Labor & Employment

DOL OFCCP VEVRAA Recordkeeping ICR Renewal, OMB No. 1250-0004

The Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has submitted an information collection request (ICR) to OMB for renewal of VEVRAA recordkeeping requirements under 38 U.S.C. 4212 and 41 CFR Part 60-300. The collection covers federal contractors' obligations to track and report on the employment of protected veterans. Public comments are invited through May 26, 2026. Estimated annual burden is 32,482,058 responses requiring 4,267,338 hours and $356,313 in other costs.

Joint Employer Status Under FLSA, FMLA, MSPA

The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division proposes to clarify joint employer status determination under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA). The rulemaking would restore guidance previously in effect before 2021 and establish a uniform nationwide standard to replace varying federal and state judicial tests. The proposal offers a 60-day comment period closing June 22, 2026.

DOL OFCCP Section 503 Recordkeeping PRA Comment Request

The Department of Labor is seeking public comment through May 26, 2026, on its request to extend OMB Control Number 1250-0005 for OFCCP Section 503 recordkeeping requirements under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 793) and 41 CFR part 60-741. Federal contractors should expect no change to existing recordkeeping obligations; this is a routine PRA renewal covering an estimated 41,647,328 respondents with 1,838,752 total annual burden hours and $475,085 in annual costs.

BLS Requests OMB Review for Contingent Work Supplement Information Collection

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has submitted an information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 for the Contingent Work Supplement to the Current Population Survey. The ICR covers questions about contingent and temporary workers, alternative employment arrangements, and digital labor platform workers. Public comments are invited on burden estimates, accuracy of methodology, quality enhancements, and ways to minimize respondent burden. The OMB will consider comments received by May 26, 2026.

Ministro Rau y Presidente Kast Celebran Primera Piedra Walmart Lo Aguirre

El ministro del Trabajo y Previsión Social, Tomás Rau, participó junto al Presidente de la República, José Antonio Kast, en la ceremonia de Primera Piedra de la ampliación del Centro de Distribución Lo Aguirre de Walmart Chile en Pudahuel. La iniciativa representa una inversión directa de US$200 millones, con más de 300 empleos en la etapa de construcción y más de 900 empleos permanentes en la fase de operación. El secretario de Estado destacó que inversiones como ésta generan empleo directo y contribuyen a un círculo virtuoso de crecimiento económico.

Chile Ministry of Labor Celebrates 8 Years of Inclusion Law 21.015

Chile's Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare commemorated the eighth anniversary of Labor Inclusion Law 21.015, which mandates that private-sector companies with 100 or more employees fill at least 1% of their positions with persons with disabilities. Minister Tomas Rau and Deputy Minister Gustavo Rosende highlighted that nearly 120,000 contracts were signed from 2018 through February 2025, but emphasized that only 18% of those contracts represent genuinely new positions, with the remainder being regularizations of existing employment. The authorities also noted that only 36.4% of companies report their compliance with the law, constraining the state's capacity to enforce and evaluate the policy.

Minister Rau Presents National Reconstruction Plan at Duoc UC Valparaíso

Minister of Labor and Social Security Tomás Rau presented the National Reconstruction Plan at Duoc UC Valparaíso before an audience of over 250 academics, students, and business representatives. The plan targets 4% economic growth and includes a tax credit of up to 15% of wages for companies hiring vulnerable workers earning between the minimum wage and 1.5 times that threshold, with the benefit decreasing as worker remuneration increases. Rau highlighted that unemployment has exceeded 8% for more than 38 consecutive months, with youth unemployment at 22.2% and small/medium enterprises destroying jobs for over 16 months. The bill is expected to enter Congress shortly seeking to stimulate investment and formal employment creation.

HK Raises Minimum Wage to $43.1/Hour, Revises Work Platform Safety, Reports Seven Fatal Accidents

The Hong Kong Labour Department announces multiple updates including a Statutory Minimum Wage increase from HK$42.1 to HK$43.1 per hour, effective 1 May 2026, with the monthly monetary cap for hours-record keeping raised to HK$17,600. The Department also published revised Guidance Notes on Safe Use of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms introducing new operator training requirements, mandatory secondary guarding devices, regular non-destructive testing of load-bearing components, and emergency rescue planning. The page also records seven fatal construction site accidents between January and April 2026, at Kai Tak (three), Kwai Chung, Tai Po, Tsuen Wan, and involving crane and scaffold incidents.

