Japan: Typhoon Halong Leaves Trail of Damage 2

On Thursday, October 9, a powerful Typhoon Halong brought torrential rain and strong winds to Japan, causing severe flooding, landslides, downed trees, and power outages on Hachijo Island, a special ward located southeast of Tokyo. The metropolitan government requested the Japan Self-Defense Force to dispatch disaster relief personnel due to the extensive damage.

France: Hundreds of Thousands Join Nationwide Protests Over Austerity Budget 2

On September 18, hundreds of thousands people joined over 250 demonstrations across France in response to a cross-industry union call against the austerity budget introduced by former Prime Minister François Bayrou. Unions criticized the measures as “brutal,” arguing they unfairly target workers, vulnerable groups, retirees, and the sick. Current Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has yet to revise the policies. Union leaders hailed the strike as a success and urged the government to ensure fiscal, social, and environmental justice in the upcoming budget.

Nova's foreign teachers demand payment of wages in arrears

Nova's foreign teachers demand payment of wages in arrears

OSAKA, Japan - Tristan Sime, a former teacher at scandal-tainted English-language school operator Nova Corp., speaks at a news conference in Osaka on Sept. 27. A labor union representing instructors employed by Nova filed a request with labor standards supervision authorities asking that the company be ordered to pay wages in arrears to its foreign instructors.

Nova's foreign teachers demand payment of wages in arrears

Nova's foreign teachers demand payment of wages in arrears

OSAKA, Japan - Tristan Sime, a former teacher at scandal-tainted English-language school operator Nova Corp., speaks at a news conference in Osaka on Sept. 27. A labor union representing instructors employed by Nova filed a request with labor standards supervision authorities asking that the company be ordered to pay wages in arrears to its foreign instructors. (Kyodo)