Welfare To Work Research Articles

Informal Sector Workers: Economic Activities and Survival Strategies during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The aim of this research is to determine the economic activities of informal sector workers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, the survival strategies of informal sector workers during the pandemic, a comparison of the welfare of informal sector workers before and during the pandemic, and the association of survival strategies with economic activity. It is hoped that the research findings can provide recommendations for stakeholders for evaluating policies regarding improving the welfare of informal sector workers in the future. The research was conducted in four sub-districts in Denpasar City, Bali, Indonesia. Data collection in the field was carried out using survey methods. The variables used include Socio-economic characteristics of informal sector workers, economic activity before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, survival strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, and welfare. The data analysis method uses descriptive analysis and association analysis uses chi square analysis. The survival strategy of informal sector workers in this study was dominated by respondents' answers with the strategy of taking loans from informal lenders (30.7%). The strategy of relying on/applying for government social assistance programs (direct cash assistance, necessities, and other assistance programs) was answered by 14.7% of respondents. There were no respondents who implemented a survival strategy by switching to other types of work in the informal sector. The change in respondents' income during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the pandemic was obtained by the majority (90.0%) stating that income from working in the informal sector had decreased compared to before the pandemic. The results of the association test show that there is a significant association between survival strategies and employment status, presence/absence of labor assistance, and physical facilities.

DECENTRALIZED INDUSTRY 5.0: BLOCKCHAIN’S CONTRIBUTION TO INDUSTRIAL SUSTAINABILITY, RESILIENCE, AND HUMAN-CENTRICITY

The emerging concept of Industry 5.0 presents new challenges related to sustainability, resilience, and worker welfare in industrial companies; challenges that are vital for industrial and social development in the coming years. We believe that blockchain can help to face these challenges thanks to the trust and security it provides in complex ecosystems such as industrial supply chains. To verify this hypothesis, this paper performs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) based on two stages. A first stage focused on the analysis of publications related to blockchain and Industry 5.0. Being such a novel term and with limited literature, we complemented the analysis with a second stage in which we analyzed the benefits of blockchain on each of the three pillars of Industry 5.0: sustainability, resilience, and human-centricity. The results of the SLR confirm our initial hypothesis and provide details on how, and to what extent, blockchain can add value to each of the three challenges of Industry 5.0, empowering at least nine use cases that will contribute to those challenges. Keywords: blockchain, industry 5.0, sustainability, resilience, human-centricity, human centric

Research on the Influence of Mass Media on the Development of Fashion Trend from the Perspective of New Media

This study aims to explore the intricate relationship between mass media and the fashion industry. With the rise of a plethora of media platforms, mass media has permeated every aspect of daily life, including the fashion industry. While mass media has played a significant role in shaping fashion trends, it has also led to a culture of fast fashion, compromising environmental sustainability and worker welfare. Moreover, the focus on unrealistic beauty standards in the media has resulted in body image issues among consumers. To better understand the impact of mass media on fashion, this study is divided into three main sections. The first section provides a brief history of mass media and its influence on fashion. The second section examines the role of mass media in shaping consumer behavior and the rise of fast fashion. Finally, the third section explores the challenges and opportunities for creating a more sustainable and inclusive fashion industry in the age of mass media. By examining the complex dynamics between mass media and fashion, this study contributes to ongoing discussions around the need for a more responsible and equitable fashion industry. It is crucial to gain a deeper understanding of the role of mass media in shaping cultural values, social norms, and environmental practices for creating a sustainable and inclusive fashion industry.

The Causes of the Sex Industry Within Japans Economic Structure

Within the patriarchal societal background of Japan, the sex industry serves as a mainstay part of service. As more and more women have higher social access, the gender gap between women and men is still wide by social standards and expectations. What is the thing that keeps women stuck in the position of experiencing social gaze, and how is the sex industry part of the indication of womens status and current situation? This essay answers the questions by having a reason analysis and case study of interviews of female sex workers and explaining the causes of the flourishing sex industry by social and cultural aspects. Beyond the phenomenon, the essay ties up the factors of causes to analyze a deeper understanding of social problems in Japan: under female objectification, it would be difficult to promote total progress in society. Moreover, in the end, it further illustrates how government can be a channel to solve the problems by modifying the loan system and enhancing complete welfare for sex workers.

