Human Times

European Edition

2nd November 2026

THE HOT STORY

Germany's IG Metall union launches warning strikes

Members of IG Metall, Germany's largest trade union, launched warning strikes in the metalworking and electrical sectors early Sunday. Approximately 300 workers from Thyssenkrupp's Rasselstein unit participated in the first walkout. The union rejected an employer offer of a 1% one-off payment and a 1.3% increase, demanding a 5% pay rise and job guarantees instead. Jorg Kohlinger, head of IG Metall's central district, said: "The midnight warning strike at Thyssenkrupp Rasselstein is merely the start of a massive phase of warning strikes." Further strikes are expected this week throughout the ⁠bargaining region covering the states of Hesse, ⁠Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland as well as in Thuringia.

Daily Sabah

WORKFORCE

Flexible wage deals 'can strengthen competitiveness and protect jobs'

Research by the Rockwool Foundation Berlin suggests that more flexibility in collective wage agreements can boost competitiveness and protect jobs, but only if workers retain effective safeguards. "Wage restraint resulting from increased flexibility . . . contributed to Germany's improved competitiveness after 1995," observed study co-author Christian Dustmann. Clauses allowing German firms, with worker representatives' consent, to depart from sector-wide agreements on pay, hours and other terms were expanded from the mid-1990s.

Reuters

STRATEGY

Finnish news agency STT to close after nearly 140 years

Finland's national news agency STT will cease its news and photography operations by 31 March 2027, ending nearly 140 years of journalism and resulting in 89 job losses. The decision follows years of financial struggles and unsuccessful restructuring efforts. STT chief executive Kimmo Laaksonen called the closure a tragedy for Finnish society, saying: "It is a matter of honour for us that STT fulfils all its responsibilities." The agency's largest shareholder, Sanoma Media Finland, stopped purchasing its services in 2025, exacerbating its financial woes.

Helsinki Times

LEGAL

Greece introduces new gender pay transparency rules

Greece has introduced new pay transparency and equal pay regulations effective from 1 November 2026. Under Law 5316/2026, private-sector employers must ensure equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender. The legislation mandates objective salary structures, disclosure of pay information to job applicants, and corrective actions for unjustified wage differences. Employees can request salary information and challenge pay inequalities through the Labour Inspectorate or courts. The Ministry of Labour said it aims to make equal pay a reality through transparent procedures and effective measures against wage disparities.

GreekCitytimes

CORPORATE

Yandex withdraws 2026 guidance following drone strikes on data centres

Yandex has withdrawn its full-year 2026 financial guidance following Ukrainian drone strikes on its data centres, which disrupted services including ride-hailing, food delivery, banking and cloud computing. The Russian technology group had previously forecast revenue growth of approximately 20% and adjusted Ebitda of R350bn ($4.3bn), but has warned that the financial impact of the attacks remains uncertain, with some services still being restored. Despite the disruption, Yandex has reported a 12% increase in third-quarter revenue to R411bn ($5.1bn), while adjusted Ebitda rose 12% to R88bn and net profit increased 2% to R46bn.

The Moscow Times

Stellantis CEO says quality ‘war rooms’ are working

Stellantis chief executive Antonio Filosa has said the success of “war rooms” he has set up to tackle quality problems, alongside efficiency measures, show his turnaround plan for the automaker is working. Engineering, quality and manufacturing teams work with experts from the group’s suppliers, with the aid of AI, to help fix vehicle issues that have increased expenses for repairs and warranties. Old as well as new glitches that affected vehicles had hit confidence and drove away customers.

Bloomberg

ECONOMY

France's retailers face bleak Christmas as protests cause up to $2bn in losses

France's retailers are facing significant disruption ahead of the crucial Christmas trading period as nationwide protests over rising living costs and fuel prices have damaged approximately 2,400 stores and forced widespread closures. The French Chamber of Commerce estimates retail losses have exceeded €1bn, while Morningstar DBRS warns total losses could approach $2bn, including uninsured damage and lost revenue. Consumer confidence has fallen to a 13-year low, raising concerns ahead of November and December, which typically account for 40% of annual retail turnover. More than a quarter of damaged stores remain closed, with further demonstrations threatening additional disruption. Retailers have warned that prolonged unrest could significantly weaken festive sales and tourism, placing further pressure on France's already fragile consumer spending environment.

Reuters

Inflation in Spain stays at three-year high ahead of election

Inflation in Spain remained at 4.9% in October, matching September's figure, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE). Rising gas and fuel prices have kept inflation high, although there was a year-on-year decline in food and clothing prices. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government has implemented measures to cap gas price increases and provide fuel discounts. Pedro Aznar, a professor at Esade, noted that while employment and wages are currently offsetting inflation's impact, rising prices pose a significant threat to growth. The cost of living is a key issue for voters. Protests over the matter culminated in Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez calling a snap general election on November 29.

France 24

TECHNOLOGY

Spotify aims to launch AI music remix service early next year

Spotify is reportedly targeting a first-quarter 2027 launch for an AI-powered music remix service that would allow premium subscribers to create personalised remixes and covers of existing songs. The company is considering charging an additional $4–$5 per month, with a potential unveiling around the Grammy Awards in February, although pricing and timing remain unconfirmed. Spotify has secured licensing agreements with Universal Music Group, Merlin, and Believe, while negotiations with Sony Music and Warner Music remain ongoing. Artists will retain the right to opt in, with royalties from AI-generated remixes flowing back to the original performers. However, resistance from some major artists could complicate adoption. The initiative forms part of Spotify's strategy to generate additional subscription revenue and support its target of mid-teens annual revenue growth through 2030.

Financial Times

Reuters

TAX

Italy to introduce exit tax on wealthy

Italy’s government plans a 26% capital gains exit tax for individuals moving their tax residence abroad with assets exceeding €800,000 (£670,000). The previously unannounced proposal, which was included in Giorgia Meloni’s draft 2027 budget, could affect wealthy expatriates and others who recently relocated to Italy. According to Henley & Partners, 3,600 millionaires moved to the country in 2025.

The Daily Telegraph

WORKPLACE

Senior UK judge reprimanded for 'misconduct' over slow decisions

Mrs Justice Ellenbogen, a judge at the UK's High Court, has been reprimanded for taking over a year to deliver judgments on three cases. An investigation followed a complaint in February, and concluded that her delays constituted serious misconduct. Ellenbogen acknowledged she should have been more "proactive" in communication and attributed the delays to workload pressures and personal circumstances. The Judicial Conduct Investigations tribunal accepted the recommendation for a reprimand, saying her actions harmed public confidence in the judiciary.

Financial Times

The I

The Times

INTERNATIONAL

Bangladesh garment factories reopen following wage protests

Garment factories in Bangladesh reopened on Sunday after wage protests disrupted operations. Workers are demanding a minimum monthly wage of 30,000 taka ($243), significantly higher than the current 12,500 taka, amid rising living costs and inflation. Babul Akhter, general secretary of the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation, said: "If factory owners cannot pay workers properly, they should negotiate better prices with international buyers." The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) reported that protests affected 529 factories and nearly 1m workers. The government has formed a six-member minimum wage board to review the workers' demand. "The government has already taken a step by forming the wage board. We expect workers to allow the review process to proceed," said BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan.

France 24

U.S. News

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