Dear employer

I’m sure you’ve heard about the Impala Platinum strike. Well they’ve just dismissed 13 000 employees. The total number of people fired since the strike started now sits at 17 200.

Workers were given until Wednesday to return to work or face dismissal. The dispute is around the fact that retention bonuses were only paid to some of the workforce.

Your business can’t afford to lose production because of a strike. Neither can you afford the damage to the working relationship that often occurs during and after a strike. But when your employees strike- you need to know what to do.

Tips on how to control strike action

·         When a union has given notice of intention to strike, employees sometimes ready themselves for the strike by asking non-union members to join in the strike. This often takes the form of intimidation. Advise the union that they’re obliged to ensure that non union members aren't intimidated as soon as notice of intention to strike has been given. Suggest that it’s the union’s responsibility to control its members.

·         Place a notice on notice boards advising employees that you’re adopting a zero tolerance approach towards intimidation. Advise employees that any employee who intimidates another employee will be disciplined and if found guilty, may be dismissed.

·         It’s difficult to prove intimidation. The employee that’s been intimidated often is too afraid to give evidence. 

For more ways to deal with and prevent strikes go to your Labour Law for Managers Handbook under S02: Strikes.

Let’s look at what else made headlines this week:

Can your employee claim damages from you...
Thu, 2nd February 2012

Our Labour Court judges, CCMA commissioners and registered health and safety experts are here to help you
Wed, 1st February 2012

How long do I need to tolerate an employee consistently late for work?
Wed, 1st February 2012

Are you committing the 7 deadly PowerPoint sins?
Tue, 31st January 2012

Be aware of drunk employees
Mon, 30th January 2012

Until next week...

Have a great weekend.

Michelle Govender

FSP Business

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