Labour News

  You Can’t Have Labour Peace Without Safety—Here’s Why When workers don’t feel safe, they don’t stay silent. Labour unrest isn’t always about wages or working hours. Sometimes, the spark comes from something far deeper: the fear of not making it home alive . Health and safety, often seen as a compliance checklist, is in fact the foundation of labour peace . Without it, trust crumbles, morale drops, and conflict brews. Let’s explore the critical link between workplace safety and labour relations , with real-world examples, a South African case study, and practical lessons for employers and employees alike. The Hidden Trigger Behind Many Labour Disputes Picture this: A machine leaks oil. It’s been doing that for weeks. Management knows, but they “haven’t had time” to fix it. One day, a worker slips, breaks a leg, and is booked off for six months. The workforce is furious. Not just about the injury—but about the culture of neglect. Soon, what started as a safety issue esca...

  Understanding the Difference Between Negligence and Poor Performance in the Workplace In the context of workplace disciplinary actions, it's crucial to differentiate between negligence and poor performance. Both can lead to disciplinary hearings, but they are distinct concepts with different implications for both employees and employers. Understanding these differences helps ensure that disciplinary processes are fair and appropriate. This article will explore the definitions, provide examples, discuss how they should be addressed in hearings, and review relevant perspectives from American labor relations. Definitions Negligence : Negligence refers to the failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in similar circumstances. In the workplace, this could mean failing to follow safety protocols, not adhering to company procedures, or neglecting duties in a way that causes harm or potential harm to the company, colleagues, or customers. Poor Performan...