Global HR headlines: Unilever to cut 1,500 managers, more leave days at Google

post-title

Uber Canada reaches agreement with a private sector union.

Brazil records a decline in its unemployment rate, which now stands at 11.6 percent. While multinational consumer goods company Unilever announces its plans to cut 1,500 management jobs across the globe. Google increases paid leave for employees, up to a minimum of 20 days and Uber Canada reaches an agreement with a private sector union that will provide representation to Canadian drivers and couriers.

Google increases paid leave days
Google has increased the amount of time employees around the world can take off for vacation or caring for newborns and seriously ill loved ones.

The multinational technology company has long been known as a global trailblazer in workplace benefits. But unlike many companies in Silicon Valley, it does not offer unlimited paid time off. Employees also have grown frustrated during the pandemic about long work hours, without being able to enjoy free meals and other Google office perks, reports Reuters.

Employees will now receive a minimum of 20 paid vacation days annually, up from 15 days.

Unilever to cut 1,500 management jobs
Unilever has announced plans to cut 1,500 management jobs globally, as it comes under mounting pressure from a US activist investor and other shareholders to improve its performance.

The company, known for brands such as Marmite, Dove soap and Hellmann’s mayonnaise, said it would reduce its senior management roles by 15 percent and more junior management posts by five percent as it takes out some layers to simplify the business. It will consult unions on the plans and stressed that shop floor workers in its factories would not be affected, reports The Guardian.

Unilever, which has its headquarters in London, UK, employs 149,000 people worldwide.

Brazil records 11.6 percent jobless rate
Brazil’s unemployment rate declined in the three months through November from the previous three-month period as retailers boosted hiring over the festive season.

The jobless rate reached 11.6 percent in the three months through November, according to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics.

The number of people with jobs rose to 94.9 million in the three months through November from 94 million in the three months through October, while the number of people seeking employment fell to 12.4 million from 12.9 million during the same period, reports the Wall Street Journal.

Uber Canada strikes a union deal
Uber has signed an agreement with a private sector union that will provide representation to Canadian drivers and couriers, but does not unionise workers, reports The Canadian Press.

The tech giant said that it is partnering with United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Canada, a union representing at least 250,000 workers at various companies.

The partnership allows UFCW Canada to provide representation to about 100,000 Canadian drivers and couriers, if requested by the workers, when they are facing account deactivations and other disputes with Uber.

Workers will not be charged for the representation, which will be jointly covered by Uber and UFCW Canada.

Related articles

The rise of the greats sparks transformation in the workplace

The post-Covid landscape has changed the world of work significantly, as companies adapt to the Great Resignation, Great Reawakening, Great Reshuffle and Great Unretirement. It’s all the more prudent for HR strategies to evolve and adjust to The Greats.

Top