Here's what has happened recently within H&C. View past updates in the Updates Archive.

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

In 2009, our firm's Managing Partner, Geoff Litherland, was retained by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East ("UNRWA") to provide consulting services on certain labour relations issues. UNRWA employs over 29,000 unionized Area staff who provide education health and social services to Palestine refugees in the region. It is the largest agency in the UN and has existed for over 60 years.

As part of his work, Geoff has travelled several times to Jordan and Israel, and has also visited Gaza, West Bank, and Lebanon to meet with different field staff and to advise on UNRWA's labour relations. This work has involved meetings with all of the Agency's senior management, including its Commissioner-General (who reports directly to the UN's Secretary-General), and also representatives of the host governments.

In September of 2009, Geoff delivered an interim report to UNRWA outlining his observations on various labour relations issues. These observations were based on his 45 meetings in the region during July and August. In December of 2009, Geoff then delivered his final report to UNRWA's Management Committee in Amman, Jordan, where he outlined his various recommendations and advice for the Agency.

Geoff remains retained by UNRWA for the implementation phase of his report and for providing UNRWA with other labour relations advice.