Stories about Labor from October, 2012
Nepal: The Minimum Wages vs Productivity
Chandan Sapkota informs that as per trade unions demand the wages have gone up in Nepal to the highest minimum wage in South Asia, but the productivity has not increased due to several factors.
Entrepreneurship, Culture and Solidarity in Africa
Despite strong economic growth, the African continent is still struggling to develop a class of local entrepreneurs to manage strategic industries. Many African scholars and researchers try to better understand the influence of cultural habits on entrepreneurship on the continent.
Tajikistan: Russian ‘Migrant Guide’ Deemed Insulting
A new 'migrant worker's guide' to the city of St. Petersburg depicts foreign labor migrants as brooms, paint brushes, trowels, and paint rollers. The leaflet has provoked widespread anger in Tajikistan, with many internet users and officials describing the representation of migrant workers in the guide as 'insulting'.
Slovakia: “For Decent and Safe Life” Rally Stirs Controversy
Tibor Blazko reports on the controversial Oct. 13 rally for "a decent and safe life," translating netizens' views on the rights of Slovakia's Roma and non-Roma citizens, as well as on the failure of the state to address the alarming social situation adequately.
Slovakia, UK: “Child Snatching” or “Child Protection”?
As many as 30 UK-based Slovak children have been removed from their families by British social workers in recent years. While some consider it "child protection," others call it "child snatching." Tibor Blazko reports on the controversy.
Ghana: Obstacles to the Advancement of Women
Betty Mould Iddrisu, jurist and Minister of Justice of Ghana, writes [fr] on pambazuka.org: To reach the upper level is rare, and once you have arrived there, you still have to face hostility and doubts about your abilities, because you are a woman. A woman at the top works harder...
Côte d'Ivoire: Employees of Health Institutions Strike after Four Months without Pay
S.B comments on the start of health workers’ indefinite strike in Abidjan. On Connection Ivorienne, he states [fr] that: From the total no-fees for healthcare initiated by the state of Côte d'Ivoire after the end of the post-electoral crisis to free selected healthcare services, employees of certain health institutions have yet...
Tunisia: General Strike in Thala
On Twitter, Tounsia Hourra (Free Tunisian) says [ar] there is a general strike in Thala, in the province of Kasserine, today [October 8, 2012]. The protest is against rising unemployment and neglecting the maintenance of the city.
China: Workers Strike at IPhone's Subcontractor Foxconn Factory
Beijing Cream tried to sort out what happened at Foxconn factory in Zhengzhou. Earlier reports said that there were massive workers’ strike on October 5 because the factory forced workers to work during national holidays. Latest information pointed out that the conflict between production workers and quality inspectors had brought...