Human rights are the rights and freedoms that every human being deserves. As we celebrate National Human Rights Day in South Africa, it is equally important for everyone to understand how these rights apply in the workplace as well. Scorpion Legal Protection looks into some of the most commonly discussed human rights for all employees.
- Privacy: Employers are not allowed to violate their employee’s privacy by, for example, sharing their personal information, disclosing an employee’s medical information, reading an employee’s emails and recording conversations, unless communicated upfront.
- Equality/Equity: Employees must be given equal opportunities, equal pay for work of equal value, and relevant legislation should be applied fairly on all levels. No employee should suffer from discrimination.
- Information: Employees should have access to all information held by the government, for example, any labour laws and collective agreements, etc that apply to them and their industry.
- Safety, security and protection: Employees have the right to work in a safe working environment, for example, they must be given protective clothing in work situations that require it, and companies must comply with safety legislations such as OHSA and COIDA.
- Freedom of speech and expression: There should be open communication between the employees and the employer – employees should be able to openly voice their complaints/concerns without being victimised. Employers have a duty to create platforms to allow employees to voice their concerns.
Human Rights Day in South Africa is a reminder that the battle for equality and justice is ongoing. By upholding human rights in the workplace, organisations contribute to a society that values dignity and diversity.
If you are a member, and you feel that your human rights are being violated in the workplace, Scorpion Legal Protection has a dedicated team of legal experts in our Specialist Labour Department who are ready and waiting to assist you. Not yet a member? Join now.
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*This is only basic legal advice and cannot be relied on solely. Information is correct at the time of being sent to publishing.