Hong Kong Labour Department Official Press Releases 2026

This index page lists Hong Kong Labour Department press releases from January through April 2026, covering workplace safety enforcement, fatal accident investigations, Employment Ordinance violations, and workforce development initiatives. Individual press releases document enforcement actions including companies fined $52,000 and $105,000 for Employment Ordinance contraventions, contractors and proprietors fined for safety legislation violations, and training course recognition suspensions. Multiple electrical safety warnings during rainstorm periods were issued to contractors and employers, alongside announcements for industry job fairs offering over 1,600 and 2,900 vacancies respectively.

Director, e-EFKA Pensions, Three-Year Term, Greece

The Greek Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance (YPEARG) published a vacancy notice on 2 April 2026 for one (1) Director position at the General Directorate of Pensions of the Electronic National Social Security Fund (e-EFKA). The appointment carries a three-year term with the possibility of renewal once. The selection is made under Articles 84–86 of the Civil Code (Law 3528/2007) as applicable. Candidates meeting the stated qualifications may apply via the official procedure described in the attached PDF notice.

General Director Position, Social Insurance, Ministry of Labor

The Greek Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance (YPEARG) published a vacancy notice on 15 April 2026 for a General Director position at the General Directorate of Social Insurance. The appointment is made under Articles 84-86 of the Civil Code (Law 3528/2007) as in force. Candidates may submit a candidacy application and CV via the links provided. This is an internal civil-service appointment process and does not create compliance obligations for private-sector entities.

€1.37B Scheduled Payments to 2.67M Beneficiaries April 20-24

The Greek Ministry of Labour announced scheduled payments of €1,366,334,451.81 to 2,666,941 beneficiaries during April 20-24, distributed between e-ΕΦΚΑ (social insurance) and ΔΥΠΑ (public employment service). e-ΕΦΚΑ payments include €14.7M to 30,690 beneficiaries on April 20 for benefits, €1.295B to 2.585M beneficiaries on April 24 for May 2026 main and supplementary pensions, and €19M to 950 beneficiaries for lump-sum grants. ΔΥΠΑ payments cover unemployment benefits (€18M to 31,000), maternity leave grants (€1.5M to 2,200 mothers), employment programmes (€18M to 17,000), public-benefit programmes (€55,000 to 100 beneficiaries), and the "My Home" programme (€83,000 to one beneficiary).

Poland Strengthens Labour Inspectorate to Combat Bogus Civil Contracts

President Andrzej Duda signed Poland's National Labour Inspectorate (PIP) reform bill on April 2, 2026, granting inspectors new powers to combat 'junk contracts' by transforming improperly concluded civil contracts into employment contracts. The law introduces individual interpretation procedures allowing employers to verify compliance proactively, enables data exchange between PIP, ZUS, and the National Revenue Administration, and at least doubles the maximum fine in misdemeanor proceedings.

Poland and Japan Sign Social Security Agreement

Poland and Japan signed a bilateral social security agreement on April 15, 2026, at Kantei (Japan's Prime Minister's Office), with Polish Deputy Minister Sebastian Gajewski and Japanese Ambassador Akira Kono signing on behalf of their respective governments. The agreement, concluded after six rounds of negotiations held in Warsaw, Tokyo, and online since 2021, is designed to strengthen cross-border social security coordination, enable easier transfer of pension benefits between countries, and prevent double payment of social contributions. It incorporates international standards including equal treatment, free transfer of benefits, aggregation of insurance periods, and application of a single legislation.

