More than 3,000 aerospace workers at defence and aerospace manufacturer Leonardo are set to strike across five UK factories in November. Represented by Unite the Union, employees rejected a 3.2 percent pay offer, deeming it a real-terms pay cut. The industrial action will affect sites in Yeovil, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Luton, and Basildon.
Local bakeries in Liechtenstein have declared their inability to engage in a price war with discounters, emphasizing that the principality's high cost of living and operational expenses make it impossible to match aggressive pricing strategies. This stance highlights the unique economic challenges faced by small businesses in the region.
Ireland has officially made its Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) program permanent, following a successful three-year pilot. The scheme will provide 2,000 artists with approximately $1,500 per month, aiming to foster creative practice and reduce financial precarity in the sector.
Germany is set to launch its 'Aktivrente' scheme on January 1, 2026, enabling retirees to earn up to €2,000 monthly tax-free on top of their pensions. The initiative aims to boost economic growth and labor force participation amidst skilled worker shortages and demographic shifts.
San Marino is currently experiencing significant public debate and protests concerning the proposed IGR (General Income Tax) Reform. Trade unions, including CSdL, CDLS, and USL, have organized general strikes, drawing thousands to the streets to demand fiscal justice and equitable treatment for workers. Industry associations also call for revisions to the reform.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) led a march of hundreds through Cape Town's CBD on October 7, 2025, protesting increased municipal tariffs, including fixed charges for water, sanitation, and electricity. The union handed over a memorandum demanding a review of the 'anti-poor' charges and advocating for job creation and workers' rights.
A recent report by the Independent Mexico Labor Expert Board (IMLEB) concludes that Mexico is not fulfilling its labor obligations under the USMCA trade agreement. This marks the first time the board has made such a finding, raising concerns about worker rights and the effectiveness of the agreement's labor provisions.
Saudi Arabia has introduced a digital 'Preventive Justice' initiative and a Unified Employment Contract to enhance workers' rights and ensure wage transparency. These reforms, launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Ministry of Justice, aim to streamline wage recovery and reduce labor disputes, aligning with Vision 2030 goals.
Employee strikes at IKEA stores across Belgium are expanding, with workers in Wilrijk, Zaventem, Anderlecht, and Mons joining protests initiated last week in Hognoul. Unions cite chronic understaffing, high work pressure, and worsening conditions as key grievances, prompting a formal mediation meeting.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has announced a 24-hour nationwide strike for Tuesday, October 7, 2025, across South Africa. The protest aims to challenge profit-driven retrenchments, the escalating cost of living, and weak economic growth, with marches and pickets planned in major cities. The action is legally protected under Section 77 of the Labour Relations Act.
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has proposed a new tax on individuals earning over 250,000 euros annually, aiming to raise 3 billion euros for the 2026 state budget. The plan seeks to gain support from the Socialist opposition and includes renewing a minimum tax and targeting tax optimization via holding companies.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed a R10 increase across several social grant categories, effective October 1, 2025. This adjustment follows the 2025/26 budget speech by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and aims to provide additional support to vulnerable beneficiaries. Affected grants include Old Age, Disability, War Veterans, and Care Dependency grants.
Albania's government has announced plans to increase the bottom net wage by 25%, raising it to 50,000 Lek (approximately €500) starting January 2026. The initiative, led by Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj, aims to bolster the economic well-being of citizens, with businesses receiving an 18-month tax relief on the additional wage amount.
A coalition of prominent UK education unions has formally called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to abolish the two-child benefit cap. Citing the policy's 'cruel' impact and its role in exacerbating child poverty, the unions emphasize the adverse effects on children's education and well-being, ahead of the government's delayed child poverty strategy.
Nigerian electricity workers, under the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), suspended a nationwide strike after approximately 10 hours. The industrial action, which threatened a national blackout, was called over unresolved labour disputes with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and other agencies, leading to a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Government.
The Romanian government has extended its cap on commercial markups for 17 essential foodstuffs until March 2026. This measure, initially introduced in June 2023, aims to protect the purchasing power of low-income citizens and curb inflation amidst ongoing economic challenges.
Mauritius has introduced a mandatory 'Special Allowance 2024,' or 14th-month payment, for eligible employees earning up to MUR 50,000 monthly, following tax reforms by the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA). This measure, enacted under the Special Allowance Act 2024, aims to alleviate financial strain and address cost-of-living concerns, with the MRA providing financial assistance to qualifying employers.
Austria's crucial autumn wage negotiations have begun, with unions prioritizing the preservation of purchasing power against a backdrop of high inflation. Employers, however, are cautioning about national competitiveness due to a weak economy and rising unit labor costs, setting the stage for challenging discussions across key sectors.
Allan Trujillo Aragón, a 23-year-old Nicaraguan man, tragically drowned in Utrera, Seville, after falling into a well while working in olive collection. Investigations suggest he hit his head upon falling, leading to unconsciousness and drowning. He had resided in Seville for three years with his partner.
In a recent interview, Pope Leo expressed concern over the growing income gap between the wealthy and the working class, highlighting figures like Elon Musk, who may become the world's first trillionaire. The pontiff criticized executive compensation, stating that CEOs earn significantly more than workers compared to previous decades, indicating a troubling trend in societal values.
