South African parliament approves national minimum wage bill
South Africa’s parliament passed a national minimum wage bill by an overwhelming majority to tackle strikes and wage inequality.
Economic inequality
Small minimum wage rises don’t cause job losses, Reserve Bank of Australia study finds
The study of increases in the minimum award wages is the first of its kind in Australia and provides a boost to unions’ argument in the Fair Work Commission for a $50-a-week increase in the minimum wage.
Seattle passes new tax on city’s biggest companies to combat housing crisis
The tax will raise $45 million a year over the five-year life of the tax to build more affordable housing and support services for the homeless.
N.J. governor signs law requiring paid employee sick leave
New Jersey becomes the 10th state to enact sick-leave legislation. Under the law, employers are required to provide one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
Irish minimum wage rise in 2016 did not increase joblessness, study finds
“Our analysis revealed no negative employment effects because of the 2016 increase.”
Iran raises minimum wage in concession to workers
Following intense tripartite negotiations, the Iranian government, employers and unions agreed to increase the country’s minimum wage by 19.8%, from 9.29 million rials ($245) per month to 11.14 million rials ($294.50).
Target raises its minimum wage to $12 an hour, $15 by 2020
The retailer’s moves announced at its annual investor meeting in Minneapolis, where the company is based come as its ambitious plan to make itself over is driving more people to its stores and its website.
German union wins right to 28-hour working week and 4.3% pay rise
German workers won a key victory in their fight for a better work-life balance when a big employers’ group agreed to demands from the country’s largest trade union for the introduction of a 28-hour working week.
Families of those killed by police to get attorneys in King County inquests regardless of financial status
Legislation passed by the Metropolitan King County Council on Monday calls for the county’s Department of Public Defense to provide attorneys to families participating in inquests no matter their financial status.
Walmart boosts minimum wage to $11, hands out bonuses up to $1,000 for hourly workers
The increase for the nation’s largest private employer also comes amid political pressure to bolster minimum wages and comes amid a hot streak for the retailer.