruiz@bakernet.com
Alert Date: 7/1/01

MX - WORLD BANK ENCOURAGES MEXICO TO END COLLECTIVE CONTRACTS AND LABOUR
BENEFITS: Representatives of the World Bank recently submitted a report to
Mexican President Vicente Fox including recommendations on labour policy and
for increasing the flexibility of Mexican labour. The report recommends the
elimination of regulations requiring severance pay, collective bargaining,
exclusion contracts, benefits, and employer payments to social security and
housing plans. The report suggested that North American investors who would
otherwise be attracted to Mexico under NAFTA regulations are put off by
domestic regulations, and that the elimination of many of these regulations
as well as making Mexican salary schemes more flexible, would encourage
economic growth throughout Mexico. See " World Bank Urges End To Collective
Contracts And Labour
<http://www.labourstart.org/cgi-bin/lnn/db.cgi?db=default&uid=default&ID=558
&view_records=1> Benefits In Mexico."  <mailto:manual.limon@bakernet.com>
manual.limon@bakernet.com or  <mailto:jorge.de.regil@bakernet.com>
jorge.de.regil@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

MX - MEXICAN AIRLINE STRIKE ENDS: On June 2, 2001, flight attendants for
Mexico's largest airline ended a two-day strike that stranded thousands of
passengers throughout Mexico. The flight attendants accepted a new contract
that will raise wages 9.5% after negotiations that lasted more than six
hours. AeroMexico originally had offered a 6.5% salary increase, while the
flight attendant union was looking for a 30% increase. The strike by the
1,500 flight attendants caused the cancellation of over 250 flights and cost
AeroMexico over US$10.2 million in lost business. See " Mexico Airline
Strike Ends
<http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20010602/bs/mexico_airline_strike_5.html>
."  <mailto:francisco.j.legarreta@bakernet.com>
francisco.j.legarreta@bakernet.com or
<mailto:jorge.a.de.regil@bakernet.com> jorge.a.de.regil@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

MX - MEXICO AND THE U.S. ANNOUNCE PLANS TO REDUCE MIGRANT DEATHS: On June
22, 2001, leaders from Mexico and the U.S. announced plans to reduce the
number of illegal migrant deaths through increased border security and
revisions of border policies. See " Mexican Migration
<http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2001/index.cfm?docid=3733> ."
<mailto:betsy.morgan@bakernet.com> betsy.morgan@bakernet.com or
<mailto:lynda.s.zengerle@bakernet.com> lynda.s.zengerle@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

US - NAVAL RESERVE MEMBER TRANSFERRED TO LESS FAVORABLE JOB HAS CASE
REINSTATED UNDER USERRA: In a recent ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for
the Fourth Circuit determined that a U.S. Naval Reserve member who was
transferred to a job with less favorable working conditions upon his return
from military leave is entitled to go to trial on his claim that his
transfer was motivated by his military obligations. The case was decided
under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994
(USERRA), which prohibits adverse employment actions where the employee's
military status is a motivating factor in the decision. See " Hill v.
Michelin North America, Inc.
<http://pacer.ca4.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/getopn.pl?OPINION=002202.P> "
<mailto:richard.tuschman@bakernet.com> richard.tuschman@bakernet.com or
<mailto:neil.mcguinness@bakernet.com> neil.mcguinness@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

US - DISCHARGE OF SUPERVISOR WHO ACCOMMODATED DISABLED EMPLOYEE VIOLATED
ADA: In Foster v. Time Warner Entertainment Co.
<http://www.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/01/05/002734P.pdf> , the U.S.Court of
Appeals for the Eighth Circuit recently affirmed a verdict of US$244,500 to
a supervisor who was fired because she made scheduling accommodations for an
epileptic employee. The plaintiff was also awarded punitive damages of
US$136,000 because there was evidence that management disregarded the
company's interna
l policy on the Americans With Disabilities Act.
<mailto:jill.s.walschlager@bakernet.com> jill.s.walschlager@bakernet.com or
<mailto:kevin.s.simon@bakernet.com> kevin.s.simon@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