Union And Employer Collaboration On Company Productivity X

Beginning in 2020–2022 during the COVID-19 epidemic, a company experienced a lot of productivity decline, employers need to think about how productivity is maintained and increased from various existing conditions. In 2023 the COVID-19 pandemic became an endemic, and the economy began to grow from various sectors, the research aims to describe clearly and completely the collaboration of trade unions and employers on company productivity through the fulfillment of welfare for workers that have an impact on company productivity in the pandemic of Covid-19. Descriptive qualitative data collecting is the research methodology used through unstructured interviews, field research, and literature study for data analysis techniques using data reduction techniques that focus on the relationship between collaboration and productivity. The results of this research conducted at PT X, which is engaged in the electronics business for the defense and infrastructure industries, the first problem shows that trade unions take a role to encourage companies not to reduce the welfare facilities that have been provided and improve existing welfare facilities during the Covid-19 pandemic. The second problem, based on the report data from 2020 to 2022, the fulfillment and improvement of welfare is well proven and has an effect on increasing productivity for the company, besides that the pattern of harmonious industrial relations and conducive working conditions can make communication between trade unions and employers well as prevent disputes and be a factor in increasing productivity in company X. Result in this research is that companies should maintain the fulfillment of welfare and maintain the collaboration that has been implemented so that worker productivity continues to grow positively.

Sustainable Powder-Based Additive Manufacturing Technology

A thorough exploration of sustainability in powder-based additive manufacturing (AM) is presented. This review focuses particularly on the design of sustainable alloys for AM. Environmental, economic, and social aspects of sustainability are covered. The importance of life cycle assessment (LCA) in evaluating environmental impact is discussed. LCA tools are used to analyse factors such as energy consumption, waste management, and air pollution, providing a comprehensive view of AM’s environmental footprint. Additionally, the economic dimension of sustainability is addressed through life cycle costing analysis. Production costs, energy use, and waste management are scrutinised, showcasing AM’s potential cost savings. Social life cycle assessment is introduced to assess societal impacts, focusing on worker welfare, community engagement, and overall societal well-being. A forward-looking concept of predicting sustainability before printing, using a product sustainability index, is presented. The approach emphasises environmentally responsible material selection, considering factors such as global warming potential in alloy design. This study offers a holistic approach to designing sustainable alloys and optimising AM processes through a sustainable materials science paradigm to establish the relationship amongst processing, microstructure, properties, sustainability, and performance.

Reforming China’s healthcare management in the wake of COVID-19: A psychological well-being perspective

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a reevaluation of global health capabilities, highlighting the importance of prioritizing the welfare of frontline healthcare workers. These individuals encountered difficult circumstances on a global scale, including longer work hours, heightened risk of virus exposure, and substantial strain on their mental and physical well-being. Healthcare professionals in China faced similar challenges. This article discusses systemic issues that have been exacerbated by the pandemic and argues for a sustained emphasis on the well-being of healthcare workers, rather than solely addressing it as a crisis response. Given the increasing likelihood of future global pandemics, it is crucial to emphasize the establishment of a durable support system that can enhance resilience and crisis management capabilities. This study examines the systemic challenges of the Chinese healthcare system, with a particular focus on the difficulties encountered during the pandemic. We advocate for a paradigm shift that acknowledges healthcare workers as essential stakeholders within healthcare systems. The objective is to encourage a worldwide conversation for implementing initiatives that transcend national boundaries, with the goal of consistently incorporating a culture of compassion and assistance into healthcare systems. We propose the implementation of a comprehensive support system that encompasses all facets of healthcare, going beyond the mere management of crises. Our vision is for health systems to prioritize the well-being of healthcare workers and the communities they serve, with a focus on resilience.

Bilateral Labor Agreement with Gendered and Unfree Labor: Vietnamese Women Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia

Abstract Using a systemic and institutional analysis of transnational dynamics in the recruiting, hiring and placement of Vietnamese female migrants in domestic work in Saudi Arabia, this article showcases the experiences of Vietnamese female domestic workers in Saudi Arabia and contributes to the social protection and migrant domestic worker literatures. It contributes a critical analysis on whether bilateral labor agreements can be mechanisms for social protection of migrants. Focusing on the case of Vietnam, I argue that the bilateral labor agreement (bla) signed between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia, enacted by the Vietnamese labor brokerage state and the Saudi Kafala systems, is a form structural violence because it fails to provide social welfare and protection for Vietnamese women domestic workers. In this systemic/structural violence, intersectionality shows that not all female workers suffer the same since ethnic minority workers most often suffer more than the majority (Kinh) female workers. Moreover, inside the Kafeel (the employer/sponsor) homes of this system, most of these female workers suffer, as unfree labor, from being transferred from one house to another, resulting in precarity, cycle of debt and dispossession of their rights.

