Sense out of uncertainty, HR without borders

Welcome to the World’s leading organisation for multinational employers.

Many global employers belong to FedEE because we provide one-stop practical assistance in key areas of management concern. We offer a host of shared services, as well as time/cost saving customised solutions.  One FedEE Member put it this way.

“I do not have the time to brief outsiders and start worrying about professional fees before I can get a job done. I just need someone I can trust who will give me an honest second opinion and help me sort things out so that I can move onto other things. My company cannot carry all the expertise about international HR laws and practices it needs in-house – so the next best thing is FedEE. You have no equal and those who do not know about you do not know what they are missing.”

〠 FedEE Remote Working Project:  We are currently undertaking an in-depth analysis of remote working laws and HR practice around the globe

〠 Indian Labour Codes: Four new codes have now replaced over 40 previous laws. FedEE now offers details of all new provisions.

〠 Post-pandemic HR World:  So what are the key things you need to think about now? What will be the barriers faced and what kind of world will it be like? Start your journey here.

〠 Posting Workers: This revised EU Directive has huge implications for multinational employers. FedEE has the most detailed guide available on how to comply with it.

 

International HR Answers in Seconds

FedEE is designed to provide a “right hand” professional support service to those in multinational HR departments.

We focus on key developments so you can get on with your core day-to-day activities. You do not need a legal database containing 1000s of new laws and court cases to read every day, nor do you have the time to wait for a call-back from a law firm –  but you do need to know if your company faces a new employer obligation in a particular country, if a key deadline is coming up on the radar, or how to resolve a difficult employee problem in real-time.

FedEE also produces news reports you would never receive from any other source. This is partly because we monitor changes in over 30 languages. We also have a tiered support system so that if you need to know more, you may go to our online knowledgebase, or simply call our multinational helpline. 85% of helpline enquiries are resolved within two hours, after just one direct call to an Advisor. Our service is also multi-user – so several colleagues may access it in their own right. Few lawyers have hands on HR experience and so their guidance is often rigid, obscure and off the mark. We go beyond the law and aim at finding practical, management solutions that stick and make good economic sense.

You could probably secure a near alternative to FedEE by hiring a talented HR professional with years of working in many jurisdictions and industry sectors, then by arming them with numerous costly online legal database subscriptions – or you could simply sign up to FedEE – at 2-3% the cost. That is perhaps why many HR departments around the World have relied on FedEE for over two decades.

FEDEE ALERTS

☞ A recent landmark court decision in Malaysia has been the first to challenge the country’s Islamic laws concerning sexual orientation. 

☞ How many US States now ban the use of non-compete clauses and which is the latest?

☞ Pawa-hara laws just coming into effect in Japan are going to make life very difficult for conventional employers.

☞ Do you know the occupational groups given special entry requirements this year under different country points systems? 

☞ Why can a company not unilaterally terminate an employment contract right now in Turkey?

☞ It is now an offence to “mob” or harass a colleague at work in Italy, even after just a single instance

☞ What is the position of employees stranded in countries – whose visas have expired?

☞ What are the HR data retention periods around the World?

☞ May an employer force an employee to take annual leave? 

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The FedEE Story

FedEE was supported initially by the European Commission.

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FedEE Services

FedEE offers a range of “must have” services to the Multinational employers.

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FedEE Achievements

Some achievements since foundation in 1988.

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Aftermath

FedEE’s frightening analysis concerning prospects for a post-pandemic World.

The future of work
 

Maintaining company pay freedom

Unless EU employers do something soon they will all be locked into collective bargaining and have to face up to unions that have been given a huge new lease of life by the European Commission. This is not “crying wolf”, but a reality under current EU proposals.

For the last 20 years FedEE has been seeking to make the European Union institutions stick to Article 153 (5) of their own Treaty and not meddle in pay. They have no powers to do so – but MEPS and Officials keep knowingly ignoring their own Treaty obligations.

