In the matter of Paarl Coldset (Pty) Ltd v Singh (DA1/2021) [2022] ZALCD 8, Mr. Singh (Respondent), a shift manager of Paarl Coldset (Applicant), a printing business, was dismissed after an altercation with an employee of a media news company, Ms. Cassim. The altercation which led to the dismissal occurred after the Respondent drove up [...]
Legend has it that, in the Middle Ages, when participating in a joust, knights would often dedicate their performance to a lady of the court and wear something of hers, such as a scarf or ribbon, around their sleeve of armour - thus indicating to the tournament's spectators which lady the knight favoured. This chivalrous [...]
The Labour Relations Act of 1995 (LRA), as amended, distinguishes between a “protected” and an “unprotected” strike. Employees who participate in a “protected” strike enjoy protection by the LRA and cannot be dismissed unless they are guilty of misconduct. Strikes can sometimes become violent and out of control, making it difficult for an employer to [...]
It is of the utmost importance that every employer has a reasonable and lawful disciplinary code and applies it consistently. (The importance of a reasonable and lawful disciplinary code will be discussed in another CEO SA article.) Where an employer may go wrong is in some attempt to distinguish between employees who commit the same [...]
Our previous article, "So, are you staying or going?", discussed the factors to consider when evaluating whether an employee resigns without confirming their intention in writing. The courts have held that the employee must prove a clear and unambiguous intention not to go on with the contract of employment by words or conduct that would [...]
A contract of employment can end at the employer’s instance, in the form of a dismissal, or by the employee in the form of a resignation. Although a written resignation is preferred, sometimes the employee refuses to confirm their resignation in writing. Under these circumstances, determining whether the employee has resigned can create confusion for [...]
It often happens when a matter is referred to the CCMA that specific issues in dispute are due to miscommunication or misinterpretation between the parties. This can be easily avoided by giving new employees proper training in their duties and responsibilities. Though challenging at the time, never underestimate the importance of defining roles and responsibilities [...]
The Labour Appeal Court in South African Society of Bank Officials (SASBO) and Another v The Standard Bank Of South Africa Limited and Others JA32/2021 had to decide whether the Labour Court correctly set aside a CCMA award in favour of the employee. Ms Frazenburg was charged with dishonesty in that she falsified the bank's [...]
Ivan sat at the red light, taking the time to re-examine the interior of his brand-new Mercedes Benz S500. The tan leather was butter soft to the touch - and it smelled great. Its light colour was a nice compliment to the pearl white exterior of the powerful car. He glanced out and up at [...]
Dismissals related to pregnancy are considered automatically unfair in line with Section 187 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995. The Labour Court has strengthened this position in the case of Brandt v Quoin Rock Wines C152/2021, where an employer had attempted to retrench an employee, who had returned from maternity leave, on the [...]