This week’s international news
Lufthansa pilots avoid strike in dispute over pay
The airline pilots’ union in Germany has backed away from a strike at
national carrier Lufthansa as part of its pay dispute. The union is seeking a
substantial pay rise of 35 per cent, which has been rejected by the company,
claiming that pilots earn less than those in other countries. The company’s
original offer was just over one-tenth of the claim, at 3.6 per cent. www.faz.net
Car firm produces again after job cuts back down
Car maker Toyota Philippines has restarted production after a two-week
strike according to GlobalHR magazine. The company backed down over the
sackings of more than 200 staff, which provoked the stoppage. The dismissals
were carried out in response to an earlier three-day stoppage and a go slow,
following a failed campaign by employees for union recognition of an
independent union. About 400 of the company’s 1,400 staff are union members. www.bloomberg.com
Jobless rate drops – but economy still struggles
Japan’s unemployment rate has unexpectedly fallen, but the upward trend
remains as the country’s economy struggles. Labour market experts note that the
rate of job offers to applicants, which is a guide to business conditions, is
deteriorating. The unemployment dip from 4.9 per cent of the workforce to 4.7
per cent is seen as a lagging response to last year’s economic recovery, which
had started to peter out as the data was published. www.ft.com
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Chirac calls for limits on freedom to strike
France’s president Jacques Chirac has backed a law supporting the public
sector during strikes, after stoppages hit the French transport system. He
said, "A strike is a fundamental right, and no one questions that. But
like all freedoms, it has its limits in that it affects the freedom of
others." Train staff went on strike over alleged plans to privatise the
service, while bus employees walked out over a union bid for the right to
retire at the age of 55. www.figaro.fr
