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Employment Rights in Johannesburg, South Africa, are governed by several pieces of legislation, most notably the Labour Relations Act, the Employment Equity Act, and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. These laws aim to provide equitable treatment for all employees, prohibiting unfair labour practices and discrimination in the workplace while ensuring the right to fair compensation and conditions of employment.
Employment Rights can be complex, and there are several situations where legal guidance could be beneficial. These may include cases of wrongful or unfair dismissal, workplace discrimination, wage disputes, breaches of employment contracts, Occupational Health and Safety incidents, and union matters. Having a lawyer with a firm grasp of local laws can be an asset in these and other employment rights situations.
The Labour Relations Act protects employees from unfair dismissal and labour practices, outlines collective labour law and associated union rights, and provides a framework for dispute resolution in employment matters. The Employment Equity Act prohibits unfair discrimination, promotes equality, and aims to eliminate unfair discrimination in the work environment. The Basic Conditions of Employment Act sets the minimum employment standards regarding areas such as work hours, leave provision, notice periods and severance pay. There are also specific laws regarding harassment and victimization at work, including the Protection from Harassment Act.
Unfair dismissal is when an employer terminates an employment contract without justifiable reasons, or fails to follow correct procedure as provided by relevant laws.
No, such discrimination is prohibited under the Employment Equity Act.
Under the Occupational Health & Safety Act, you have a right to compensation for injuries sustained while performing a job duty, and should immediately report any such injuries to your employer.
The Government publishes an updated list of minimum wages for various sectors every year, as guided by the National Minimum Wage Act.
Employment contracts can only be terminated without notice under certain conditions such as gross misconduct, otherwise written notice periods apply and vary according to length of employment.
The Department of Employment and Labour, the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), and the Labour Courts are key resources in the South African employment rights landscape. Other helpful organizations include NGOs supporting workers' rights.
If you believe your employment rights have been violated, it is advisable to obtain legal counsel. Gather all relevant documents such as contracts, payslips, incident reports etc., then arrange a meeting with a lawyer specializing in employment rights to review your potential case.
