Forget local vs foreign workers, it's a productivity problem
AS SINGAPORE'S unions move ahead to tackle the longstanding problem of declining productivity, they will be adopting a new attitude to another persistent problem - companies hiring cheap foreign workers.

For more, see http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC090831-0000052/Forget-local-vs-foreign-workers,-its-a-productivity-problem

Insufficient jobs in China
BEIJING - HALF of the 24 million people on China's official unemployment rolls may not find jobs this year even if the country posts eight per cent economic growth, the labour ministry said on Friday.

For more, see http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_419608.html

Lay-offs alert Chinese labor authorities to "unstable elements" of job market
The Chinese economy has shown encouraging signs as indicators released on Tuesday featured expanding retail sales, industrial output and foreign trade.

For more, see http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90778/90857/90861/6725292.html

Major law firms recruit retired prosecution chiefs
Major law firms are keeping their eyes upon former high-ranking prosecutors who recently left office in droves before a sweeping reshuffle of prosecutorial posts.

For more, see http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2009/08/13/200908130020.asp

Small firms riding out recession
Auckland's small and medium-sized enterprises are largely riding out the recession and the impact of swine flu, a survey has found.

For more, see http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10590147

Flu and recession hitting tourism
The global recession and outbreak of swine flu is having a significant impact on New Zealand's tourism industry, an Inbound Tourist Operators Council (ITOC) conference has been told.

For more, see http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10590346

MTUC demands minimum wages for private sector
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) is demanding a minimum monthly wage of RM900 for the 10 million private sector workers.

For more, see http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/articles/20090812152840/Article/index_html

Workers stifled over obligations
EVEN after you have resigned from a company, it may still seek to tie your hands unfairly.

For more, see http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC090812-0000057/Workers-stifled-over-obligations

Raise wages to retain local workers, industries told
JOHOR BARU: Industry players need to increase wages to retain their local workforce, said Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam.

For more, see http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/8/7/nation/4471578&sec=nation

REACH survey shows Singaporeans worried about rising costs of living
SINGAPORE: A survey has shown that more than one in three Singaporeans are dissatisfied with job opportunities for older workers.

For more, see http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/447305/1/.html

Business leaders view family as top priority
SINGAPORE: Despite the challenging business environment, business leaders who were recently surveyed by the National Family Council (NFC) put family first, followed by health and career or business.

For more, see http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20090731/tap-922-business-leaders-view-family-top-231650b.html

Labour movement encourages skills upgrading to reduce job losses
SINGAPORE: Labour chief Lim Swee Say said some companies plan to retrench 1,500 workers in the second half of this year, with most of these job losses expected to be in the manufacturing sector.

For more, see http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20090731/tap-976-labour-movement-encourages-skill-231650b.html

Singapore Airlines says no job cuts for now-report
SINGAPORE, Aug 1 - Singapore Airlines , the world's second largest airline by market value, has no plans to cut jobs or further reduce flights, its chief executive said, according to a Straits Times newspaper report on Saturday.

For more, see http://sg.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20090801/tap-singaporeair-jobs-c3bb44c.html