US - SEVENTH CIRCUIT RULES THAT EMPLOYEE INELIGIBLE FOR STATUTORY FMLA LEAVE
HAS CONTRACTUAL FMLA RIGHTS: In a recent decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals
for the Seventh Circuit ruled that an employee who was ineligible for leave
under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) (because her employer
employed less than 50 employees within 75 miles of the store in which the
employee worked) nevertheless had contractual FMLA rights under her
employer's Summary Plan Description (SPD) of employee benefits. The court
held that because the SPD promised employees FMLA rights without any
jurisdictional requirement, and because the company acted as if the employee
had FMLA rights (by supplying her with FMLA forms to fill out), the SPD was
an enforceable contract that gave the employee the right to request leave
under the FMLA. See " Thomas v. Pearle Vision, Inc.
<http://www.ca7.uscourts.gov/fox/foxweb.exe/Op3?submit1=showop&caseno=00-368
1> "  <mailto:peter.j.gillespie@bakernet.com> peter.j.gillespie@bakernet.com
or  <mailto:craig.r.annunziata@bakernet.com> craig.r.annunziata@bakernet.com
Alert Date: 7/1/01

US - SEVENTH CIRCUIT THROWS OUT SYMPHONY EMPLOYEE'S HARASSMENT CLAIM: The
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit recently affirmed summary
judgment for the Northwest Indiana Symphony Society in a case where a former
male employee claimed harassment by his female supervisor. The court held
that the plaintiff failed to establish a hostile work environment because
only someone "mysteriously aloof from contemporary American popular culture
in all its sex-saturated vulgarity" would find the alleged harasser's
actions substantially distressing. See " Male vs. Female Harassment
<http://www.ca7.uscourts.gov/fox/foxweb.exe/Op3?yr=99&num=4018&Submit1=Reque
st+Opinion> ."  <mailto:gerald.l.maatman@bakernet.com>
gerald.l.maatman@bakernet.com or  <mailto:lisa.s.brogan@bakernet.com>
lisa.s.brogan@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

US - DEPARTMENT OF LABOR SETS UP HOTLINE FOR NUCLEAR ENERGY WORKERS: The
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently established a toll-free hotline at
866-888-3322 to field calls from nuclear energy workers seeking information
on a new compensation program that will provide benefits for workers who
became ill after being exposed to toxic substances on the job. See " DOL
<http://www.dol.gov/cgi-bin/consolid.pl?media+press> Program For Nuclear
Workers."  <mailto:Brian.s.arbetter@bakernet.com>
brian.s.arbetter@bakernet.com or  <mailto:j.richard.hammet@bakernet.com>
j.richard.hammet@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

US - LOUISIANA MOVES ONE STEP CLOSER TO BANNING GENETIC BIAS: The Louisiana
Senate approved a bill recently that bans employment discrimination on the
basis of an employee's genetic information. The bill, which had previously
been passed by the House, now goes to the state's governor for approval. See
" Louisiana Genetic Discrimination Ban
<http://www.legis.state.la.us/leg_docs/01RS/CVT3/OUT/0000ITOD.PDF> ."
<mailto:charlene.s.tsang@bakernet.com> charlene.s.tsang@bakernet.com or
<mailto:david.quan@bakernet.com> david.quan@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

US - BIRTHDATES MAY BE USED AS TIEBREAKER IN AWARDING PROMOTIONS: The U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit recently upheld Chicago's use of
employees' birthdates as a tiebreaker in making certain promotion decisions.
The court determined that the city's practice of promoting the older
employee with the same credentials and seniority was not discriminatory. The
court noted that using date of birth as a tie breaker promoted a uniform
policy and was widely accepted as fair. See " Birthday Tie-Breaker
<http://www.ca7.uscourts.gov/fox/foxweb.exe/Op3?yr=00&num=3536&Submit1=Reque
st+Opinion> ."  <mailto:michael.a.pollard@bakernet.com>
michael.a.pollard@bakernet.com or  <mailto:gina.knight@bakernet.com>
gina.l.knight@bakernet.com   Alert Date: 7/1/01

