Hi Everyone, let’s start this week and explore comments made by the Minister of Labour, Thulas Nxesi during a media briefing to update on the COVID-19 lockdown measures yesterday (31 Mar 20).
See link to his comments https://www.gov.za/…/minister-thulas-nxesi-labour-intervent….
Employer Obligation – “…we are receiving concerns from workers and unions that some employers are seeking to shift the burden of the lockdown onto the workers, using their annual leave as the first line of response to the lockdown.” Various appeals were made to employers to continue to pay staff, especially for the month of March 2020 as lockdown only commenced on 27th March 2020, hence 98% of a full month of work. UIF benefits are available for the month of April 2020 and beyond. Companies need to claim in bulk.
Leave Provisions – “We are also getting complaints from workers that their employers have instructed them to take unpaid leave during this lockdown” Again admittedly they can, but where are the social considerations and employee value proposition?
Comments?