China Employment Law Update - January 2007

An update in ongoing developments regarding labor relations and employment in China

Doing Business in Mexico

[Excerpt] This memorandum provides a general summary of certain aspects of Mexican law, which may be of interest to foreign companies considering doing business in Mexico. The areas of law summarized in this memorandum include: 1. Foreign Investment Law; 2. Competition Law 3. Maquiladora Operations; 4. Company Law; 5. Taxes; 6. International Trade; 7. Labor Law; 8. Environmental; and 9. Intellectual Property. Treaties, to which Mexico is a party, particularly the North American Free Trade Agreement (the “NAFTA”) among Canada, Mexico and the United States, may affect investors from certain countries and may modify the preceding areas of Mexican law..… Although this memorandum makes numerous references to NAFTA and other treaties, it does not comprehensively address all instances in which Mexican law is modified or complemented thereby

China Employment Law Update - February 2007

An update in ongoing developments regarding labor relations and employment in China

The amelioration of the impact of physical fatigue on cognitive performance by phytochemicals : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand

Fatigue is common in everyday life. It is experienced as either cognitive or physical fatigue, both of which are intertwined. Researchers are interested in investigating the ability of phytochemical supplementation to improve cognitive performance by diminishing the effects of physical fatigue. The results thus far have been highly inconsistent (Brisswalter & Arcelin, 1997). The present study examined the effects of phytochemical supplementation utilising a daily dose of 240 mg of blackcurrant extract, a berry fruit high in phytochemicals but under-researched compared to other berry fruits, such as blueberries. Fifty healthy participants completed two 3-hour trials, the first during Week 1 and the second 6 weeks later. Half of the participants were randomly assigned to the blackcurrant supplement group, the supplement being consumed each day over the 6-week period. Each trial consisted of five cognitive tests followed by a tailored HIIT cycle test. The purpose of the HIIT was to induce physical fatigue and took less than 10 min overall. Cognitive tasks and mood questionnaires were completed pre and post consumption of the supplement at both Week 1 and Week 6. Participants received the blackcurrant supplement 1 hour before post task measurements were completed. Analyses demonstrated that the blackcurrant supplementation had no influence on cognitive performance. However, it is questionable as to whether the degree of physical fatigue induced was sufficient to negatively influence cognitive performance, even though previous studies had found it to be so. Overall, it was concluded that blackcurrant supplementation taken across 6 weeks did not facilitate cognitive performance after physical fatigue. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed, including ways for future research to move forward

The Global Employer: How to Respond to a Global Crisis

This publication has been prepared for clients and professional associates of Baker & McKenzie. It is intended to provide only a summary of selected legal developments. For this reason the information contained in this publication should not form the basis of any decision as to a particular course of action; nor should it be relied on as legal advice or regarded as a substitute for detailed advice in individual cases. The services of a competent professional adviser should be obtained in each instance so that the applicability of the relevant legislation or other legal development to the particular facts can be verified

The Globalization of Labor Standards: Managing Risk in a Challenging World Economy (Summary)

[Excerpt] In-house counsel representing a range of U.S. corporations turned out for a full-day Baker & McKenzie conference addressing globalization of labor standards and the impact on multinationals in today’s economy. Corporate attorneys are facing labor issues that span the interpretation of foreign hiring practices and workplace rules to the development of compliance standards and the shifting role of organized labor. Throughout the day, specialists tackled a host of thorny topics: the role of influential policy groups such as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, human rights issues, corporate social responsibility, the changing nature of labor unions throughout the world, and the regulatory landscape in major world markets, including fast-growing economies such as China and Latin America

Hong Kong Employment Law Update - August 2017

In This Issue: Case Reviews Amendment to employment contract void due to lack of consideration Civil servant successful in claiming benefits for same-sex spouse Recent UK decision on legal privilege may have consequences in Hong Kong First company director sentenced to imprisonment after defaulting on MPF contributions Expat employees may benefit from UK employment law protection Company director fined for default on Labour Tribunal award UK case limits the blue pencilling test Legislative Developments Proposed Employment (Amendment) Bill 2017 gives employees right to reinstatement Government proposes working hours protection for those earning HKD 11,000 or less Government\u27s MPF offset abolishment proposals approved by Executive Counci

Are Prize-Linked Savings Accounts the Solution to Arkansas\u27 Savings Problem?

This research finds that access to prize-linked savings could improve the financial security of Arkansans. Prize-linked savings (PLS) accounts are nontraditional savings products that offer depositors the chance to win cash prizes instead of a typical interest rate return. Given the low median incomes, high liquid asset poverty rates, and high levels of underbanked and undereducated individuals in Arkansas, there is a need for an innovative savings solution like PLS in the state. PLS accounts capitalize on individuals’ propensity for lottery-like risk-taking to inspire the productive behavior of personal saving. A wide range of individuals, especially those who could stand to benefit from PLS instruments the most, find these programs attractive. Various PLS programs have proven successful internationally and within the United States, with clear benefits for both savers and organizing financial institutions. Arkansas banks and credit unions should consider the opportunity presented by PLS programs to grow deposits while providing Arkansas households with an effective, entertaining way to increase personal savings and strengthen their financial situation

The Global Employer: Showcasing New Developments for Multinational Employers

Baker & McKenzie’s Global Employment Practice Group is pleased to present its 54th issue of The Global Employer™ entitled “Showcasing New Developments for Multinational Employers.” This issue contains a collection of articles on legal developments from nine jurisdictions that examine changes to employment and labour laws and practices and explore developments in compensation and benefits. Included, you will find information pertaining to a new collective redundancy procedure in France aimed at providing for a more secure labor market; new measures in Spain intended to promote employment among young people under 30; the codification of requirements for the negotiation of social plans in Switzerland; effects on UK redundancy laws in light of being found in breach of EU directives; emboldened labor agency agendas in the US; a discussion from Argentina on the rights of employees and employers when it comes to monitoring in the workplace; new developments for stock option plans in Brazil; changes to the calculation of payroll taxes in Colombia; and the promotion and protection of labor rights in Peru

China Employment Law Update - June 2007

An update in ongoing developments regarding labor relations and employment in China