Merger of APICS & AST&L unifies supply chain education
May 5 saw the merger of the Association for Operations Management (originally the American Production and Inventory Control Society – APICS) and the American Society of Transport and Logistics (AST&L). It is expected that this union will lead to the amalgamation of supply chain management training, credentialing and education.
Abe Eshkenazi, the CEO of APICS, believes that this merger will address two of the most pertinent topics in the global modern economy today, both “developing supply chain talent” and “elevating supply chain performance”. The four APICS certifications and the 3 AST&L credentials will be unified. George Yarusavage the chairman of the AST&L board said that this will help “today´s professionals advance and thrive” as well as help elevate supply chain performance.
For more on this story, click here.
The risky waters of the Strait of Hormuz
Pentagon spokesman Col. Steve Warren indicated Monday that U.S. Navy warships will begin accompanying British-flagged commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. This follows the capture of the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel, M/V Maersk Tigris, by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard ships the week prior. The dispute is apparently over a 2005 financial quarrel, with the Iranian Foreign Minister citing that the naval forces simply implemented the decision of the court.
There is nonetheless a significant change in U.S. military posture after the seizing of the M/V Maersk Tigris container ship. These issues serve as a further reminder of the risks associated with having a global supply chain.
To read more on the Strait of Hormuz situation, click here.
Farm workers exploited in Australia
The ABC TV Four Corners report this Monday indicated that chicken and produce suppliers to large companies, including Costco, Aldi and KFC (to name few), had taken advantage of their migrant employees. This occurred due to some firms allegedly exploiting the Australian 417 working holiday visa system. The result was that some staff members were abused and others were paid a meager sum of $3.95 per hour while millions of dollars in back pay were allegedly stolen. This was all done in the name of meeting supermarkets demand for lower priced fresh produce.
The labor hire firm KC Fresh Choice that was subcontracted by the chicken giant Baiada, received much of the blame. The company’s response was that it did not use illegal workers. Needless to say, businesses have a responsibility to ensure that all workers receive fair wages and an equal share of other entitlements owed to them under Australia’s ´Fair Work Act´.
Click here to read more on the issue.
Have a nice weekend!