Now the Commission wants to impose a minimum wage system across EU Member States which is entirely determined by collective bargaining. Once around the table, however, unions will not stop there – and will want to spread their scope for negotiation to all levels in a company. This is in spite of unionization progressively declining across the EU and being as low as 8% in some EU countries. Moreover, sectoral and national CBAs are wage cartels and should be treated as such.

Although the minimum wage is a critical safeguard, the petty politics of collective bargaining is not the way to achieve it and the European Union has no legitimate role to play in this field. 

HOW THINGS STAND

  • Not all EU States – such as Austria, Finland and Italy – currently operate a national minimum wage.
  • Article 153 (5) of the EU Treaty excludes any powers in respect to pay from the scope of the European Union.
  • The European Commission has long wanted to take greater control of the wage and salary market.
  • The Commission has ignored in the past the EU Treaty by introducing pay-related elements in Directives. Only FedEE has opposed them.
  • The Commision began this year to consult “social partners” about an EU Minimum Wage Directive. 
  • The Commission’s current proposals are to ensure that collective bargaining is central to the new wage system. 
  • To sidestep the Treaty problem (and FedEE) the Commission wants to draw up an agreement on Article 155. This will do nothing to remove Article 153 (5).
  • If allowed to go ahead, the Commission’s  proposal will impose collective bargaining on employers in each Member State.
  • Spain is also imposing new requirements on employers under their equal pay legislation. This means that employers will be forced into consultation with trade unions like the militant CCOO union.
  • If your company opposes these moves – join FedEE.
 

Services Tailored for You

Your Employment Law Questions Answered – Practically and Fast

If a quick check of the FedEE Knowledgebase does not come up with all the details you are looking for then the FedEE legal helpline is just a phone call, or email message, away. We seek to answer all email questions raised within four working hours. In fact, over 90% of telephone enquiries about our core 35 countries are resolved during a 15-minute call.

Updating Your HR Policies to Comply with Statutes and Rulings

The most constant lament that arises in our periodic member surveys concerns the updating of HR policies. If a policy is out of date, and thus at variance with the law, or phrased in an ambiguous way a company can find itself being challenged by employees with whom they are in dispute, an ex-employee or a factory inspector. All policies should therefore ideally be reviewed on an annual basis. FedEE offers a policy review service called “Persolicy” that could be just for one policy in a single jurisdiction, a complete handbook or for multiple countries. This service is at a fraction of the cost charged by a conventional law firm.

Let FII-Legal provide you with the employment law assistance you need during the current crisis

FII-Legal is an independent spin off from the Federation and can offer expert advice, information and support at a fraction the cost – and many times the speed – you would be charged by an old-style legal firm. Our expertise is also based on a depth of international HR experience and is led by a former Advisor to The European Commission and the ICO who also has a track record in mining, electronics and engineering.  We cover over 120+ country jurisdictions, plus federal laws, from a single international centre. FII-Legal is also open to non-members of the Federation. So call us today on (+1) 857 576 8452 or email enquiries@fedeeglobal.com.

Ask FII-Global’s legal research team to undertake an investigation into a difficult legal challenge, or brief you on a particular jurisdiction

We have undertaken numerous customised research exercises for major companies to assess the best jurisdiction and labour market for expansion into Eastern Europe, restructure the business as a Societas Europea (SE), or set out all the steps necessary for a major transfer of undertakings. We specialise in M&A HR legal strategy – and in 2019 we were a key player in one of the largest mergers in recent times.

Becoming a multinational for the first time? Let FedEE help reduce the delays and risks

During the last ten years the average size of multinationals has fallen from over 5000 employees to just 700 employees and many start to become multinational – especially in the service sector – when they have fewer than 100 employees.

Membership of FedEE will be an invaluable aid to successful growth in other countries. Not only can we show you how to avoid the legal pitfalls, but can put you in touch with local service providers and provide statistics to help you assess things like the size and nature of local labour markets.

We can also help you turn your HR services around – both to deal with global emergencies, such as those created by the coronavirus pandemic, but also put in place an HR Recovery Plan. We estimate the recovery in advanced economies outside China will begin by late July 2020. It may also, ironically, remove the threat of a recession by the end of 2020 – as demand bounces back with a new dynamic.

