Employee & Employer Rights

An employee is a person who is paid to work for somebody while an employer is a person or company that pays people to work for them.

Each of these parties has very specific rights in terms of common law and labour legislation. These rights are important and pivotal to creating successful employment relationships because these relationships are built on trust and the rights of parties. The rights of the employee are the obligations of the employer, and the rights of the employer are the obligations of the employee.

General employee rights

• Not to be unfairly dismissed or discriminated against
• To be provided with appropriate resources and equipment
• To have safe working conditions
• To receive the agreed remuneration on the agreed date and time
• Fair labour practices
• To be treated with dignity and respect
• Non-victimisation in claiming rights and using procedures
• Leave benefits and other basic conditions of employment as stipulated in the BCEA.

General employer rights

• To expect employees to render the agreed services on the agreed days and times.
• To carry out all work instructions and obey all reasonable and lawful instructions issued.
• To expect employees to display good behaviour in the workplace (to comply with company policy and procedure, and to comply with company Disciplinary Code and Procedure.
• To expect employees to act in the best interests of the employer at all times.
• To expect employees to follow workplace rules, company policies and procedures and work performance standards.
• To expect employees to strive honestly toward work objectives, and to expect employees to adhere to product specifications and quality standards.
• To expect employees to use the employer’s prescribed resources and methods.
• To expect employees to report any dishonest or unlawful practices in the workplace, including any breaches of company policies and procedures.

Anisha Naidoo

HR Manager

Reference

Claassen, A. (n.d.). Employee & Employer Rights – Labour Guide South Africa. [online] Labourguide.co.za. Available at: https://labourguide.co.za/general/employee-a-employer-rights.