Aktywny Żłobek Sensory Rooms 2026: £7.9M Grant, Applications Until Apr 26

The Polish Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy announced a 41.7 million PLN (approximately £7.9M) grant programme 'Aktywny Żłobek – sale sensoryczne 2026' to equip childcare institutions for children under 3 with sensory integration equipment. Applications open 1–26 April 2026, with decisions published by 25 May 2026. Three funding tiers apply: up to 80,000 PLN for nurseries, up to 60,000 PLN for children's clubs, and up to 20,000 PLN for day-carers.

Thai Workers Israel, 24-Hour Evacuation Readiness

Thailand's Labour Minister Trinuch Thienthong issued a statement on March 9, 2026 directing labour attachés at the Royal Thai Embassies in Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv to maintain 24-hour readiness for potential evacuation of Thai workers from Israel amid escalating Middle East tensions. The Ministry of Labour has established a war room on its 5th Floor and coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to temporarily suspend the dispatch of Thai workers to high-risk areas in the Middle East. Contact numbers for Thai workers in Israel and Iran are provided for emergency assistance.

20 Thai Crew of Mayuree Naree Return from Oman; MOL and MFA Provide Reception

On March 16, 2026, Thai officials including Deputy Permanent Secretary Mr. Pichet Thongphan and officials from the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare welcomed 20 Thai crew members returning from Oman at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The Ministry of Labour coordinated with the ship-owning company to ensure full wages, conflict-zone compensation per international law, and full personal-belongings compensation. The company committed to retaining all crew members as employees and will arrange both physical and mental health assessments.

Thai Government Agencies Visit Families of Workers Affected by Strait of Hormuz Attack

Thai government agencies visited families of three Thai workers still missing following the March 11, 2026 attack on the Thai cargo vessel Mayuree Naree near the Strait of Hormuz. Of the 23 Thai crew members aboard, 20 were rescued by the Royal Navy of Oman and are staying in Khasab, while three remain missing and are believed to be on board the vessel or in the engine room. Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, instructed relevant agencies to visit affected families, communicate available assistance measures, and verify employment entitlements due from employers, with social security status checks revealing contribution records for all three missing crew members.

Department of Employment and Labour Distances Itself from Unauthorized Inspection at Steers Outlet in Durban

The South African Department of Employment and Labour issued a public statement on 8 April 2026 distancing itself from a video circulating on social media platform X showing an individual conducting alleged workplace inspection activities at a Steers outlet in Berea, Durban. The Department explicitly declared the depicted conduct unlawful and unauthorised, emphasising that only duly appointed labour inspectors designated under applicable labour legislation may conduct workplace inspections. Employers approached in this manner should immediately report such incidents to law-enforcement agencies as impersonation of an inspector constitutes a criminal offence. The Department reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on fraud and corruption among its inspectors.

BCEA Earnings Threshold Rises to R269,900.90

The South African Department of Employment and Labour has announced the annual earnings threshold under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) will increase from R261,748.45 to R269,900.90 per annum, effective 1 May 2026. Employees earning above this threshold are excluded from sections 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17(2), and 18(3) of the BCEA, which cover ordinary hours of work, overtime, meal intervals, daily and weekly rest periods, Sunday pay, night work, and public holidays. The previous year (2025) earnings threshold was R261,748.45.

Young Workers in Sweden Face Higher Accident Risks and Mental Exhaustion

Arbetsmiljöverket released two reports on April 15, 2026, presenting findings on the work environment of young employees aged 16-29 in Sweden. The reports document that young workers experience higher workplace accident rates and more limited safety compliance than older workers, with particular exposure to uncomfortable working hours, solo work in hazardous situations, and elevated rates of threats and violence. The findings identify key protective factors including influence over work situation, managerial and colleague support, and recovery opportunities during the workday.

New Guidelines for Autism and ADHD to Reduce Workplace Ill Health and Sick Leave

Arbetsmiljöverket (AV) has published evidence-based guidelines titled 'Riktlinjer vid autism eller adhd på arbetsplatsen – hälsofrämjande insatser och arbetsanpassningar' (Guidelines for Autism or ADHD in the Workplace – Health-Promoting Measures and Work Adjustments), effective 21 April 2026. The guidelines were developed by an expert group supported by occupational health specialists, trade unions, employer organisations, disability rights groups, and relevant government agencies. They are intended to help occupational health services guide employers and managers in adapting the physical, organisational, and social work environment for employees with autism or ADHD, with the goal of preventing ill health and reducing sick leave. AV notes that without systematic occupational health work, employees with disabilities face elevated risk of poor health outcomes and potential long-term unemployment.