Global News

Advanced Diploma in Multjurisdictional Employment Law
 

The FedEE Academy

FedEE’s Advanced Diploma in Multijurisdictional Employment Law (AdvDip MELL) which has been offered by our Academy since 2018, has now been relaunched. The programme is designed to train a new breed of HR professional – the key individual in a multinational HR department responsible for monitoring developments in employment law across national borders, advising how to handle HR policy issues, briefing external lawyers and dealing directly with HR legal problems. The holder of the Advanced Diploma therefore also carries the exclusive trade-marked title of “QP-HR Counsel“.

We now offer this programme through distance learning and in a form which allows it to be completed over twelve months, whilst holding down a busy HR role. The data learned is kept constantly up to date and so can be of immediate practical use. Each participant has their own personal Tutor and there is no requirement to submit lengthy work assignments. There are today a growing number of graduates of the programme, many gaining their credentials with distinction or merit.

Although the full programme consists of 25 modules – all is not lost if completion proves to be too much because of domestic or work commitments. Provided that a participant completes 13 modules, they may still gain a Study Certificate.

In order to qualify for the Course, it will normally be necessary to be a University graduate in Human Resource Management, the Law, Economics, Business or a Social Science and have held a position as an HR professional or manager at a multinational organisation with 50+ employees for at least 12 months. Another professional qualification, or affiliation, will be an advantage, but not necessary. If your degree is in another subject, then the necessary relevant work experience will be at least five years.

Signing up to the programme is easily achieved. Simply complete this application form and submit it to the FedEE Academy. Within 48 hours you will be informed if you have been accepted onto the programme. If you have, and work for a FedEE Member company, you will be sent a welcoming letter, an invoice for the course fee, Volume one of the Course Handbook and assigned a Personal Tutor. It will then be possible to commence immediately and the Course Director will contact you within 10 days to ensure that you make a good start to your studies. 

If not working for a FedEE Member organisation it will only be possible to commence once the Course fee has been paid – either by bank transfer or credit card.

For further details, please contact the Programme Director on Academy@fedee.com.

Publications and press reports from FedEE correspondents
 

Press Releases and Newswires

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White papers

FedEE Member companies gain access to a wealth of information and guidance.

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Press Releases

Examples of past press releases distributed to media, newspapers and agencies. 

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Past Newswires

Examples of our fortnightly newswires sent to all FedEE Member organizations.

Travel Alerts

  • AUSTRALIA: The current stay at home orders will remain in place for another four weeks (until Saturday, 28th August 2021 at 12.01am) across Greater Sydney - including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour. Additionally, quarantine free travel from all Australian states and territories to New Zealand has being suspended as the COVID situation there worsens.

    BANGLADESH: Elevated dengue fever activity has been reported in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and is likely to remain elevated as the rainy season continues until September. Avoid mosquito bites.

    CANADA: Canadian border officers have threatened to strike – as early as 6th August 2021, three days before fully vaccinated US citizens will be able to visit Canada without having to quarantine for two weeks. Expect significant delays in travel services.

    FRANCE: The COVID-19 health pass will be required on flights and intercity trains from 9th August 2021.

    INDONESIA: The Mount Sinabung volcano erupted on 28th July 2021, sending a thick column of ash 4,500m into the air. The volcano alert remains at level three, the second-highest level (where it has been since May 2019).

    IRISH REPUBLIC: A Passenger Locator Form must be completed online 72 hours prior to departure. It is an offence to travel to the Republic without having completed a form. 

    KUWAIT: From 1st August 2021, fully vaccinated foreigners with valid residency status may enter the country.

    NEW ZEALAND: Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has decided that all visa processing at their Beijing office will end by 31st August 2021.

    POLAND: Current rules and restrictions due to COVID-19 may be viewed here. Important information for entering and leaving Poland can also be found here.

    SAUDI ARABIA: With effect from 9th August 2021, Saudis will require two COVID-19 vaccine doses to travel outside of their country.

    UNITED KINGDOM: With effect from 2nd August 2021, people who have been fully vaccinated in many European countries, or the USA, will not need to quarantine on arrival in England - or take a “day 8” test. Additionally, the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has asked all drivers not to book into work after midday for 24 hours on four separate dates - 3rd, 5th, 24th and 26th August 2021. Expect train services disruptions during these days.

    USA: An extremely strong and shallow earthquake of magnitude 8.2 struck the Alaskan peninsula on 29th July 2021 (0615 GMT Thursday), prompting tsunami warnings in the US State and heightened surveillance across the Pacific. Be prepared for aftershocks. Additionally, American Airlines will suspend flights at Arkansas' Fort Smith Regional Airport from 21st August 2021 to 5th September 2021 because of runway repairs.

    BAHRAIN: Passengers arriving from Red List countries, including passengers who have transited through any of those countries at any point in the preceding 14 days, are prohibited from entry unless they are citizens or residents of Bahrain.

    BRAZIL: Dengue cases in São Paulo have tripled (6,551) during the first half of the year when compared to the number infected throughout the year in 2020 (2,026). No specific antiviral agents exist for dengue. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised that patients should stay well hydrated and to avoid aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), aspirin-containing drugs, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) because of their anticoagulant properties.

    CYPRUS: Employers now have an obligation to check that all employees hold a Rapid test or a 72-hour PCR certificate or a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 or a vaccination certificate. The owners/directors/managers of certain premises, such as entertainment establishments, dining places, gyms, etc., are also obliged to check their customers’ certificates and ask them to show their identity card or passport. Exterior spaces of premises serving fewer than 20 people are excluded from this obligation. It should be noted that the European Union Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC) shall only be accepted for travel purposes. Furthermore, the Council of Ministers decided to abolish the provision of free rapid antigen testing as of 1st August 2021.

    FRANCE: Visitors must always check with the French government before they travel, to make sure they meet their legal requirements. 

    GUATEMALA: Demands are mounting for the resignation of President Alejandro Giammattei over his mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the massive shortage of COVID vaccines in the country. Visitors should stay vigilant and avoid any unofficial protests (the president of Guatemala has just banned most protests for the following two weeks).

    RUSSIAN FEDERATION: With effect from 1st August 2021, the United States’ Embassy in Moscow will suspend visa and other consular services due to a hiring ban imposed by Russia.

    SOUTH AFRICA: Violence continues across the country following the jailing of former President Jacob Zuma. Crowds looting and setting alight to shopping centres have clashed with police in several cities. Avoid all protests and the use of public transport services. Conserve fuel as a fuel shortage has been reported in several parts of the country.

    BELARUS: Mandatory disinfection of all vehicles at the border crossing point “Novaya Guta” will last until 1st October 2021.

    EUROPEAN UNION: An EU website provides information on the various COVID-19 related  measures in place across the EU countries. It is updated frequently and available in 24 languages. This should help travellers plan their travel in Europe, while staying safe and healthy.

    FRANCE: An up-to-date classification of risky countries is available here (in French). This FAQ contains information for foreign nationals wishing to enter France, or already in France, who are concerned about restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

    INDIA: The government has extended suspension of scheduled international flights until 31st July 2021 due to COVID-19.

    NIGERIA: Protests are likely in the southeast states through to late July 2021.This follows the arrest of a high profile separatist leader. The Biafra-Nigerian War of 1967-70 was never finally resolved and separatist aims still exist in the Igbo people.

    POLAND: A new e-TOLL collection system has been launched in June 2021. It will eventually replace the existing viaTOLL system by 30th September 2021.

    SPAIN: Spanish borders between Ceuta & Melilla and Morocco will remain closed for another month, until 31st July 2021.

    ISRAEL: Anyone flying into Israel must submit the online entry statement no more than 24 hours before their scheduled time of departure. Foreign nationals must also have an entry permit. It should be noted that foreign nationals will only be permitted entry if they fall under an exceptional case.  