Konsep Upah (Ujrah) Jasa Fotografi Antara Pemilik Dan Fotografer Ditinjau Menurut Ekonomi Islam

The research results show that: (1) The concept of wages (ujrah) in the Islamic economic perspective seen from the perspective of the subject/actor in carrying out their work is in accordance with the Islamic economic perspective. Judging from the Mandiri object perspective, this photographer has met the basic requirements, namely being professional in carrying out his work and there is no element of fraud, then the concept of wages aims to improve the welfare of workers, so that the business is not just pursuing profit but is for the welfare of citizens based on a spirit of togetherness and humanity. Employers are instructed to treat workers like their own family whose needs must be met, because what is really emphasized is an attitude of ta'awun and not being harmed or harming other parties. This is driven by the understanding that the basic needs of people who lack or cannot afford it are the obligations of all workers, including entrepreneurs. (2) The concept of wages (Ujrah) for photography services between the owner and photographer in Purba Tua Village, Barumun District, Padang Lawas Regency is in accordance with the concept of ujrah and Sharia principles. because the terms and conditions for paying wages have been fulfilled. In running the Independent Photographer business, the owner and photographer both enter into a wage agreement (ujrah) and it is agreed at the beginning of the contract, the owner hands over the camera to the manager to operate the camera and the wages earned will be given according to the agreement, namely after expenses have been deducted. This has been agreed upon by both parties, even though it is only through an oral agreement. The owner handed over the camera out of trust.

Implementasi Hak Pekerja Alih Daya di Perusahaan Penyedia Jasa Pengamanan

The work culture in a business entity that is currently happening is certainly inseparable from the existece of a work agreement. Where the work agreement will bind both parties to carry out their respective obligations. One of which is related to the existence of Outsourced Workers Rights in a company that operates in the field of Security Service, to uphold the rights of every worker, this paper aims to find out the Implementation of the rights of outsources worker, as well as what the efforts are made by workers to fight for their rights. This studyuses an empirical juridical method that examines normative application with in action on every legal phenomenon that occurs in the society, so this study shows that the implementation of the welfare of outsources workers which includes wages, guarantees, working time, ets. Can not be carried out optimally, this because of some social security of workers in some compaines are not fully provided.

Vocational Guidance in Schools as a Factor of Social Stratification: New Practices in the Russian Education System

The world of work is undergoing changes, necessitating a new approach to guiding school students in their career choices by the government, society, and businesses. In recent years, numerous initiatives have been implemented to expand young people's exposure to various professions. However, there is still no clear nationwide plan for establishing partnerships between schools and representatives of the real economy in terms of vocational guidance. Today's youth require organised career guidance support because relying solely on the experience of parents and previous generations when choosing a profession is no longer sufficient. During the Soviet era, the state played a more significant role in ensuring the welfare and social protection of workers, while industrialisation provided universal career trajectories and clear guidelines on preferred professions and education. Today, individual human capital has become a crucial resource for social mobility and high-paying jobs, and the growth of the service sector and technological progress have elevated the demand for highly skilled labor rather than specific professions in certain economic sectors. The first part of the article focuses on reviewing important questions that need to be addressed when considering this issue. Is there a need for centralised efforts by society and the state to organise vocational guidance activities and assist teenagers in choosing a profession today? What is the transformation of the discourse on school vocational guidance in post-Soviet Russia? In the second part of the article, based on the results of a pilot study on the opinions of young men and women in Moscow, the embodiment of educational priorities in actual practice is analysed. The author concludes that the problem persists in the sense that school vocational guidance experiences are still unequal and strongly tied to pre-professional training, initially built on disparities in opportunities to explore professions, particularly in STEM fields.

Legal Consequences For Companies For Violations Of Collective Bargaining Agreements

ABSTRACT
 Collective Labor Agreements (PKB) made between companies and workers' unions must refer to the Law governing Manpower in Indonesia in order to guarantee workers' basic rights, guarantee equality and opportunity and treatment without discrimination for the welfare of workers. If the Collective Labor Agreement made is contrary to applicable laws, it can result in the Collective Labor Agreement being null and void by law. In this research, the writer wants to examine the Juridical Review of the Collective Labor Agreement between PT x and the Workers' Union y. The type of legal research in this thesis is normative legal research and uses qualitative data analysis methods. In the application of the Collective Labor Agreement (PKB) by PT x with the Labor Union y, there are several discrepancies between the contents of the clauses contained in the Collective Labor Agreement (PKB) and the provisions contained in the Law governing Manpower in Indonesia. Even though there are some discrepancies in the contents of the Collective Labor Agreement clause made between PT x and y. However, the substance and other components contained in the Collective Labor Agreement (PKB) are in accordance with the laws governing employment in Indonesia.
 Keywords: Collective Labor Agreement, workers, null and void