Arbetsmiljöverket Inspekterar Statliga Myndigheters Förebyggande Arbete mot Hot och Våld

Arbetsmiljöverket has extended its supervision initiative on threat and violence prevention to central government agencies, building on inspections conducted since May 2025 with municipalities and county administrative boards. The initiative addresses threats, violence, harassment, and attempted corruption against government employees performing official duties, which the authority notes poses risks to both employee health and democracy. Approximately one in four incident reports received by the authority from government agencies relates to threats and violence, demonstrating this is a common risk requiring preventive action.

Operación Balarama: 80 Victims Freed, 7 Arrested in Spanish Labor Trafficking Ring

On April 11, 2026, the Guardia Civil dismantled a criminal organization in Castellón province that had enslaved 80 migrants (77 men and 3 women, ages 20-35) in agricultural labor exploitation. Seven individuals were arrested for human trafficking and labor rights violations. The organization used false employment offers on social media to recruit victims from Nepal, Pakistan, Senegal, and Arab countries, then imposed debts and forced them to work 12-13 hour days without pay in harvesting tasks. The network, led by a Pakistani couple, operated across multiple comarcas in Castellón and Valencia with a main settlement in Nules.

Operation Naturke: Cádiz Police and Labor Inspection Arrest Businessman for Fast Food Labor Exploitation

On April 15, 2026, the Policía Nacional arrested a businessman in Cádiz province under Operation Naturke for suspected labor rights violations and facilitation of irregular immigration. The investigation, conducted jointly with ITSS Cádiz inspectors, uncovered labor exploitation of foreign workers in kebab fast food establishments across five municipalities: Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa María, Puerto Serrano, Prado del Rey, and Bornos. Inspections on March 12 revealed infractions including excessive working hours without rest days, constant video surveillance, verbal abuse, threats, and below-legal wages. Additional violations were identified in immigration documentation and Social Security registration of workers.

REDIBIT Launches Construction Safety Campaign Targeting Fall, Entrapment Hazards

The Organismo Estatal Inspección de Trabajo y Seguridad Social (OEITSS) announced Spain's participation in REDIBIT's first joint Ibero-American labour inspection campaign focused on the construction sector. The campaign runs through 15 June 2026 and involves construction-site visits targeting three primary hazards: falls from height, ground collapse, and worker entrapment. Inspections will follow standard procedures, with data collected across participating countries for joint analysis to identify common problems and develop shared solutions.

New Technologies Reshaping Work, Not Destroying Jobs

Eurofound published findings from the European Working Conditions Survey 2024, based on 36,644 face-to-face interviews across 35 countries, revealing that technology is more likely to create new tasks than remove existing ones. The survey found that 40% of EU workers use online meeting tools, 35% use electronic collaboration platforms, and 12% use generative AI tools as of 2024. Challenges emerging from digitalisation include skills mismatches, generational divides, and reduced worker autonomy, with 30% of workers believing they are overskilled for their roles and concerns rising about algorithmic management reducing worker agency.

Eurofound Talks: Europeans Face Climate Change, Affordability Crisis, Renters Exposed

Eurofound published a new Eurofound Talks podcast episode on April 22, 2026, featuring a discussion with EEA's Aleksandra Kazmierczak and Eurofound's Marianna Baggio on the joint report 'Overheated and underprepared: Europeans' experience of living with climate change.' The survey of 27,000 respondents found that 80% of Europeans have felt the impact of extreme weather, while 38% overall report being unable to afford to keep their homes cool—a figure rising to two-thirds for those already struggling financially. The discussion highlighted regional disparities, a lack of agency for renters, and the need for collective policy action including progressive grants, updated building rules, and urban greening.

