Like supply chains, the supply of workers in the economy was a major victim of the pandemic. And the damage lingers: The International Labor Organization predicts continued global labor market disruptions for at least the remainder of the year because of the war in Ukraine and China’s domestic economic problems.

Predictably, problems are especially pronounced in low- and middle-income countries. The recovery in workers’ incomes is also sluggish. Well over half – about 60 percent – of 189 countries surveyed reported to the ILO that labor income has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. When it comes to hours worked, high-income economies are again faring much better than the rest. The worst is probably over, but it may still take years to put the pieces back together.

Original article

It takes a backbench Labour MP to show Chris Luxon how to oppose the Jacinda government.

from the BFD

A small group of masked-up, almost all white, self-proclaimed anti-fascists standing in the New Zealand capital chanting "GO HOME!" to an indigenous father and daughter protesting for freedom.

You can't make this stuff up.

MORE: https://t.co/YZ93z1LDiP pic.twitter.com/uLicFGiTLG

— Avi Yemini (@OzraeliAvi) August 25, 2022

It’s no surprise given that they marched in support of the Hamas terrorists in Gaza last year. Investigations need to be conducted into what links they have to George Soros who in 2020 literally paid Antifa to riot in different American cities.

by Martin Armstrong on Statistica

With demand for electric vehicles on the rise, and production bans for petrol and diesel cars in some key markets on the horizon, one of the essential metals required to fuel this mobility boom, has been surging in price lately.

As shown by price tracking from Trading Economics, Lithium carbonate, essential for the production of the batteries used in EVs, has experienced a meteoric rise in cost over the last few months – being traded consistently above the 450,000 Chinese yuan/tonne mark since February.

With the current global supply chain issues and demand forecast to rise aggressively over the next few years, producers of electric vehicles are now under increasing pressure to maintain their pricing models, while also facing down significant hurdles to meet their production goals. Worse still, analysts are predicting new lithium price highs around the corner, not the relief that the motor industry so desperately needs.

See more

Instead of huge squandering on Wokeism?

from Newshub

Frustrations are growing among New Zealand motorists as potholes continue to pop up all across the country.

This week, Central Tyre and Automotive manager Ryan Merson told AM his Taranaki garage on Friday alone fixed between 30 and 40 cars with rims and tyres wrecked by potholes in the region. 

Following the interview with Merson, AM’s email inbox was flooded with furious messages about the state of New Zealand’s roads — with Taranaki locals saying they’re having to cross centrelines to avoid potholes.

“I’ve lived in Europe and the [United] States and only in Detroit have I seen worse roads,” one e-mail said.

Automobile Association (AA) road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen said the frustration was unprecedented.

See the video

From a reader who says “I feel there is an opportunity for someone to write fresh words to the Eddie Fisher 1956 hit of Cindy oh Cindy.”

His suggestion:

Jacindi oh Jacindi
Comrade you’ve let us down
All the promises you made
say you’re nothing but a clown

I thought Jacindi meant well
She really had us fooled
All loving image and kindness words
We wanted her to rule

But her loving days are now over
and no more do we find
true love from ruthless Jacindi.
The comrade we’ll leave behind.

https://dai.ly/x7mub2h

from KC News

Ladies and Gentlemen, prepare yourself for another breath taking variety show filled with so many amazing performers!

Everyone will be wrapped in colour in the theme of a Mardi Gras celebration. We will have our horses jumping and people jumping on, off and over them in amazing ways. Acrobats on the ground and up in the air, there will be something to leave you a little in fear!! But fear not, we are all professionals here and can’t wait to share all the magic that’s taken years to perfect, come on down to the Kāpiti Equestrian Centre where we will hold all these fantastic performers!

The last show, 1920’s Extravaganza was a sell out! Wrap up warm and come along to celebrate and discover the amazing talents that are in your backyard!

Dates

•           Fri 26 Aug 2022, 5:30pm–7:00pm

•           Sat 27 Aug 2022, 11:30am–1:00pm

•           Sat 27 Aug 2022, 5:30pm–7:00pm

•           Sun 28 Aug 2022, 1:00pm–2:30pm

VENUE: Kāpiti Equestrian & Vaulting Centre, 13b Nimmo Ave, Waikanae

“Racist!” Oops, the speaker is Maori. “Colonizer!” No, we can’t say that either. OK then, “Fascist!, Right Wing Extremist! Class Enemy…”