Pharmacokinetics of fluralaner as a systemic drug to control infestations of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, in poultry facilities

BackgroundBed bug infestations are re-emerging in the poultry industry throughout the USA. Although the impacts of bed bugs on birds’ health and welfare are poorly understood, adverse outcomes are expected, including stress, anemia, infections and lower production rates. Worker welfare is also an important consideration in commercial poultry farms. A limited number of insecticides are available for use in the complex spatial environment of commercial farms. Systemic drugs have the potential to overcome the limitations of existing pest management tactics. A recent study showed that fluralaner administered to chickens caused high levels of mortality in bed bugs.MethodsTo further understand the efficacy of this approach, we evaluated the pharmacokinetics of an oral solid formulation of fluralaner in 11 chickens and quantified its plasma concentration in chickens using UPLC/MS. We administered fluralaner to chickens with two doses of Bravecto® (each 0.5 mg/kg body mass) via gavage 1 week apart and evaluated its efficacy on bed bugs that fed on medicated chickens for up to 28 days post-treatment.ResultsBed bugs that fed on fluralaner-treated chickens experienced > 50% mortality within 30 min of the administration of Bravecto and 100% mortality 2 days post-treatment. Mortality slowly declined to 66.6% by day 28. Fluralaner was quantifiable in the hens’ plasma for at least 28 days post-treatment. The treatment resulted in maximal plasma concentrations (Cmax) of 106.4 ng/ml around day 9.0 (Tmax), substantially higher than the LC90, the concentration needed to kill 90% of the bed bugs.ConclusionsFluralaner appears to be a promising candidate for bed bug control in poultry farms, with a treatment effect lasting at least 28 days.Graphical

Understanding Social Responsibility in Portuguese Companies: Characteristics, Innovations, and Stakeholder Perspectives

Social responsibility has emerged as a crucial topic in the corporate landscape, recognized by market perception as a valuable asset for gaining a competitive advantage. This voluntary initiative by companies is driven by social and ethical engagement, leading management to seek shared values and positive interactions with stakeholders. This study aims to identify the characteristics of companies adopting social practices and evaluate innovative social responsibility practices in Portuguese companies. Furthermore, it explores the understanding of social responsibility among companies and stakeholders, examines motivations behind employing these practices, analyses the benefits of their inclusion, and identifies the main challenges hindering their implementation. Data were collected through questionnaires administered via the Google Forms platform. The findings reveal that most respondents consider social responsibility relevant to the company's growth and development, placing emphasis on human capital as a vital organizational asset. Motivations primarily revolve around worker welfare and satisfaction. Key benefits include proactive positioning, strategic integration, and decision-making incorporating social concerns. Major obstacles include the absence of direct profitability, resistance from older employees, limited resources and time for action and innovation, lack of participation, employee mistrust, and inert mindsets. The article concludes by discussing limitations and suggesting avenues for future research

Comparative Study of Selected Nigerian and Indian Labour Practices and the Law

Abstract Labour practices include workplace routines like, the conditions of employment, remuneration, trade union, industrial relations, safety and welfare of workers, labour rights and responsibilities, etc. Labour relations are laced with both fair and unfair practices. This study examines the differences and similarities of labour practices in Nigerian and Indian industries, and how their respective courts interpreted their labour laws. The doctrinal research methodology involving systematic review of current legal propositions, cases, statutes, legislation, policies relating to labour practice in Nigeria and India was adopted. The study finds amongst others that both the Nigerian and Indian Labour industries are fraught with unfair labour practices and the rights of workers are the same, but India explicitly provides imprisonment for employer found guilty of unfair labour practices, and Nigerian labour legislation is silent on that. It concludes by recommending a review of Nigerian labour practice legal framework, reflecting some India’s advancement in labour practice.

An analysis of the welfare of informal sector workers in the city of cirebon in the new normal period after the Covid 19 pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic which is endemic in almost all parts of the world has had a major impact on various lines of life, including the economy. This condition requires the government to issue a Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) policy. This policy limited people's activities and resulted in a limited economy. However, after the pandemic conditions began to improve, and new normal policies began to be implemented. The method used in writing this article is quantitative with the method of regression analysis. This article aims to analyze the welfare of informal sector workers against the conditions of the new normal in the city of Cirebon. The results of the regression analysis show that the sig value (P-value) is <0.05 so there is a significant influence between the conditions of the new habit (X) on the welfare of the informal sector workers (Y).

