This is part 2 of the mini-series on the rights of Employers and Employees in the workplace we started last month when we celebrated Human Rights Day. This month, we celebrate Freedom Day and thanks to the rights and freedoms that we now uphold under one of the best constitutions in the world both management and the people they employ have rights. It is the rights of the latter that we look at in this article on understanding employees’ rights in the workplace.
Understanding is important
We titled the article ‘Understanding’ employees' rights because employers should try to understand what the rights set out in a standard labour contract actually mean. This can be a complicated subject and to understand the intricacies of all employee rights one should consult
a specialist Labour and Industrial Relations firm, but we can at least establish what these employee rights are and try to embellish a little on them…
a specialist Labour and Industrial Relations firm, but we can at least establish what these employee rights are and try to embellish a little on them…
Unfair dismissal – Employees should never be dismissed without a valid reason which must include any form of discrimination.
Health and safety – All Employees are entitled to work in a safe and hygienic environment that takes their health and well-being into account.
Paid fairly and on time – The agreement of employment clearly states what an employee's remuneration is going to be in exchange for a certain number of hours of work. This should be strictly adhered to, or overtime and bonuses negotiated. Payment must always be made on time too, giving the employee sufficient time to pay their own accounts.
To be treated fairly and with respect – All employees are to be heard in the case of any dispute and treated fairly and with respect. An employee's dignity must be preserved at all times and they should remain innocent of any wrongdoing unless this is proven otherwise and employees must be judged in accordance with standard labour practices.
Tools of the trade – Regardless of the type of position the employee holds, unless otherwise stipulated in the employment contract, they should be provided with all appropriate resources and equipment required for them to execute their given assignments successfully.
Standard benefits - As stipulated within the employment contract, and as prescribed by the country’s labour practice laws, all employees should be entitled to the appropriate amount of leave, sick leave, maternity leave etc. if applicable.
Consult the professionals
We have just touched on the tip of the iceberg here and there is much more to be said on this – which we will no doubt bring to you in future articles. So watch this space. In the meantime, the best course of action for any business that has employees and labour issues from time to time is to consult with professional Labour and Industrial Relations specialists.
Platinum Business Solutions (PBS) offers valuable and beneficial ways to manage employee relations and secure excellent human resources. We have sound knowledge and understanding of all the labour laws and the impact they have on labour relations, and we offer strategic and practical ways of dealing with conflict management in the workplace.
Talk to us today and let us provide the contracts and infrastructure that can create and maintain a peaceful and productive workplace and we will have you clearly understanding employees’ rights in the workplace in no time!