Job Quality Improves in Europe, But Gender Gaps Remain

Eurofound's European Working Conditions Survey 2024 draws on 36,644 in-depth interviews across 35 countries to assess job quality trends. The share of employees working more than 48 hours per week has declined from 19% to 11% since 2005, while 85% of workers feel fairly treated and 80% report being in good health. However, the Social Environment index has deteriorated for women since 2010, and 29% of workers remain unaware of workplace measures to combat occupational stress. The survey findings underscore persistent gender, generational, and sectoral divides in working conditions across Europe.

Five Scenarios Map Europe's 2040 Learning Futures

Cedefop published research mapping five policy scenarios for European education and training systems by 2040, ranging from 'Flex Max' (highly adaptable, integrated learning ecosystem) to 'Rigid Islands' (stable, standardised systems with limited mobility). The scenarios explore how current policy choices on flexibility, portability, and recognition of learning outcomes will shape the future of lifelong learning across Member States. The report does not predict which future will materialise but invites policymakers to consider what current decisions may already be determining.

Romania Launches Quality Assurance Mechanism for Vocational Training Work-Based Learning

The National Centre for TVET Development (NCTVETD) developed a comprehensive quality assurance and monitoring mechanism for work-based learning (WBL) in initial vocational education and training (IVET) between June and November 2025. The mechanism includes quality assurance methodology, assessment tools, monitoring visits to company premises, and a four-tier reporting system spanning local, county, regional, and national levels. The mechanism will be piloted in the 2026/27 school year in 840 companies offering WBL, with 420 teachers from 210 IVET providers receiving training from March through June 2026.

Italy Adopts New Guidelines for Interprofessional CVET Funds

Italy's Ministry of Labour adopted Directorial Decree No. 8 of January 9, 2026, introducing new guidelines for Joint Interprofessional Funds for continuing vocational training (CVET), replacing the 2018 framework. The updated guidelines establish clearer procedures for fund establishment, operation, financial resource utilisation, and data transmission via the Vocational Training Information System (SI-FP). The new framework strengthens oversight through systemic and expenditure auditing by the labour ministry, with potential expansion of Funds' role in active labour market policies beyond training financing to skill development strategies.

DUA Available for 29 Tennessee Counties Through June 9, 2026

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available for 29 Tennessee counties impacted by Tennessee Severe Winter Storms as declared under Federal Disaster Declaration FEMA DR-4898. Eligible individuals may begin filing applications on April 23, 2026, with all applications due by June 9, 2026. The disaster period runs from January 25, 2026 through August 8, 2026. Documentation must be submitted within 21 days of filing the application.

Taste of India 1 Denied 19 Oregon Workers Overtime, DOL Recovers $200K

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division investigation found Taste of India 1 in McMinnville, Oregon violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by misclassifying 19 workers as exempt, failing to pay overtime premiums, and using an invalid tip pool arrangement. The division recovered $200,137 in back wages and $15,256 in civil money penalties assessed for willful violations. Employers in the food service industry should review their exempt status classifications and tip pool arrangements for compliance.

RRB Launches New Online Services for Retired Railroad Employees

The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board announced in March 2026 that retired railroad workers receiving a monthly annuity can now update their mailing address and direct deposit information online through the myRRB portal at RRB.gov/myRRB. Retired spouses and other annuitants are not yet eligible for these services and must continue contacting a local RRB field office. A Login.gov account is required to access all secure myRRB services, as part of the RRB's ongoing Information Technology modernization initiative.

Dual Benefit Payments Q&A: Railroad Retirement and Social Security Interaction

The RRB published a Q&A explaining how railroad retirement annuities interact with Social Security benefits, including changes under the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) signed in January 2025. The SSFA repealed earlier legislation that reduced railroad retirement annuities for annuitants also receiving public service pensions, with tier I reductions eliminated for months after December 2023. The guidance covers dual-benefit calculations, spouse and survivor annuity restrictions, and provides contact information for RRB field offices at 1-877-772-5772.