Game engine-driven synthetic data generation for computer vision-based safety monitoring of construction workers

Computer vision (CV)-based safety monitoring has been widely applied at construction sites. However, this method requires large, diverse, and accurately labeled training data, which is difficult or expensive to collect from real-world environments. To address this concern, this paper introduces a synthetic data generation methodology driven by game engines, facilitating the simulation of diverse construction scenarios from varying distances and viewpoints. Subsequently, a CV model is trained on hybrid datasets encompassing both synthetic and real-world data, thereby evaluating its viability for safeguarding construction workers by particularly detecting small-sized personal protective equipment. Through the incorporation of synthetic data, a detection performance enhancement of up to 30.4%p is achieved, an encouraging outcome with substantial potential to impact worker safety. The outcome of this investigation possess the capacity to refine the safety and overall welfare of construction workers, delivering a cost-efficient and streamlined means to train CV models tailored for safety monitoring purposes.

The impact of trade liberalisation on the gender wage gap in urban China: The role of sectoral switching costs

AbstractThe effect of trade liberalisation on the welfare of workers depends on the nature and magnitude of switching costs that workers face in moving across sectors. This paper investigates the impact of trade liberalisation on the gender wage gap in China, emphasising the role of sectoral switching costs in driving the effect. Using the local labour market approach as the identification strategy, I find that a one-standard-deviation increase in regional trade exposure is associated with a 3.2% increase in the gender wage gap during the 1992–2009 period. The emergence of the empirical pattern is mainly because the sectoral switching costs are larger for females than males. Since trade liberalisation leads to labour reallocation across sectors, the presence of asymmetric sectoral switching costs thus prevents female workers initially employed in the manufacturing sector from accessing advanced service industries, resulting in a rising gender wage gap after the trade. As a response, female manufacturing workers are forced to either be employed in low-skill service industries or exit the labour market. This paper carries strong implications for policies that both promote gender equity and help trade-displaced workers.

Wages Divergence and Malfeasance with Tea Garden Workers in Bangladesh: A Comparative Analysis with Suggestion for the Policymakers

The research "Wages Divergence and Malfeasance with Tea Garden Workers in Bangladesh: A Comparative Analysis with Suggestions for Policymakers" aims to explore the wage disparity and malpractice issues among tea garden workers in Bangladesh. Using a comparative analysis, the study examines the differences in wages among tea garden workers and identifies malfeasance in the sector. The study finds that wage disparity exists among tea garden workers, with women workers receiving lower wages compared to their male counterparts. Moreover, the study identifies malpractices such as bribery, illegal wage deductions, and the use of child labor in the tea garden sector. It provides policy suggestions such as increasing the minimum wage rate, ensuring transparency in wage payment, and enforcing laws to eradicate malfeasance in the sector. It also highlights the need for policymakers to address the wage disparity and malpractices in the tea garden sector to ensure the welfare of tea garden workers in Bangladesh. Study finds that tea garden workers who are members of trade unions receive higher wages compared to non-unionized workers. It further identifies the impact of climate change on the tea garden sector in Bangladesh. The research highlights the need for a gender-sensitive approach to address the wage disparity among tea garden workers. It recommends that policymakers adopt measures to promote gender equity in the sector, such as providing training and education opportunities for women workers.

Responsibilization during uncontrollable events: understanding how consumers assign and accept responsibility for service employee welfare

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study how individuals assess responsibility during an uncontrollable event requiring collective action, using crises affecting service workers as contexts. Specifically, the authors examine what parties consumers hold responsible for ensuring service worker welfare following an uncontrollable event and determine what factors make customers more open to accepting responsibility for ensuring worker welfare themselves. Design/methodology/approach The authors surveyed a nationally representative sample of US consumers regarding their attitudes toward protecting service workers during COVID-19 and used regression analysis to identify factors that predict attributions of responsibility to customers. The authors also conducted an experiment (using a new crisis context) to determine whether certain key factors impact customer perceptions of their own responsibility for helping employees during an uncontrollable event. Findings The survey results show US consumers hold firms most responsible for worker welfare, followed by customers and, finally, government. When examining factors that drive attributions of responsibility for customers, perceptions of how sincere firms are in their efforts to help employees predict higher responsibility attributions, and experimental results confirm that higher perceived firm sincerity increases consumers’ own sense of responsibility toward workers. Social implications This research identifies factors that affect consumer support for efforts to help service employees and collective action problems more generally. Originality/value This research highlights an under-studied crisis context – uncontrollable events that require collective action – and shows how consumers make assessments about their own responsibility (in addition to the responsibility of the service firm) in these contexts.