working conditions

‘Walz checks,’ free school lunches, and ditching fossil fuels: What Tim Walz’s record in Minnesota says about his economic goals

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'Walz checks,' free school lunches, and ditching fossil fuels: What Tim Walz's record in Minnesota says about his economic goals

Politics ‘Walz checks,’ free school lunches, and ditching fossil fuels: What Tim Walz’s record in Minnesota says about his economic goals Noah Sheidlower 2024-08-06T16:06:24Z Share icon An curved arrow pointing right. Share Facebook Icon The letter F. Facebook Email icon An envelope. It indicates the ability to send an email. Email Twitter icon A stylized … Read more

Power Hungry: Was one of WA’s biggest corporate tax breaks worth the cost?

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Power Hungry: Was one of WA’s biggest corporate tax breaks worth the cost?

POWER HUNGRY | Second in a Seattle Times and ProPublica series about the impact of data centers in Washington. This article was produced for ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network in partnership with The Seattle Times. Times Watchdog stories dig deep to hold power accountable, right wrongs and create change. This work is made possible by The … Read more

Gender equality is a priority for the European Union

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Gender equality is a priority for the European Union

The European Union prioritizes gender equality, with the principle of equal pay for men and women established in 1957. Despite progress, inequalities persist, such as the 13% gender pay gap in 2021. Women are underrepresented in decision-making roles, particularly in the European Parliament. Violence against women is a serious issue, with one in three women experiencing physical or sexual violence. The EU has taken steps to address gender disparities, including mandatory data disclosure to reveal pay gaps and rules against violence, such as cyber violence and female genital mutilation. The EU has ratified the Istanbul Convention to protect women from all forms of violence.

Artists in Cyprus demand professional recognition and better working conditions

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Artists in Cyprus demand professional recognition and better working conditions

Artists and arts professionals in Cyprus are demanding the government establish a ‘Status of the Artist’ to improve working conditions, including access to social security, medical care, and retirement benefits. The lack of a defined status has led to financial insecurity and a lack of healthcare for many in the arts sector. The Cypriot government plans to set a professional status for artists as a priority for 2024, following EU developments calling for improved living and working conditions for cultural and creative professionals.

Workers awaiting developments at Larnaca port

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Workers awaiting developments at Larnaca port

Workers at the Larnaca port are awaiting developments after the government terminated its contract with Kition Ocean Holdings for the port’s renovation. Trade union leaders are hoping that the current port workers will continue to be employed and that the port will remain open under state management.

Illegal work , ‘a problem for all’

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Illegal work , ‘a problem for all’

Illegal and undeclared work in Cyprus is a growing trend, particularly in the construction industry, where it is approaching 25%. The Cyprus economy relies on employing people other than Cypriots, but this needs to be done with appropriate regulations. Third country personnel are attracted through illegal procedures in the promise of a job. The construction sector contributes about 15% to the island’s GDP, with optimistic forecasts for 2024. There are currently 40 projects underway in the construction sector worth €862 million.

CyBC ordered to freeze , €450,000

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CyBC ordered to freeze , €450,000

The Nicosia district court has ordered the state broadcaster CyBC to freeze €450,000 that should be paid to journalist Evdokia Loizou as a result of a lawsuit she filed against the broadcaster.

Our View: There is no nursing shortage in public hospitals

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Our View: There is no nursing shortage in public hospitals

Unions representing public hospital nurses demanded the hiring of another 170 nurses due to staff shortages. Public hospitals are always short-staffed, with significant shortages caused by retirements, transfers, and staff on leave. Private hospitals have more flexible working conditions and can service the same number of beds with a third of the nurses. The health ministry and Okypy should focus on making better use of hospital staff rather than hiring more nurses. Some nurses are seconded to other parts of the public sector and not performing nursing duties, contributing to the staffing shortage.

IWW Cyprus: Workers spend the majority of their daily lives in undemocratic workplaces

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IWW Cyprus: Workers spend the majority of their daily lives in undemocratic workplaces

The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) is a global labor union that has been organizing in Cyprus since 2020. The IWW stands out from traditional trade unions by being a union for all workers, including minorities, migrants, and sex workers. The IWW is not trying to be friendly with employers and government, unlike traditional unions. The IWW is a horizontal organization that values transparency and full participation rights for all members. The IWW encourages workers to join traditional trade unions as well. In Cyprus, the IWW organizes all workers under one big union, unlike traditional federations divided by profession or sector. The IWW aims to prioritize organizing over mere mobilizing and believes in forming strong relationships with fellow workers.

UK border force staff to strike at Heathrow in late May, early June

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UK border force staff to strike at Heathrow in late May, early June

Border Force staff at Heathrow Airport will go on strike on May 31, June 1 and 2, during the busy school holiday travel period, to protest changes in their working conditions. The PCS union announced that staff in terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 will also refuse to work overtime for three weeks starting on June 4. Around 300 border force staff previously staged a four-day walkout in April and May. Heathrow Airport has contingency plans to avoid any impact on passenger journeys.