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