Human Times
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European Edition
12th January 2026
 
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THE HOT STORY

Business got tougher in 2025, WEF survey says

A World Economic Forum survey says companies found it more difficult to do business in 2025 amid a deterioration in global cooperation on issues including trade, climate, technology and security. Nearly four in ten of the 799 executives in 81 economies indicated growing barriers to trade, talent and cross-border capital flows had made it harder to do business. Only 10% of respondents took the opposite point of view. "Undeniably, a series of U.S. tariff announcements in 2025 raised questions about the future of trade," said the WEF in its Global Cooperation Barometer 2026 report, nevertheless observing that the fact that six out of ten executives did not highlight trade problems indicated that many had found ways to readjust.
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REPORT

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WORKFORCE

CGT labour union at LVMH calling strike

The CGT labour union at LVMH is calling a strike next Thursday to demand compensation for lost bonuses. Representatives from Moet&Chandon and Veuve Clicquot urged workers to stop tasks for "at least three hours." LVMH management offered a one-off payment of €1,000 but the union deemed it insufficient. The CGT emphasized the need to pressure the company and announced further talks for Wednesday. No strike action has been reported at LVMH's other drinks businesses, including Hennessy.
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LEGAL

McDonald's faces harassment allegations from unions in UK

Five trade unions have reported McDonald's to the UK's National Contact Point (NCP) - an independent unit which sits with the Department for Business and Trade - for failing to address sexual harassment against young staff in its UK restaurants. The unions allege that junior workers, primarily teenagers, have faced persistent harassment since at least 2019. The complaint said there had been "evidence of persistent, deeply rooted gender-based discrimination" in McDonald's restaurants, in breach of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. The NCP has determined that the complaint merits further investigation and will offer mediation. McDonald's has said it cannot be held accountable for incidents in its franchised locations, which comprise most of its 1,450 UK branches.

France releases Russian wanted in US for cyberhacking

Daniil Kasatkin, a Russian basketball player, has been released from custody in France and returned to Moscow. He was arrested on June 21 at a Paris airport under a US extradition request, accused of involvement in a ransomware hacking network. Kasatkin denied the allegations, with his lawyer, Frederic Belot, asserting that he lacked computer skills and had been a victim of cybercriminals. His release follows discussions between Russia and France regarding another case involving a French researcher sentenced in Russia.
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STRATEGY

Zalando to close German logistics centre

Zalando has announced plans to shut its Erfurt fulfilment centre, which employs 2,700 people, by the end of September as part of a broader restructuring of its European logistics network. The company will also close three partner-run warehouses abroad, following its €1.1bn acquisition of About You, and said it aims to build a more integrated and scalable platform to improve operational efficiency.
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ECONOMY

Eurozone consumers see inflation easing steadily despite economic pessimism

Consumers across the Eurozone expect inflation to gradually decline towards the European Central Bank’s 2% target over the next five years, according to a November survey showing price growth expectations at 2.8% in one year, 2.5% in three years, and 2.2% in five years. Despite this optimism on inflation, consumers remain gloomy about the economy, forecasting a 1.3% contraction over the next year, compared with a 1.1% decline expected in October.
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TECHNOLOGY

AI will free households from chores and boost hidden productivity, says OpenAI

Aaron Chatterji, OpenAI’s chief economist, tells the Financial Times that AI will save time on household chores that “mostly fall on women” and allow more space for work or play.
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RISK

EU demands 'Farage clause' as part of Brexit reset deal

Brussels is insisting on a termination clause in any deal between the UK and the EU on veterinary checks to insure against the risk of a Reform UK government reversing the agreement. Dubbed the "Farage clause" by diplomats, London would be required to pay a high level of restitution if it chose to exit. Both Reform and the Conservatives have promised to revoke any such deal, with Farage telling the Financial Times: "No parliament may bind its successor, we will not honour any clause. If Starmer signs this, it is a democratic outrage." But EU officials insist the measure is standard in international trade agreements, with one diplomat saying: "The EU wants an agreement long-term and not only until 2029, should a change happen at the next election."
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INTERNATIONAL

Thousands of New York City nurses set to strike

Thousands of nurses at major New York City hospitals are set strike on Monday, potentially disrupting operations during a severe flu season. Nearly 15,000 nurses may walk off the job if negotiations over a complicated array of issues fail, marking the largest strike in city history, according to Nancy Hagans, president of the New York State Nurses Association. Key issues include staffing levels and safety measures, particularly regarding the use of artificial intelligence. Hospitals claim they have improved staffing since 2023, but nurses argue that promises are not being met. New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged both sides to reach an agreement to protect patient care.

Cathay Pacific cuts some jobs in efficiency push

Cathay Pacific Airways is seeking to identify savings and efficiencies as it prepares for a slower rate of growth this year. The airline is targeting savings of about 5% on non-operational staff, and there will be a limited number of job cuts for Hong Kong and overseas staff. The airline also said it has plans to hire 3,000 people this year. Cathay spokesman Andy Wong said the carrier is “dedicated to continuously assessing and refining our operations and organisation to ensure optimal delivery of our long-term strategic goals.”
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OTHER

UN says the US has ‘legal obligation’ to fund agencies

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says the United States has a “legal obligation” to keep paying its dues that fund UN agencies after the Trump administration said it will withdraw from dozens of international organisations operated by the world body, including the UN's population agency and the UN treaty that establishes international climate negotiations. “As we have consistently underscored, assessed contributions to the United Nations regular budget and peacekeeping budget, as approved by the General Assembly, are a legal obligation under the UN Charter for all Member States, including the United States,” Stephane Dujarric, a spokesperson for Guterres, said in a statement.
 
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