Iraqi unions build protest on jobs, wages and union rights

2015 began with a fresh new wave of industrial action across Iraq (apart from Iraqi Kurdistan) organised by the national trade union centre, the GFITU. The action centred on several demands, including the immediate repayment of delayed salaries; rehabilitating and restructuring the Ministry of Industry’s 60 national plants (companies) and encouraging state departments and institutions to buy national products; and giving public sector workers the legal right to join and form unions. Other Iraqi national trade union centres conducted similar action and when possible joint and coordinated industrial action.

MALAYSIA:::EPF, PENSIONS NOT ENOUGH: Middle-income M'sians fear old-age savings too little to get by

KUALA LUMPUR - More than half of Malaysian’s middle income earners feel they will not be able to save enough to live comfortably after retirement, a survey by insurance company AIA has revealed, showing the growing financial pressure faced by the country’s primary economic force.

The Middle Class Hopes and Aspirations survey conducted in October last year found that 53 per cent of 500 respondents believe that saving for their retirement years is one of their greatest challenges, with many expressing scepticism at their ability to achieve financial stability when they reach old age.

“Saving for retirement is considered a serious challenge with 33 per cent citing enjoying a comfortable retirement as the most difficult to achieve in life.