US - EROSION IN EMPLOYEE SPONSORED HEALTH BENEFITS: The U.S. Government
Accounting Office recently released a report showing that despite a
sustained economy and several years of low rates of increase in health
insurance premiums, there is a continuing decline in the availability of
employer-sponsored retiree health benefits. See " Retiree Health
<http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d01374.pdf> Benefits: Employer-Sponsored
Benefits May Be Vulnerable To Further Erosion."
<mailto:maura.ann.mcbreen@bakernet.com> maura.ann.mcbreen@bakernet.com or
<mailto:david.w.ellis@bakernet.com> david.w.ellis@bakernet.com   Alert Date:
7/1/01

US - MORE WORKERS LOSE JOBS: The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor
Statistics reported that although the total number of mass lay-offs declined
in April of 2001, the average size of each lay-off was larger than in March
and thus the number of workers losing jobs increased from 171,466 in March
to 175,064 in April. See " Mass
<http://stats.bls.gov/news.release/mmls.toc.htm> Lay-Offs."
<mailto:brian.s.arbetter@bakernet.com> brian.s.arbetter@bakernet.com or
<mailto:steve.a.miller@bakernet.com> steve.a.miller@bakernet.com  Alert
Date: 7/1/01

US - IMMIGRANT WORKERS TO PROCEED WITH CLASS ACTION MINIMUM WAGE SUIT: A
federal judge for the U.S. District Court in Southern District of New York
ruled recently that unskilled immigrant workers who are allegedly paid US$1
to US$2 an hour for delivering grocery and drug store orders can proceed
with class action claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act and New York
State law. See " Ansoumana v. Gristede's Operating Corp
<http://www.nysd.uscourts.gov/courtweb/pdf/D02NYSC/01-06186.PDF> ."
<mailto:robert.p.lewis@bakernet.com> robert.p.lewis@bakernet.com or
<mailto:michael.a.duffy@bakernet.com> michael.a.duffy@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

US - PREMIUM VISA APPLICATION PROCESSING: On June 1, 2001, the U.S.
Immigration and Naturalization Service launched a new premium processing
service for employment-based visas in which it guarantees that applications
will be processed within 15 calendar days for a US$1,000 fee. See "
Establishing Premium Processing Service For Employment Based
<http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2001_register&doc
id=01-13566-filed> Petitions And Applications."
<mailto:betsy.s.morgan@bakernet.com> betsy.s.morgan@bakernet.com or
<mailto:lynda.zengerle@bakernet.com> lynda.zengerle@bakernet.com   Alert
Date: 7/1/01

US - SUPREME COURT INVALIDATES PORTION OF NLRB'S TEST FOR DETERMINING
WHETHER AN EMPLOYEE IS A SUPERVISOR AND THUS EXEMPT FROM UNIONIZATION: The
U.S. Supreme Court recently issued a decision rejecting, in part, the
National Labor Relations Board's test for determining supervisory status
under the National Labor Relations Act. This decision is significant because
employees who are deemed to be supervisors under the Act are exempt from its
coverage, and thus from unionization. Specifically, the Supreme Court
invalidated the Board's practice of excluding employees from the definition
of "supervisor" where they exercise ordinary professional or technical
judgment in directing less-skilled employees to deliver services in
accordance with employer-specified standards. See " NLRB Supervisor Case
<http://a257g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/29may20011200/www.supremecourtus.gov
/opinions/00pdf/99-1815.pdf> ."  <mailto:brian.s.arbetter@bakernet.com>
brian.s.arbetter@bakernet.com or  <mailto: