Featured Stories
Sedgwick Announces Leadership Changes in South Africa
MEMPHIS, Tennessee, July 25 -- Sedgwick, a provider of technology-enabled risk and benefit solutions, issued the following news release:
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Sedgwick announces leadership changes in South Africa
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - Sedgwick, the world's leading risk and claims administration partner, has announced that Ken MacLean will transition from Chief Executive Officer to Senior Executive Major and Complex Loss Adjuster, where he will focus on continuing to deliver valuable outcomes for clients.
During MacLean's 11 years as CEO in South Africa, he helped build the operational foundation for
... Show Full Article
MEMPHIS, Tennessee, July 25 -- Sedgwick, a provider of technology-enabled risk and benefit solutions, issued the following news release:
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Sedgwick announces leadership changes in South Africa
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - Sedgwick, the world's leading risk and claims administration partner, has announced that Ken MacLean will transition from Chief Executive Officer to Senior Executive Major and Complex Loss Adjuster, where he will focus on continuing to deliver valuable outcomes for clients.
During MacLean's 11 years as CEO in South Africa, he helped build the operational foundation forthe company's next phase of growth and laid the groundwork for this leadership transition. He will continue to work with the team he developed to support the success of the business.
"I would like to thank Ken Maclean for his outstanding leadership and contributions to the business as CEO," said Neil Gibson Sedgwick Regional CEO - UK, Ireland, Middle East & Africa. "His 40 years in the industry and impressive acumen in handling claims will continue to support our long-term success, and I look forward to his continued excellent work with us."
MacLean commented, "It has been both an honour and a privilege to lead Sedgwick in South Africa and to work alongside so many exceptional colleagues who have played an important role in our journey and success. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved as a business and of the strong client relationships that have been built along the way. I am looking forward to moving to the next chapter in my career and to supporting Wayne."
Wayne Klingler has been appointed as Sedgwick's new CEO in South Africa, and will lead the company's strategic growth, strengthen client relationships, and advance operational excellence.
"Wayne's appointment as CEO reflects his extensive industry experience as well as his ability to lead through growth and change. He has consistently delivered strong outcomes across complex and evolving markets" said Gibson. "We are confident he will continue to strengthen our business, support our colleagues and create value for our clients and partners."
Moving into the role as CEO, Klingler brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in the loss adjusting industry, specializing in the investigation and management of large, complex claims. Most recently, he was Executive Adjuster and Head of Operations for Sedgwick South Africa, leading complex claims and loss adjusting operations.
"I am ready to take on the role of CEO and lead this exceptional business here in South Africa into its next chapter. I have always been passionate about guiding clients through complex challenges while fostering a culture of collaboration and service excellence," said Klingler. "I look forward to continuing to work alongside our talented colleagues to build on our strong foundation, deepen client relationships and continue delivering outstanding results."
Sedgwick in South Africa brings together robust global capabilities and local talent and expertise in loss adjusting, major and complex loss, restoration and repair and building consultancy and integrated business solutions.
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About Sedgwick
Sedgwick is the world's leading risk and claims administration partner, helping clients thrive by navigating the unexpected. The company's expertise, combined with the most advanced AI-enabled technology available, sets the standard for solutions in claims administration, loss adjusting, benefits administration and product recall. With over 33,000 colleagues and 10,000 clients across 80 countries, Sedgwick provides unmatched perspective, caring that counts, and solutions for the rapidly changing and complex risk landscape. Sedgwick's majority shareholder is The Carlyle Group; Stone Point Capital LLC, Altas Partners, CDPQ, Onex and other management investors are minority shareholders. For more, see sedgwick.
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Original text here: https://www.sedgwick.com/press-release/sedgwick-announces-leadership-changes-in-south-africa/
[Category: BizInsurance]
Nixon Peabody Helps Strata Clean Energy Secure $150M Credit Facility Increase
ALBANY, New York, July 25 -- Nixon Peabody, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Nixon Peabody helps Strata Clean Energy secure $150M credit facility increase
Durham, NC. Nixon Peabody LLP represented energy infrastructure company Strata Clean Energy in securing a $150 million increase to the company's revolving credit facility, for a total of $450 million.
The credit facility increase closed on July 9, 2026, and the financing will continue to support the expansion of Strata's operational fleet and the ongoing commercialization of its diversified development pipeline. This includes
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, July 25 -- Nixon Peabody, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Nixon Peabody helps Strata Clean Energy secure $150M credit facility increase
Durham, NC. Nixon Peabody LLP represented energy infrastructure company Strata Clean Energy in securing a $150 million increase to the company's revolving credit facility, for a total of $450 million.
The credit facility increase closed on July 9, 2026, and the financing will continue to support the expansion of Strata's operational fleet and the ongoing commercialization of its diversified development pipeline. This includesthe development, construction, and operation of Strata's renewable energy and energy storage projects, as well as supporting the company's growing Engineering, Procurement and Construction and Operations and Maintenance divisions.
"The increase in revolving credit enables Strata to continue making a positive impact on the renewable energy sector and the utilities, independent power producers, and other customers the company serves," said Nixon Peabody Global Finance partner Martha Anderson, who led the firm's deal team. "We're proud to have worked with Strata on this transaction and to support the company's long-term growth strategy."
Nomura Securities International, Inc., which closed the original $300 million credit facility in 2023, continues to act as bookrunner and coordinating lead arranger. First Citizens Bank is also serving as coordinating lead arranger.
In addition to Anderson, the Nixon Peabody team included partners Frank Hamblett and Jason Chimon, senior counsel Forrest Milder, and associate Shaun Stienstra.
See Strata Clean Energy's press release (https://stratacleanenergy.com/news/strata-clean-energy-upsizes-revolving-credit-facility-to-450-million-to-support-continued-growth-of-vertically-integrated-clean-energy-platform/) to learn more about the transaction.
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URL: Strata Clean Energy
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Original text here: https://www.nixonpeabody.com/about/media/2026/07/24/nixon-peabody-helps-strata-clean-energy-secure-credit-facility-increase
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Netflix Announces the Adaptation of Marcelo Rubens Paiva's 'Happy Old Year'
LOS GATOS, California, July 25 -- Netflix, a content provider, issued the following news:
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Netflix Announces the Adaptation of Marcelo Rubens Paiva's 'Happy Old Year'
Produced by Amaia and O2 Filmes, the series based on the author's autobiography was revealed during Flip.
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One of the foundational stories of late 20th-century Brazilian literature, Happy Old Year (Feliz Ano Velho), the autobiography by Marcelo Rubens Paiva published in 1982, is getting a new screen adaptation by Netflix. The series is produced by Amaia and O2 Filmes. The announcement was made during the 24th edition of
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LOS GATOS, California, July 25 -- Netflix, a content provider, issued the following news:
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Netflix Announces the Adaptation of Marcelo Rubens Paiva's 'Happy Old Year'
Produced by Amaia and O2 Filmes, the series based on the author's autobiography was revealed during Flip.
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One of the foundational stories of late 20th-century Brazilian literature, Happy Old Year (Feliz Ano Velho), the autobiography by Marcelo Rubens Paiva published in 1982, is getting a new screen adaptation by Netflix. The series is produced by Amaia and O2 Filmes. The announcement was made during the 24th edition ofFlip (Paraty International Literary Festival).
"Happy Old Year is a story that, starting from an intensely personal account, manages to reach the universal theme of what it means to be young. Perhaps that's why it created such a strong emotional connection with an entire generation of readers. With this adaptation, we want those who already know the story to be moved by seeing it on screen, and new generations of fans to fall in love with it," says Hana Vaisman, Netflix Director of Series, Brazil.
Pioneering in both form and content, Happy Old Year is an autobiographical novel centered around the accident that left the author quadriplegic at age 20. Written with a confessional tone and colloquial language, Paiva delivers a surprisingly ironic account of a dramatic turning point in his life, breaking stereotypes surrounding disability while addressing universal themes of youth and coming of age.
"Happy Old Year has already been adapted into a play, a musical and an opera, and now, finally, this work, which is so vital to Brazilian culture, is coming to streaming," said Paiva. "I'm thrilled to see another marriage between Brazilian literature and the audiovisual arts, bringing our stories from the pages to the screen."
Filming has not yet begun, and no release date has been announced.
"Adapting Happy Old Year for the screen is also a way of engaging with Marcelo's journey and the courage he had to transform his personal experience into universal literature. There are stories we produce, and there are stories we feel a true need to tell. It's an honor, as well as a responsibility, to bring it to the screen with all the subtlety and truth it demands," celebrated producers Diane Maia (AMAIA) and Andrea Barata Ribeiro (O2 Filmes).
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About Netflix
Netflix is one of the world's leading entertainment services, with a vast catalog of TV series, films, games, and live events available in multiple languages. Our members can watch, pause, and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.
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About Amaia
Founded in 2021, AMAIA is a Brazilian production company dedicated to developing and producing audiovisual projects that blend artistic relevance with broad audience appeal. In its five-year history, the company has won two Best Picture awards at the Sao Paulo International Film Festival, an award at the Rio Film Festival, and has participated in numerous international festivals. Its portfolio spans film, TV, and streaming, featuring highlights such as O Melhor Lugar do Mundo e Agora (The Best Place in the World is Now) and Eu Nao Te Ouco (I Don't Hear You), both by Caco Ciocler; Meu Sangue Ferve por Voce (My Blood Boils for You) by Paulo Machline; and Todas As Cancoes de Amor (All the Love Songs) by Joana Mariani. Currently in development are the feature film O Personagem (The Character) by Fabio Mendonca (presented at the Marche du Film in Cannes); Monique Gardenberg's new feature based on a novel by J.M. Coetzee; two Netflix productions; and projects with Valter Hugo Mae, Cao Hamburger, Gabriela Amaral Almeida, and Murilo Hauser.
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About O2 Filmes
Founded in 1991, O2 is one of Brazil's leading film and TV production companies, collaborating with major international agencies and studios. Helmed by Andrea Barata Ribeiro, Fernando Meirelles, and Paulo Morelli, the company boasts a diverse portfolio, including nearly 9,000 commercials and award-winning feature films, such as City of God (4 Academy Award nominations) and Marighella (7 awards at the 2022 Brazilian Film Grand Prize), among others. For television, it has recently produced acclaimed series such as Brasil 70 - A Saga do Tri (Netflix), Cangaco Novo / Law of the Jungle (Prime Video), City of God: The Fight Rages On (MAX), September Mornings (Prime Video), and The Adventures of Jose & Durval (Globoplay). With its own studios and post-production facility, O2 also distributes films through O2 Play, having promoted nearly 400 titles to date.
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Original text here: https://about.netflix.com/en/news/netflix-announces-the-adaptation-of-marcelo-rubens-paiva-happy-old-year
[Category: Media]
Mattel Celebrates Cinematic Legends With New Monster High Skullector Dolls Revealed at San Diego Comic-Con
EL SEGUNDO, California, July 25 -- Mattel, a toy manufacturing company, issued the following news on July 24, 2026:
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Mattel Celebrates Cinematic Legends with New Monster High(R) Skullector(TM) Dolls Revealed at San Diego Comic-Con
All-new Skullector(TM) dolls from Monster High's premium collector line reimagine horror legends, monsters, and pop culture icons through the unique lens of their signature aesthetic.
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Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) today announced the unveiling of spooktacular new Monster High Skullector dolls at San Diego Comic-Con. The lineup, on display at San Diego Comic-Con
... Show Full Article
EL SEGUNDO, California, July 25 -- Mattel, a toy manufacturing company, issued the following news on July 24, 2026:
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Mattel Celebrates Cinematic Legends with New Monster High(R) Skullector(TM) Dolls Revealed at San Diego Comic-Con
All-new Skullector(TM) dolls from Monster High's premium collector line reimagine horror legends, monsters, and pop culture icons through the unique lens of their signature aesthetic.
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Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) today announced the unveiling of spooktacular new Monster High Skullector dolls at San Diego Comic-Con. The lineup, on display at San Diego Comic-ConMonster High Booth #3029 through Sunday, features new dolls inspired by the legendary Universal Monsters--Frankenstein, Dracula, and The Mummy - the iconic Villain from Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Oogie Boogie, Krampus and Michael Myers.
Jamie Peters, Vice President and Head of Portfolio Dolls, Mattel, said: "Since Monster High's debut in 2010, the brand has always stood for celebrating individuality, creativity, and self-expression. Our latest wave of Skullector dolls carries that legacy forward by reimagining some of the most iconic characters in horror and pop culture through the unmistakable Monster High aesthetic. From premium fashions and intricate accessories to the "fangtastic" details fans have come to love, we're thrilled to debut these terrifyingly beautiful dolls at San Diego Comic-Con and can't wait for fans to add them to their collections."
The Monster High Skullector Universal Monsters collection reenvisions three of cinema's most iconic horror characters through Monster High's signature blend of fashion-forward design and monster-inspired storytelling. Inspired by the original Universal Pictures classics, each doll honors its legendary on-screen counterpart with a fresh, Monster High twist.
Limited quantities of this trio are dropping today on Walmart.com. Don't worry if you miss out, because more will be arriving soon in stores and rolling out internationally on 9/1. The lineup includes:
* Monster High(R) x Universal Monsters Frankenstein Doll
Inspired by the iconic 1931 Frankenstein film, the Monster High(R) x Universal Monsters Frankenstein doll electrifies with an all-black ensemble featuring a cropped jacket with pointed shoulders, electricity-inspired accents, matching pants, and platform boots. Film-inspired accessories, including a windmill purse, silvery barrettes, and a statement necklace, pay tribute to the original horror classic.
* Monster High(R) x Universal Monsters Dracula Doll
Inspired by the legendary 1931 Dracula film, the Monster High(R) x Universal Monsters Dracula doll brings the iconic vampire to life with a hauntingly chic look. She features a collared dress paired with netted tights and two-tone buckled bat heels, while her pale complexion, striking red eyes, and jet-black hair capture Dracula's unmistakable presence. Blood drip earrings, a coffin-inspired purse, and a medallion necklace complete the look with subtle nods to the original horror classic.
* Monster High(R) x Universal Monsters The Mummy Doll
Inspired by the classic 1932 The Mummy film, the Monster High(R) x Universal Monsters The Mummy doll emerges in a hauntingly elegant look featuring a gauzy, wrapped dress with flowing fringe sleeves. Her gray-toned skin and eerily golden eyes capture the character's mysterious presence, while strappy sandals with skullette sarcophagus heels, a sarcophagus-inspired handbag, scarab ring, and golden belt pay tribute to the original horror classic.
While at the Monster High booth, fans can get a first look at other new dolls from the Monster High Skullector collection ahead of their debut later this year, including:
* Monster High(R) Skullector(TM) Michael Myers Doll (Summer 2026)
Skullector pays tribute to one of horror's most iconic villains with a Monster High interpretation of Michael Myers inspired by 1981's Halloween II. The doll features design details that reference the film, including a red glitter-spattered jumpsuit and accessories inspired by memorable moments from the movie. Fans attending Midsummer Scream will also have the opportunity to hear directly from the designers behind the doll, who will discuss the creative process and inspiration during a panel on Saturday, August 8th at 3:00 PM PT at Universal's booth.
* Monster High(R) Skullector(TM) Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Oogie Boogie Doll (Fall 2026)
Skullector expands its Disney collaboration with a Monster High interpretation of Oogie Boogie from Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas. Inspired by the burlap sack villain from Halloween Town, the collectible incorporates signature character details, including a patchwork-inspired silhouette, textured platform boots, and accessories that reference Oogie's mischievous insect-filled lair. The design brings together recognizable elements from the film with Monster High's distinctive aesthetic, offering fans and collectors a fresh take on the iconic character.
* Monster High(R) Skullector(TM) Krampus Doll (Winter 2026)
This year, Monster High Skullector is skelebrating the Legendary Pictures' 2015 Krampus movie with a creeptastic collectible inspired by the titular terrifier. This Krampus doll is dressed to haunt your nightmares in a hooded jacket and ruched dress with sinister, blood-red tones. Extra-long chains add eerie movement, while black knee-high boots re-create Krampus' cloven hooves.
* Monster High(R) Boo-riginal Creeproduction(TM) Dawn of the Dance(TM) Dolls (Fall 2026)
The original Monster High Dawn of the Dance doll line returns with creeproductions of everyone's favorite party ghouls - Clawdeen Wolf(TM), Frankie Stein(TM), Cleo De Nile(TM), Lagoona Blue(TM), and Draculaura(TM). It's the biggest bash of the year for everybody at Monster High, and they're just dying to show off their most frighteningly fabulous fashions.
* Monster High(R) Draculaura(TM) Halloween Edition Doll (Fall 2026)
To celebrate the Halloween season, Monster High Skullector introduces an original Draculaura collector doll in an elevated bat-inspired look. The design pairs a winged headpiece with spiderweb-sheer veiling alongside a lace-up satin bodice and gravity-defying jacquard skirt. Additional premium touches include haunted house heels, ribbon bracelets, and a countess collar for added drama. Seasonal details like a custom Halloween-themed doll stand and jack-o-lantern purse complete this gore-geously gothic collectible.
The Monster High Skullector collection, known for its limited-edition releases, cinematic storytelling, and highly detailed designs, making it a sought-after destination for collectors and fans alike, launched in 2020. For more information, visit MattelCreations.com.
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About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global play and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie(R), Hot Wheels(R), Fisher-Price(R), American Girl(R), Thomas & Friends(TM), UNO(R), Masters of the Universe(R), Matchbox(R), Monster High(R), Polly Pocket(R), as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world's leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com.
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Original text here: https://corporate.mattel.com/news/mattel-celebrates-cinematic-legends-with-new-monster-high-skullector-dolls-revealed-at-san-diego-comic-con
[Category: BizConsumer Products]
Littler Issues Commentary: Netherlands' More Security for Flex Workers Bill Has Been Enacted - What Does This Mean for Employers?
SAN FRANCISCO, California, July 25 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on July 24, 2026, by counsel Tanya van Nieuwstadt:
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The Netherlands' More Security for Flex Workers Bill Has Been Enacted: What Does This Mean for Employers?
On July 7, 2026, the Senate of the Dutch Parliament approved the More Security for Flex Workers Act ("the Act"). Under the Act, which takes effect on January 1, 2028, employees with flexible employment contracts will have greater security regarding their income and working hours.
In the Netherlands, 3 out of 10 employees currently have what
... Show Full Article
SAN FRANCISCO, California, July 25 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on July 24, 2026, by counsel Tanya van Nieuwstadt:
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The Netherlands' More Security for Flex Workers Bill Has Been Enacted: What Does This Mean for Employers?
On July 7, 2026, the Senate of the Dutch Parliament approved the More Security for Flex Workers Act ("the Act"). Under the Act, which takes effect on January 1, 2028, employees with flexible employment contracts will have greater security regarding their income and working hours.
In the Netherlands, 3 out of 10 employees currently have whatis known as a flexible contract, where the scope and/or duration of the contract is not clearly defined or guaranteed. Nowhere else in Europe is that percentage so high.
The Act is part of a broader reform of the labor market and introduces a number of significant changes for employers that use temporary employment contracts, on-call workers, and/or temporary agency workers--also known as the "flexible workforce."
What is changing?
The most important changes are:
* Less leeway for successive temporary contracts. It is still possible to enter into three consecutive, fixed-term contracts for a maximum of 36 months, but in order to break the chain, the Act requires an interruption of more than 36 months (this currently stands at more than 6 months). This change is expected to prevent nearly 100% of the so-called revolving-door situations.
* The zero-hours contract will no longer be allowed. Instead, the Act introduces a bandwidth contract. A minimum and a maximum number of hours are agreed, whereby the difference between the two may not exceed 30%. This means that if the minimum is 10 hours, the maximum is 13 hours. Employees may refuse calls to work that exceed the maximum limit. And if an employee works more hours on a regular basis, they must be offered a contract with a higher number of hours. However, the Act does provide an exception for side jobs held by people who have another primary occupation, such as those eligible for the old age pension, high school students, and college students.
* More protection for temporary workers. Under the Act, temporary workers must be provided with terms of employment that are at least equivalent to those of regular employees. As far as remuneration is concerned, this had already been established by a ruling of the European Court of Justice, but this now therefore applies to all terms of employment as well. In addition, the most vulnerable phases for temporary workers will be shortened, and the Minister will be given the authority to intervene in cases of systemic underpayment in the temporary employment sector. This provision will take effect earlier, specifically on December 31, 2026.
The purpose of the Act is clear: regular work should, as far as possible, be carried out on the basis of a permanent employment relationship, i.e., on the basis of an employment contract for an indefinite period.
What does this mean for employers?
Companies that regularly rely on on-call workers, temporary contracts, or temporary agency workers would be wise to assess, over the coming months, whether their staffing strategy--and specifically, how they utilize a flexible workforce--remains future-proof.
Considerations could include:
* the use of on-call staff and the scheduling of shifts;
* the use of successive temporary contracts/temporary seasonal contracts;
* the use of temporary workers for ongoing tasks;
* the development of a long-term staff planning strategy;
* how many and which (groups of) employees will be subject to the new rules;
* how many and which types of contracts will need to be amended;
* what is the financial and organizational impact of the changes?
Now that the Act has actually been enacted, this is the perfect time for employers to prepare for these changes, take a critical look at their work organization and their flexible workforce in particular, and ensure that it complies with the new rules.
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Authors
Tanya van Nieuwstadt
Counsel
Amsterdam
tvannieuwstadt@littler.nl
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Original text here: https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/asap/netherlands-more-security-flex-workers-bill-has-been-enacted-what-does-mean
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Littler Issues Commentary: German Employment Law in Transition - Coalition Committee Agrees on Noteworthy Reforms
SAN FRANCISCO, California, July 25 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on July 24, 2026, by counsel Ulrike Schulke:
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German Employment Law in Transition: Coalition Committee Agrees on Noteworthy Reforms
At a Glance
* The German Coalition Committee has agreed to a draft package of political resolutions, including several that would impact employment law.
* Proposed changes would amend the separation process for highly compensated employees, revise the law governing fixed-term employment, create preferential tax treatment for certain severance payments, abolish sick
... Show Full Article
SAN FRANCISCO, California, July 25 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on July 24, 2026, by counsel Ulrike Schulke:
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German Employment Law in Transition: Coalition Committee Agrees on Noteworthy Reforms
At a Glance
* The German Coalition Committee has agreed to a draft package of political resolutions, including several that would impact employment law.
* Proposed changes would amend the separation process for highly compensated employees, revise the law governing fixed-term employment, create preferential tax treatment for certain severance payments, abolish sicknotes issued by telephone, and require the provision of a certificate of incapacity for work from the first day of illness, among others.
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The German Federal Government, formed by the CDU/CSU (conservative political party union) and SPD (social democratic political party), has agreed in the Coalition Committee on a comprehensive "Program for Growth and Employment." The package of measures includes a number of employment-law initiatives that employers should monitor closely over the coming months. Of particular relevance are new options for terminating employment relationships with high earners, the planned expansion of fixed-term employment without objective grounds, and changes relating to the certificate of incapacity for work.
Below is an initial overview of the key employment-law proposals and assessment of their practical significance for companies, should the program be enacted in this form:
1. Easier Separation from Top Earners: From Protection against Dismissal to Protection by Severance
The planned introduction of a "dissolution of the employment relationship with a severance option" for top earners would be of considerable practical relevance. The provision is intended to apply from January 1, 2027, to employees whose annual income exceeds 1.75 times the contribution assessment ceiling for the German statutory pension insurance (currently approximately EUR 178,000).
In this respect, the coalition expressly draws on the rules familiar from the financial sector for so-called risk takers. Although details of the specific legislative design are not yet available, adopting the risk-taker regime from the financial sector (Section 25a(5a) of the German Banking Act (KWG)) would mean that employers would no longer face a reinstatement risk. In practical terms, employees falling within the scope of the provision could be dismissed even where the dismissal is ultimately held to be invalid, with the separation then being enforced by way of a request for judicial dissolution against payment of severance. Because the amount of severance to be determined by the court is capped (currently, under Section 10 of the German Dismissal Protection Act (KSchG), at a maximum of 18 gross monthly salaries where the employee is 55 years old and has 20 years of service), the separation risk for employers would finally become calculable.
If this proposal is adopted, it will materially change the dynamics of separation processes involving highly compensated employees.
2. Fixed-Term Employment without Objective Grounds: A Return to Greater Flexibility
The announcements regarding fixed-term employment law are equally noteworthy. For employees hired on or before December 31, 2030, fixed-term employment without objective grounds--i.e., where the employer does not need to provide a reason for the limited contract--is to be permitted for up to 48 months, with up to six extensions. Particularly far-reaching is the announcement that renewed fixed-term employment without objective grounds with the same employer is also to be made possible.
This would go well beyond the current legal framework and would significantly expand flexibility in workforce planning. To date, Section 14(2) of the German Part-Time and Fixed-Term Employment Act (TzBfG) generally permits fixed-term employment without objective grounds only for up to 24 months and with no more than three extensions.
In addition, the strict written-form requirement for fixed-term agreements is to be abolished as of January 1, 2027; in the future, text form is to suffice in this context as well.
3. Preferential Tax Treatment of Severance Payments
As a complementary measure, the coalition plans to introduce preferential tax treatment for severance payments where the individuals concerned promptly take up new employment or other gainful work. The tax benefit is intended to increase the faster the individual is reintegrated into the labor market. Specific legislative details are not yet available. However, the proposal is clearly aimed at facilitating job transitions and reducing the costs of unemployment benefits.
4. Telephone Sick Notes Set to Be Abolished; Certificate of Incapacity for Work Required from Day One
The coalition intends to abolish sick notes issued by telephone. In addition, employees are to be required to provide a certificate of incapacity for work from the first day of illness. The stated objective is to reduce absenteeism, although it remains open to question whether, in the case of very short illnesses, employees will be certified as unfit for work for several days rather than just one.
The added value for employers is not apparent, as employers have already been able to require a medical certificate from the first day of illness. In any event, employment contracts and internal processes will need to be reviewed and adjusted. It remains unclear whether it will still be possible in the future to agree that a certificate need only be submitted from the third day. In any case, it is doubtful whether the new rule will be adopted in view of the criticism likely to come from an already overburdened medical profession.
5. No Changes to Working Time
By contrast, no consensus was reached on changes to the existing working-time rules. The only agreement reached was to extend Sunday opening hours for bakeries, confectioneries, and libraries.
A possible new Working Time Act will, however, be "discussed later this summer," according to German Chancellor Merz.
Employees are also expected to take home more net pay from tax-privileged bonuses for work on Sundays and public holidays: the thresholds under Section 3b of the German Income Tax Act (EStG) are to be increased as of January 1, 2027, up to an hourly wage of EUR 75; at the same time, the tax-exempt bonus within the scope of a collective bargaining agreement will be made fully exempt from social security contributions.
6. Further Employment-Law-Relevant Initiatives
In addition to the reforms already widely discussed, the package of measures contains further changes with an employment-law nexus:
* The flat-rate tax for mini-jobs is to be increased from two to five percent.
* Employee participation at board level in an SE (Societas Europaea or European Company) is to be strengthened by abolishing the current possibility of using a "shelf SE" with no employees.
* Potential opening clauses in favor of the collective bargaining parties are to be discussed, particularly in the areas of employment law and occupational health and safety.
* An amendment to the German Works Constitution Act (BetrVG) is also to be discussed, with the aim of facilitating and accelerating the introduction of AI systems and technical equipment. The social partners are to develop proposals.
For the time being, these remain political resolutions only. The specific legislative implementation remains to be seen. In particular, the planned changes to fixed-term employment law and the obligation to submit certificates of incapacity for work are likely to give rise to intensive political debate.
Littler will closely monitor the legislative process and report on significant developments.
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Authors
Ulrike Schulke
Counsel
Frankfurt am Main
uschulke@littler.com
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Original text here: https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/asap/german-employment-law-transition-coalition-committee-agrees-noteworthy-reforms
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Fisher Phillips: Media Outlets Cover Arrival of Stewart Law Group
ATLANTA, Georgia, July 25 -- Fisher Phillips, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Media Outlets Cover Arrival of Stewart Law Group
The Texas Lawbook, Texas Lawyer, Law360, and International Employment Lawyer covered the arrival of the Stewart Law group as part of the firm's strategic growth in Texas.
The firm, led by Amy M. Stewart, joined forces with Fisher Phillips to increase the breadth and depth of what the growing Texas-based team can do for clients across the nation.
The 4 attorneys that have joined Fisher Phillips include founder and partner Amy M. Stewart, partner Andrea
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ATLANTA, Georgia, July 25 -- Fisher Phillips, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Media Outlets Cover Arrival of Stewart Law Group
The Texas Lawbook, Texas Lawyer, Law360, and International Employment Lawyer covered the arrival of the Stewart Law group as part of the firm's strategic growth in Texas.
The firm, led by Amy M. Stewart, joined forces with Fisher Phillips to increase the breadth and depth of what the growing Texas-based team can do for clients across the nation.
The 4 attorneys that have joined Fisher Phillips include founder and partner Amy M. Stewart, partner AndreaCook, and attorneys Conrad W. John and Blaine E. Adams.
Amy described the fit to The Texas Lawbook by explaining that she and Fisher Phillips' Regional Managing Partner in Dallas, Adam Sloustcher, share a vision for teamwork, work ethic, and communication: "We get each other. The cultures are the same. The level of client service is the same."
To read the articles visit The Texas Lawbook, Texas Lawyer, Law360, and International Employment Lawyer (subscriptions required).
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Related People
Adam F. Sloustcher
Regional Managing Partner, Co-Chair of Sports Industry Team
214.220.8304
asloustcher@fisherphillips.com
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Amy M. Stewart
Partner, and Vice Chair, Sports Industry Team
469.607.2311
astewart@fisherphillips.com
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Blaine Adams
Of Counsel
469.607.2308
badams@fisherphillips.com
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Andrea Cook
Partner
469.638.9224
acook@fisherphillips.com
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Conrad W. John
Of Counsel
469.503.4284
cjohn@fisherphillips.com
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Original text here: https://www.fisherphillips.com/en/insights/news/media-outlets-cover-arrival-of-stewart-law-group
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
