Co-funded by the European Union
Newsletter January, 2024

Right to disconnect: Implementation and impact at company level” (an Eurofound report)

January, 2024
  • On 30 November 2023, Eurofound published a new research report on the right to disconnect. 
  • The report is based on a survey of employees and HR managers in Belgium, France, Italy, and Spain. It examines how the right to disconnect is implemented at the company level.

Australia: the Fair Work Commission (FWC) ruled in favour of an employer’s right to refuse a remote work request

January, 2024
  • On 16 November 2023, the Fair Work Commission ruled on an employer's right to refuse a request for remote work.
  • The decision marks an important first step following the entry into force of the new flexible work legislation, the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay), that came into force at the beginning of the year.
  • Among the significant changes introduced by the law is granting the Fair Work Commission the power to decide a dispute over a flexible work request.

Business Europe’s Council of Presidents Declaration

January, 2024
  • On 24 November 2023, presidents and chief executives of the member federations of BusinessEurope met in Brussels to present their priorities for the next Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

USA: Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence

January, 2024
  • On 30 October 2023, President Biden issued an executive order on the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to set out general standards governing the use and development of AI across industries.
  • It stresses the importance of using AI safely and responsibly and advancing a coordinated, Federal Government-wide approach.

Uganda: Court of Appeal confirms employers can terminate an employee’s contract without cause

January, 2024
  • On 15 November 2023, the Court of Appeal of Uganda reaffirmed the employer's right to terminate the employment relationship by providing notice or payment in lieu of notice.
  • It stated that where the notice period is observed, or compensation is paid in lieu thereof, employers are not obliged to give reasons for dismissal under Section 65(1)(a) of the Employment Act.
  • It is based on the assumption that termination of employment is distinct from dismissal for misconduct or poor performance, which requires procedures and reasons.

New Zealand: New law allows 90-day trial employment periods for all employers

January, 2024
  • On 21 December 2023, the Employment Relations (Trial Periods) Amendment Bill was passed in Parliament.  
  • It was introduced as a Member’s Bill in August 2023 in the previous Parliament.
  • It provides that, with effect from 23 December 2023, all employers in New Zealand can use 90-day trial periods, extending its scope of application. 

New ILO Global Report on Public Employment Services

January, 2024
  • On 12 December 2023, ILO presented its first global report on public employment services (PES) and active labour market policies (ALMPs), published on 14 July 2023. 
  • ILO presented its main findings during an online launch event, with the participation of the World Employment Confederation (WEC), the World Association of Public Employment Services (WAPES), and the World Bank (WB). 
  • The report's findings will be used to provide technical advisory services for ILO Member States.

European Union: provisional agreement on the Artificial Intelligence Act reached

January, 2024
  • On 8 December 2023, the Council presidency and the European Parliament's negotiators reached a provisional agreement on the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act. 
  • The Act aims to ensure that AI systems in the EU respect fundamental rights and values, while stimulating innovation and investment in AI in Europe.
  • Both Parliament and Council must formally adopt the agreed text for it to become EU law.
  • The AI Act should apply two years after it enters into force.

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