    SWITZERLAND: To view regularly updated entry restrictions for high-risk countries, please click on the government website here.

    UAE: A new colour-coded system (“green pass”) for the contact tracing app Alhosn has been introduced to show vaccination status and COVID PCR test validity. Only “green pass” holders in Abu Dhabi will be allowed entry to most public places. In addition, expatriate residents returning to the 6 emirates other than Dubai no longer need approval from ICA to return to the UAE, but they must download the Al HOSN app on their mobile phones to allow authorities to monitor their health whilst they are in quarantine. Expatriate residents returning to Dubai need approval from GDRFA and must download the COVID-19 DXB smart app. To view the full list of 'green' countries, regions and territories that visitors may travel from if planning a trip to Abu Dhabi, please check here. 

    FINLAND: Entry restrictions for Finland are detailed on the website of the Finnish Government.

    JERSEY (CHANNEL ISLANDS): Residents who intend to live in Jersey for more than 12 months are reminded to register any foreign vehicle brought with them to the Island, and obtain a Jersey driving licence. There are severe penalties for driving unregistered vehicles, including a fine of up to £10,000, or up to six months imprisonment.

    AUSTRALIA: Borders are currently closed and entry to Australia remains strictly controlled.

    BRUNEI: The government has stopped its reciprocal green lane arrangement with Singapore. This means all travellers from Singapore will be required to undergo self-isolation at hotels for a period determined by a Ministry of Health risk assessment.

    CZECH REPUBLIC/UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Air Arabia will resume direct flights between Prague and Sharjah from 22nd September 2021.

    SAUDI ARABIA: A COVID-19 vaccination will be required to enter any governmental, private, or educational establishments and to use public transportation as of 1st August 2021.

    IRISH REPUBLIC: Passengers arriving in Ireland from, or having transited through, any country on the list of designated high-risk countries must complete the mandatory hotel quarantine and are required to pre-book accommodation in a designated quarantine facility and to pre-pay for their stay.

    NETHERLANDS: The current approach to tackling coronavirus in the Netherlands may be viewed here.

    BERMUDA: Visitors and residents may not travel to Bermuda without an advance approved Travel Authorisation.

    COSTA RICA: A Health Pass must be completed and a QR Code obtained to show to airport authorities upon arrival to Costa Rica.

    ICELAND: The latest information regarding travel restrictions to Iceland as a result of COVID-19 is available here. Travellers should also note that a volcanic eruption is likely soon as quake swarms continue in southwestern Iceland.

    KUWAIT: All travellers are required to register on the Mosafer platform prior to beginning their travel to Kuwait.

    SWEDEN: Questions and answers about the entry ban from EEA states, and certain other states, can be found here.

    AUSTRALIA: Qantas, and its subsidiary Jetstar, are planning to resume international flights to most destinations from 31st October 2021. Additionally, to find out the latest measures in place when travelling in or out of Australia, please click here.

    IRISH REPUBLIC: Entry visa processing for Ireland has been temporarily suspended, with some exceptions.

    NEW ZEALAND: All customers will be required to present their Managed Isolation Allocation Voucher at the airport to board their flight to New Zealand.

    UAE: Guidance on travelling to the UAE can be viewed here.

    LUXEMBOURG: The latest updated entry restrictions may be viewed here.

    CHILE: Travellers must compete an electronic “Affidavit of Travellers” (also called a “Sanitary Passport”) within 48 hours of departing. After completing the form, travellers will receive a QR code that they may use when boarding their flight.

    MALDIVES: All those travelling to and from Maldives are required to submit a self-completed health declaration within 24 hours prior their departure.

    NETHERLANDS: There have been clashes in towns and cities across the country between the police and the anti-curfew protesters. Visitors are advised to stay away from large crowds and anticipate transportation disruptions.

    AUSTRIA: Medical-grade FFP2 face masks are now mandatory in the country for people aged over 14 on public transport, shops and businesses, pharmacies, as well as hospitals or medical practices. Pregnant women and people with medical conditions are exempt.