Idaho Falls Hiring Event April 29 11am-2pm

The Idaho Department of Labor announces a hiring event on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1515 E. Lincoln Road in Idaho Falls. Participating employers include Boise Rigging Supply, Cives Steel Company, Everlast Brands, Idaho National Laboratory, KeyBank, Kokusai Semiconductor Equipment Corporation, Lamb Weston, Naval Nuclear Laboratory, and others, offering positions such as sales representatives, support engineers, structural steel welders, payroll specialists, delivery drivers, mechanics, elementary school teachers, research data scientists, tellers, forklift operators, and patrol officers. Job seekers may receive resume and interview assistance from workforce consultants, and attending the event counts as one weekly work search action for unemployment insurance claimants.

Norway Implements EU Directive 2024/869/EU with New Workplace Limits for Diisocyanates and Lead

Norway's Arbeidstilsynet has implemented the EU's fifth amendment directive 2024/869/EU to the carcinogen-mutagen-reproductive toxic directive 2004/37/EC through amendments to the Regulations on limit values. The new rules establish exposure limits for diisocyanates (carcinogenic) and lead and inorganic lead compounds (reproductive toxic). Biological limit values for lead now specify 45 µg Pb per liter blood for women of fertile age and 150 µg Pb per liter blood for other workers. The directive applies from 9 April 2024.

New HMS Card Contract Signed With Tieto, Three Years, Starts January 2027

Arbeidstilsynet has signed a new three-year contract with Tieto (formerly Tietoevry) for the delivery of HMS cards, the work-authorisation cards required in Norway's covered industries. The contract, signed 31 March 2026, begins January 2027 and has an estimated annual value of approximately 50 million Norwegian kroner, with options to extend for up to two additional years. The new agreement will introduce a unified physical card across industries, improved security using bank-card technology, a more user-friendly ordering solution, and stricter information-security and privacy requirements.

PM's Science Council Recommends $122M Science Funding Reallocation Over 3 Years

The Prime Minister's Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council has published its first report recommending that the government reallocate $122 million over the next 3 years toward advanced technologies. The report proposes organising future investment around four funding pillars: primary industries and the bioeconomy, technology for prosperity, environmental sustainability and resilience, and healthy people and a thriving society. The council's advice is intended to inform the Government's Science Investment Plan, to be released around mid-year, which will set out strategic research priorities and align public investment with long-term government goals.

NZ Fuel Stocks Stable, Petrol at 51.2 Days Cover

MBIE's 22 April 2026 update reports national fuel stocks as of 19 April 2026: petrol 51.2 days, diesel 41.6 days, and jet fuel 47.4 days of cover. Stocks have decreased slightly since the previous update of 15 April (petrol 54.0, diesel 44.8, jet fuel 51.4), but MBIE states this reflects normal seasonal variation as international shipping operates without disruption from the current Middle East situation. Six ships are within the EEZ and five are en route from outside the EEZ. The next data update is scheduled for 27 April 2026.

64 High-Performing Endeavour Fund Projects Receive 12-Month Extensions

The New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment announced 12-month extensions for 64 high-performing Endeavour Fund projects effective 2026. The 2026 Endeavour Fund contestable round was paused to provide stability for the science, innovation and technology sector during the reform period, with the redirected allocation allowing strong projects to continue. Named recipients include the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science, University of Auckland, and University of Waikato, working on bioproduct production, Varroa mite control, and hydrogen storage research.

Federal Council Adopts Too-Big-To-Fail Regulations Requiring Full CET1 Backing for Foreign Subsidiaries

On 22 April 2026, the Swiss Federal Council adopted a dispatch revising the Banking Act and amended the Capital Adequacy Ordinance (CAO), targeting a gap in the too-big-to-fail regime exposed by the Credit Suisse crisis in 2023. Systemically important banks will be required to fully back the carrying value of their participations in foreign subsidiaries with CET1 capital — previously only half could be financed with debt — eliminating the automatic reduction of parent bank capital ratios from the first franc of any valuation loss. The CAO amendments establish a maximum three-year amortisation period for software capital treatment, aligned with EU regulations, effective 1 January 2027. Parliament will debate the Banking Act dispatch from summer 2026, with a proposed seven-year transition period. UBS, the only currently affected institution, would require approximately USD 20 billion in additional CET1 capital under the new requirements.

