CHROs and their teams now have access to expertise, resources, and in-region networking on relevant HR topics including global supply chains for Asia, India, Latin America, Europe, and beyond. The Association formally launched its newest membership program—HR Policy Global—with a virtual conference on international HR issues.
Pay equity disclosure: Following opening remarks by HR Policy COO Henry Eickelberg and Director of Global Affairs Alan Wild, Colin Leckey from Lewis Silkin, Elizabeth Cole from Jones Day, and Eimear Boyle from Matheson examined the different stages of legislative developments on Pay Equity Disclosure in Asia, the EU, and the UK. The panelists discussed the difference between the “pay equity based” and “pay parity based” systems and reviewed the challenges multinational companies might face on this issue.
Diversity and inclusion: Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, the founder of the first women’s career service platform in India, Anne Hill, Senior Vice President at Avery Dennison, and Zoe Kibbey, Senior Manager of Global D&I at Accenture, shared their journeys on global diversity and inclusion. The speakers noted a company’s global strategy is beneficial to promoting an inclusive culture, but HR leaders should understand the differences and nuances of each region and country to successfully execute D&I initiatives.
Gig economy: Tom Hayes from BEERG, Marie Noelle from Planet Labor, and John Mastoras from Norton Rose Fulbright Canada explored the distinctive approaches to categorizing independent workers and employees in EU, Spanish and Canadian law by analyzing some of the most impactful cases. The panel also previewed future expected legislative proposals, especially those focused on providing a safety net to gig workers while maintaining flexibility.
Roles of global negotiator: Rick Warters, the former Corporate Vice President of Employee and Labor Relations for United Technologies, shared his insight on First Principles of Industrial Relations and Principles for Global Negotiators.
Working hours around the globe: Emmanuelle Rivez-Domont and Chantal Biernaux from Jones Day Paris and Matthew Jones from Kim & Chang introduced the regulations and cultures regarding working hours in Europe and Asia. The conversation was followed by Lisa Salas of DXC, who provided the challenges and solutions in the face of a global pandemic from a global company’s standpoint.
New developments in global supply chain: Auret van Heerden, the founding President of the Fair Labor Association, shared his views of the new challenges global companies are facing in a digital era related to global supply chain issues. He also explained how normal business operations can be politicized and forced to adapt. Auret and Alan Wild discussed existing and expected Human Rights Due Diligence Laws, as well as the international unions’ involvement in the process.
New forms of employee activities: The session started with Tom Hayes’ overview on modern forms of protests—the utilization of social media and its restraints. Carlos Martin del Campo from Baker McKenzie shared the story of Susanne Prieto’s 20/32 movement in Matamoros and the unprecedented impact of her famous online campaign. Rafael Kuhl, Leader of International Labor Relations at Boeing, provided a case study on a union negotiation and labor strikes he experienced at the beginning of the social media era and its lasting effect to the employer. The session wrapped up with a discussion on how companies should respond to this kind of activities.
For more information on HR Policy Global, please contact Wen Dong at wdong@hrpolicy.org.