    CANADA: New pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirements for all air travellers flying into the country can be found here. For COVID-19 public health measures and restrictions in Ontario, please view here. To find out who may travel to Canada and public health measures for travellers to the country, please click on the official website here.

    CZECH REPUBLIC: Please note that the certificate and confirmation form for entry into the country are available here.

    ESTONIA: Information on countries and restriction on freedom of movement requirements for passengers is available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

    EUROPEAN UNION: Before planning a trip, visitors may wish to consult the European Union’s website where they may find country-specific information relating to border controls, travel restrictions, health and public safety measures - as well as other practical information. To check what travel documents are necessary when crossing the border into another EU country, please view here. What’s more, road safety and traffic rules differ within the EU. To find out what the various country-specific rules are, please click here. For information on rules of driving a company car abroad, please check here.

    FINLAND: Entry restrictions and health measures may be viewed here. For instructions issued by the Finnish border guard service, please check here.

    FRANCE: The government has provided some useful advice on its website for foreign nationals wishing to enter the country (or already in the country).

    FRENCH POLYNESIA: The ETIS is a mandatory health registration form for any traveler arriving to French Polynesia by air. Visitors must submit a valid copy within three days of their flight, and each time they enter Polynesian territory.

    GERMANY: Information on entry restrictions and quarantine regulations can be accessed here.

    GLOBAL: Global port restrictions may be viewed here.

    GREECE: All people (except children under 10 years old) traveling to Greece from foreign countries will be required to have a negative molecular test result (PCR) for COVID-19, performed within 72 hours before their arrival. This includes air and land arrivals.

    ICELAND: All passengers traveling to the country are required to fill out a pre-registration form 72 hours before their arrival. For travel restrictions, please check here.

    IRISH REPUBLIC: To view travel advice for over 200 countries from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), please check here. Visitors are reminded to fill out a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form if they arrive in Ireland from another country.

    LATVIA: All people must fill in an electronic form no earlier than 48 hour before crossing the border, they will then receive a QR code to show to customs.

    LITHUANIA: Before boarding a plane, ferry, bus, or train to travel to this country, a form must be completed on the website of the National Public Health Centre, and present the confirmation received, the QR code, at the time of boarding. To find out who is allowed to enter the country during emergency situation due to COVID-19, please check here.

    MALTA: Before travelling to Malta, it is necessary to complete the Public Health Travel Declaration Form and the Passenger Locator Form.

    NEW ZEALAND: To find out who may still enter the country, please click here.

    NORWAY: The Norwegian Institute of Public Health has provided a map on its website showing obligations to go into quarantine that apply for travellers arriving in Norway.

    ROMANIA: A map indicating which border crossing points are open can be accessed here.

    SPAIN: The official website offers tourists and business travellers information on how to protect people’s health and safety during their trip.

FedEE makes it all fit together
 

Join FedEE Today

Many of the world’s largest multinational companies already belong to The Federation of International Employers (FedEE®). We have a Worldwide Membership – with particular concentrations in North America, Western Europe, India and Japan. We were founded in 1988 and are regularly voted by our Members as an organisation they would recommend to other multinationals.

If your company has over 150 employees in two or more countries, has its own in-house HR department, and has been operating for two or more years then you really cannot afford to operate without being part of the Federation. The approval process takes less than a day and for immediate access to our services we have an online credit card payment facility. Membership costs as little as €998.00 a year. Please check here to view the table of our membership services. Sign up now.

Why not take a short tour of our knowledge-base before joining FedEE® to see the nature and extent of the employment law, HR data and support that we offer? Please contact our Membership Secretary on membershipservices@fedee.com to arrange for a one-to-one webinar for you and your colleagues, arranged without obligation and entirely at your own convenience.

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Contact Us

Address, email, telephone numbers and on line payments so you can get in touch from anywhere around the world.

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Senior Management Team

Introducing our key staff and Board Members.

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Training and Events

The World’s advanced professional transnational law training course.

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Clear Thinking

Most people are not taught to think and few realize that clear thinking originates in perceptions and personal identity.