SAFTU march in Cape Town during the National Shutdown on 24 August 2022. Photo: Storm Simpson/The South African.
National Shutdown: Leading law firm offers tips for employers as three-day work week looms
Employers are advised to consider approving leave, implementing flexible working arrangements, and concluding overtime agreements.
SAFTU march in Cape Town during the National Shutdown on 24 August 2022. Photo: Storm Simpson/The South African.
Employers could have a three-day work week next week with the EFF’s National Shutdown on Monday, 20 March, followed by Human Rights Day. The political party has called the protest in response to the ongoing load shedding crisis, and socio-economic issues. The EFF also wants President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign.
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NATIONAL SHUTDOWN ON MONDAY
The 24-union-strong South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) will also support the National Shutdown but has distanced itself from the EFF’s political program.
In an employment law alert on Monday, 13 March, law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) said the shutdown’s intention is to halt economic activity “by blocking road networks and disrupting the flow of services and goods.”
“It has been reported that the EFF is in talks with some sectors, including the taxi industry, to join the national shutdown. A large portion of the workforce relies on public transport to commute to and from work.
“If the taxi industry, in addition to SAFTU affiliates and other political formations that have expressed their support, join the national shutdown, employers nationally will be impacted to some extent on Monday, 20 March 2023,” said CDH.
TIPS FOR EMPLOYERS
CDH advised employers to conduct a risk assessment to evaluate their exposure to potential risks, approve leave for 20 March 2023, implement flexible working arrangements where possible, and conclude agreements to work overtime for the week of 20 to 24 March 2023, where relevant.
“Ultimately, what is important is for employers to seriously consider the safety of their employees and their assets,” said the law firm.
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