Federal Council Approves Agreement on Cantons' Involvement in Switzerland-EU Bilaterals III

The Swiss Federal Council approved an agreement between the federal government and the cantons on 22 April 2026 governing canton involvement in the Switzerland-EU Bilaterals III package. The agreement grants cantons participation rights in decision-shaping procedures and consultation on dispute settlement when their competences or essential interests are affected. Cantons will also be represented on relevant bodies including the selection committee for the Competition Commission state aid monitoring chamber, joint committees, and high-level EU dialogue forums. The agreement is conditional: it will only be signed after parliamentary deliberations on the package are concluded and remains subject to potential renegotiation if Parliament substantially amends the relevant legal bases.

Switzerland Attends UNECE Regional Forum on Sustainable Development in Geneva

Switzerland participated in the UNECE Regional Forum on Sustainable Development held on 21-22 April 2026 in Geneva, led by Markus Reubi, Federal Council delegate for the 2030 Agenda. The forum focused on SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 9 (industry and innovation), SDG 11 (sustainable cities), and SDG 17 (partnerships). Swiss cities Geneva, Bern, and Basel, along with canton Aargau, presented their first Voluntary Local Reviews, showcasing local implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The forum serves as preparation for the High-level Political Forum in New York in July 2026.

New Guidance for Health Surveillance and Biomonitoring of Workers Exposed to Lead and Its Compounds

EU-OSHA has published new annex guidance on health surveillance and biomonitoring of workers exposed to lead and its inorganic compounds, reflecting updated regulatory requirements under Directive 2004/37/EC. The guidance explains biological limit values for lead and describes recommended practices to monitor lead in blood and carry out medical surveillance. This publication supplements the existing 'Biological monitoring at work: Guidance for OSH experts and workplaces' guidance document.

Supporting Compliance With OSH Regulations: New Web Section Gathers Key Research

EU-OSHA has launched a new thematic web section on occupational safety and health (OSH) compliance, consolidating research publications including case studies, policy briefs, reports, and discussion papers. The section covers multiple sectors including agriculture and construction, organised around two research strands: how supply chains drive OSH improvement and the role of labour inspectorates and prevention services. The resource is intended to help employers understand compliance pathways and inspector engagement.

Discussion Papers on Labour Shortages and AI Impact on OSH

EU-OSHA has published two discussion papers under its Future of Work project examining near-term implications for occupational safety and health. The first paper addresses how increasing labour shortages in Europe may create OSH pressures and outlines policy responses, while the second analyses the practical application of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act to smart OSH systems including wearables, robots, and exoskeletons.

FAQ on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code 2020

The Ministry of Labour published a comprehensive FAQ on the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH&WC) Code, 2020, addressing 8 clarification queries as of March 13, 2026. The FAQ covers state government authority for dock workers (Section 18), annual health examinations including provisions for workers above 40 years of age, contract worker welfare facilities under Section 56, mandatory experience certificates, inspector-cum-facilitators replacing traditional inspectors, and penalty rationalization distinguishing compoundable minor offences from serious safety violations under Section 86(1).

Additional FAQs on Labour Codes 16 March 2026

The Ministry of Labour, Government of India issued 21 additional FAQs on 16 March 2026 clarifying provisions of India's Labour Codes (Code on Wages 2019, Code on Social Security 2020, and OSH & WC Code 2020) effective 21 November 2025. Key clarifications include that statutory components such as employer PF and pension contributions and statutory bonus are included for arriving at the 50 percent wage calculation, but gratuity, ESI, and other retirement benefits are excluded. Overtime allowance forms part of the calculation while annual performance-based incentives do not. Fixed-term employees are eligible for gratuity upon completing one year of service from contract start date. Contract labour gratuity is payable by either the principal employer or contractor. ESI coverage applies with a Rs 21,000 per month wage threshold. Leave encashment provisions apply to workers and supervisors earning up to Rs 18,000 per month. Workers can carry forward up to 30 days of leave to the succeeding year.