Argentina's national minimum wage has been increased to ARS 346,800.00 per month, effective February 1, 2026. This adjustment is part of a series of scheduled monthly increases for 2026, set by the National Minimum Wage Council.
Belarus has raised its average per capita subsistence minimum budget by 1.2% to Br496.96, effective February 1, 2026. This adjustment, announced by the Ministry of Labour, will remain in effect until April 30, 2026, and impacts various social payments and benefits across different demographic groups.
On February 1, 2023, over 500,000 workers across the UK, including teachers, civil servants, university staff, and railway drivers, participated in widespread strikes. The coordinated industrial action demanded better wages and working conditions in response to soaring inflation and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, causing significant disruption nationwide.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced increased Saudization rates for private-sector engineering and procurement roles. Engineering professions now require 30% Saudi nationals with a SAR 8,000 minimum wage, while procurement roles must meet a 70% Saudization target. These changes are effective by mid-2026.
Two UK Parliament committees have launched a new inquiry to scrutinize the government's recently unveiled Child Poverty Strategy. The inquiry will assess the strategy's effectiveness in tackling the persistent issue of child poverty, which currently affects 4.5 million children in the UK.
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Abuja has issued an interlocutory injunction compelling workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to suspend their ongoing strike. The order, delivered by Justice E.D. Subilim on January 27, 2026, mandates the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) to cease industrial action pending further court proceedings. The strike, which began on January 19, was initiated over demands including unpaid salaries and promotion arrears.
New York City's new delivery-app tipping law, requiring platforms to prompt customers for tips at checkout with a minimum 10% suggestion, officially took effect on January 26, 2026. This follows a federal judge's denial of a preliminary injunction sought by Uber Eats and DoorDash, who argued the law violated their First Amendment rights.
Japan's crucial annual wage negotiations, known as Shunto, have officially commenced. Labor unions are pushing for a third consecutive year of 5% or higher pay raises, building on significant increases in 2024 and 2025. The outcome is closely watched by the Bank of Japan and is vital for the nation's economic shift from deflation.
New research indicates that employing overseas-qualified social workers already residing in the UK could significantly address England's severe social worker shortage. The study highlights a 20% vacancy rate in social work positions and points to successful models, such as 'The Sutton Model,' which supports international professionals in transitioning to UK practice.
France has increased its monthly statutory minimum wage (SMIC) by 1.18% to €1,823.03 gross, effective January 1, 2026. Concurrently, salary thresholds for the 'Talent Passport' residence permit have been revised, with the EU Blue Card now requiring €59,373 annually and the 'Qualified Employee' category set at €39,582, aiming to attract global talent.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced a 60% Saudization rate for private-sector marketing and sales roles, effective April 19, 2026. The new mandate includes a minimum monthly wage of SAR 5,500 and applies to establishments with three or more employees in these professions, aiming to boost national talent participation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved salary increases for South African public office bearers, ranging between 3.8% and 4.1%, effective April 1, 2025. The decision follows recommendations from the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers.
The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has set a binding minimum wage of AED 6,000 per month for Emirati citizens in the private sector, effective January 1, 2026. This move, part of the Emiratisation strategy, aims to enhance national participation and ensure competitive compensation. Companies have until June 30, 2026, to comply or face penalties.
A new Human Rights Watch report highlights a nearly threefold increase in Hungary's elderly poverty rate, rising from 6.3% in 2018 to 16.1% in 2023. Inadequate pensions, coupled with soaring inflation, are forcing hundreds of thousands of older Hungarians to make difficult choices between essential needs like food, medicine, and heating.
Germany has raised the minimum annual salary requirements for the EU Blue Card, effective January 1, 2026. The standard threshold is now €50,700 gross, with a reduced threshold of €45,934.20 for shortage occupations, recent graduates, and experienced IT professionals. This adjustment aims to attract skilled workers and maintain fair wage standards.
A two-day bus strike in Seoul concluded late Wednesday, January 14, after the Seoul City Bus Workers Union and bus operators reached an agreement on wages and retirement age. Service resumed across the capital on Thursday, January 15, ending significant commuter disruption. The deal includes a 2.9% wage hike and a phased increase in the retirement age.
Over 7,000 nurses at Mount Sinai Hospital and Montefiore Medical Center in New York City ended a three-day strike in January 2023, securing tentative agreements that included a 19% wage increase and enforceable safe staffing ratios, addressing critical concerns over patient care and working conditions.
Austria has confirmed that applicants for most residence permits must demonstrate an income at least equal to the supplementary allowance rate. New thresholds, effective January 1, 2025, and updated for 2026, require specific net monthly incomes for single individuals, married couples, and an additional amount per child, ensuring self-sufficiency without reliance on public benefits.
Mexico's National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) has announced the new values for the Updated Metric Unit (UMA) for 2026. Effective February 1, 2026, the UMA will see a 3.69% increase, setting the daily value at 117.31 pesos, impacting various financial obligations and calculations across the country.
The Danish government has announced plans to provide financial aid to low-income households and state pension recipients to mitigate the impact of rising food prices. The scheme, referred to as a 'food voucher,' will be a direct cash payout, with specifics currently under negotiation among parliamentary parties. Finance Minister Nicolai Wammen and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen have confirmed the initiative.
