Workers' rights & well-being

Belgian sex workers to get health insurance, pensions and maternity leave in world first

May 8, 2024 | By Peter Schulte | -, Change Milestones

The law makes it legal to give prostitutes employment contracts, after Belgium became the first country in Europe to decriminalize self-employed sex work in 2022. It bestows certain rights on the worker and conditions on their employer. These include the right to refuse a client or a sexual act, as well as the right to interrupt a sexual act at any time without fear of dismissal or punishment.

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Person holding "I'm sticking with my union" sign

Michigan’s historic “right-to-work” repeal goes into effect

February 13, 2024 | By Peter Schulte | -, Change Milestones

Last March, the Michigan legislature passed the bill to toss the law aimed at hurting labor unions by allowing workers to opt out of union dues while still reaping benefits of unionization, costing unions resources and money. Pro-labor groups have celebrated the law’s repeal, saying that it was a victory “decades in the making” as unions and labor advocates have fought against the law.

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Germany launches large four-day workweek trial

January 31, 2024 | By Peter Schulte | -, Change Milestones

In February, 45 companies and organizations in Europe’s largest economy will introduce a 4-day workweek for half a year. Employees will continue to receive their full salary. Advocates argue that a 4-day workweek would increase worker productivity and, by consequence, help alleviate the country’s skilled labor shortage.

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New California law allows employee leave for pregnancy loss

December 17, 2023 | By Peter Schulte | -, Change Milestones

A new law that allows parents who experience a reproductive loss, such as miscarriage and stillbirth, to take leave from work will go into effect in California in 2024. The right to utilize reproductive loss leave applies to any person who would have been a parent if the loss had not occurred.

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Scottish government plans trial of four-day week in civil service

September 4, 2023 | By Peter Schulte | -, Change Milestones

Adopting a four-day week has won significant political support, including from Scottish Labour and the Welsh government, but so far only South Cambridgeshire district council has introduced pilot projects to test it in practice, with some success.

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Lab-grown diamonds booming in the U.K. as newlyweds opt for more sustainable option that is 85% cheaper

July 16, 2023 | By Peter Schulte | -, Change Milestones

The London-based diamond retailer Queensmith revealed the market for lab-grown diamonds has increased by 2,860 percent in just five years as consumers look for more sustainable, ethical, and affordable options.

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Healthcare workers making heart sign with hands

41 countries implement mental health and resiliency training for healthcare workers

July 7, 2023 | By Peter Schulte | -, Change Milestones

Project HOPE has created and implemented a training program on mental health and resiliency that has reached over 100,000 healthcare workers since the start of the pandemic.

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Colorado passes first U.S. right to repair legislation for farmers

April 12, 2023 | By Peter Schulte | -, Change Milestones

Colorado farmers will be able to legally fix their own equipment next year, with manufacturers including Deere & Co obliged to provide them with manuals for diagnostic software and other aids.

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