Stories about Labor
BJP-led Assam state in India criticized for failed promises ahead of elections
The BJP was elected in the rural state in 2016 on promises to create jobs and clean up corruption. Four years on, the government faces shortcomings on both fronts.
COVID-19 leaves Indian tea workers struggling for survival
The Indian tea industry is facing losses that hamper the already tenuous well-being of labourers, whose stark economic reality has led them getting back to work during the COVID-19 lockdown.
A never-ending cycle of doctors’ strikes and funding debacles leaves Nigerians at the mercy of the pandemic
Events such as doctors’ strikes and funding debacles are bound to recur until the root cause of the problem is exorcised from Nigeria's public health system.
Liberian fishing communities stand up to Chinese supertrawlers
Liberian fishing communities are threatened by Chinese supertrawlers capable of catching about twice the nation’s sustainable catch — potentially decimating vital fish stocks in just a few years.
Out of work, out of options: Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand scrape by during COVID-19
"Since my workplace was closed, I don’t have much money left, I don’t know where to find work. I live in a construction camp with my 4-year-old son."
Tears and rage after Congress rejects franchise renewal of the Philippines’ biggest media network
"Our dreams and future, these are the things they took away from us. I’ve worked so hard for this. But it’s gone in an instant. You are inhumane!”
‘Invisible hands': How millions of domestic workers fare under COVID-19
"We are the invisible hands. Our work is not valued. We don’t exist for the families we serve nor do we exist for the state."
Fruit picking in a pandemic: Europe's precarious migrant workers
Despite COVID-19, Eastern European seasonal labourers continued to toil on farms and in factories as before — sparking a fierce debate about the rights of migrants in wealthier EU states.
Indians create awareness with #DalitLivesMatter
Inspired by the activity of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, Indians are paying attention to one of the country's most disadvantaged populations.
Network marketing in Tanzania turns billionaire dreams into nightmares
Network marketing companies have mushroomed in Tanzania over the last five years, preying on vulnerable youth with billionaire dreams that often end in huge financial losses.
Harrowing tales from African domestic workers in Lebanon
African domestic workers are essentially slaves in the Gulf and Arab countries, under the Kafala sponsorship system that allows this exploitation and abuse to continue.
Afghan migrants continue to die in the hands of Iranian authorities
While millions of Afghans have found refuge in neighboring Iran, some of them also die in the hands of Iranian authorities as they cross the country to reach Europe.
Labour, migrant rights under spotlight as Thailand wrestles with COVID-19 impact
Fearing instability, the Thai government is failing to protect the labor rights of both Thai nationals and migrant workers.
Stranded Nepali migrant workers protest to return home, Nepali government drags its feet
Nepal's government tries to stall repatriating migrant workers stranded abroad.
Truck drivers blamed for spread of COVID-19 in East Africa
Truck drivers in East Africa face an onslaught of new COVID-19 mandates and restrictions in borders towns — causing confusion, fear, endless traffic queues, protests and disrupted trade.
As tourism declines in Cambodia, tuk-tuk drivers are down and out in Phnom Penh
"Today, I have not provided one service, and tomorrow, I’m not sure whether one will come or not. Probably finding a construction job is better."
COVID-19 and Trinidad and Tobago education's digital divide
"What we do not want is a situation where the exclusion of students is a threat greater than COVID-19 to our education."
COVID-19, locusts and floods: East Africa's triple dilemma
East Africa's "triple threat" — the coronavirus, locusts, and floods — are not mutually exclusive. In fact, each is inextricably linked.
COVID-19 in Palestine: Living between hope and fear
A deterioration of the political situation in Palestine could adversely impact the COVID-19 crisis and directly impact local civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
In Mexico, relief program ‘insufficient’ to keep 30 million informal workers at home
"If I don't sell, I don't eat. It's that simple."
