Chapter 13: Careers and Career Choices

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to worker rights, unions, ethics, and labour law from Chapter 13.

Trade unions

Organizations that represent the interests of their members in the workplace.

Organised labour

Trade unions form part of organised labour, a structured collective of workers.

Collective bargaining

Negotiations between unions and employers over wages and workplace conditions.

Wage increases

Pay raises negotiated or granted for workers.

Workplace conditions

The environment and rules in the workplace affecting workers.

Negotiations

Discussions aimed at reaching an agreement between parties.

SADTU

South African Democratic Teachers Union.

POPCRU

Police and Prison Civil Rights Union.

SATAWU

South African Transport and Allied Workers Union.

NUM

National Union of Mineworkers.

Trade union office-bearers

Officials elected to lead and represent the union.

Enter the workplace

The right of office-bearers to access the workplace to recruit and communicate.

Recruit members

Attracting new members to join the union.

Communicate with employees

Sharing information between the union and workers.

Hold meetings

Organising meetings with employees.

Outside working hours

Times outside the standard shifts when meetings may occur.

Elect trade union representatives

Members vote to choose union representatives at their workplace.

Deduct union subscriptions

Employers may deduct union dues from wages.

Union subscriptions

Regular payments members make to the union.

Levies

Additional compulsory payments to the union.

Shop stewards

Full-time union representatives elected by members.

Grievance proceedings

Procedures to address employee complaints.

Disciplinary proceedings

Procedures to handle misconduct and disciplinary actions.

Special leave

Leave granted for union duties or activities.

Union activities

Tasks and duties performed by union representatives and members.

Conferences

Union conferences or large meetings.

Training courses

Education programs for union work and development.

Compliance with the law

Ensuring employers treat employees according to legal requirements.

Employer information

Relevant information from the employer needed to carry out union duties.

Disciplinary hearing

A formal hearing to determine misconduct and disciplinary action.

Work ethics

The set of moral principles that govern acceptable conduct at work.

Societal expectations

What society expects you to do or how you should behave.

Adaptability

Ability to adjust to changes and new situations.

Dependability

Being reliable, honest, and on time.

Flexibility

Willingness to perform tasks outside the job description or after hours.

Honesty

Truthfulness and integrity; not taking what isn’t yours and owning up to mistakes.

Initiative

Ability to work without direct supervision; self-motivation.

Appearance

Dressing and presenting yourself appropriately; neat and professional.

Punctuality

Arriving on time and meeting deadlines.

Responsibility

Fulfilling duties and taking blame when necessary.

Attitude

Positive or negative outlook toward work.

Cooperation

Working well with others and showing respect.

Productivity

Output and efficiency; having something to show for time spent.

Reliability

Being trusted to deliver what is needed.

Lifelong learning

Ongoing learning to upgrade knowledge and skills.

E-recruitment

Online recruitment of jobs and candidates.

CCMA

Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.

Labour Relations Act

Law governing the relationship between employers and employees, including dispute resolution.

Basic Conditions of Employment Act

Sets minimum standards for hours, leave, pay, and conditions of work.

Employment Equity Act

Promotes equal opportunity by eliminating unfair discrimination.

Redress

Remedy or compensation for unfair treatment or wrong.

Bargaining councils

Sector-specific bodies that facilitate collective bargaining and dispute resolution.

Disciplinary hearings

Hearings to determine disciplinary actions for misconduct.

Mentoring

Guiding and sharing knowledge to help others grow.

Job creation

Efforts and processes that create employment opportunities.

Taxes

Compulsory financial charges imposed by the government.

Build the nation

Contributing to national development and growth.

Mentor others

Providing guidance and knowledge to help others develop.

Equal opportunity

The right to fair treatment and opportunities for all.

Unfair discrimination

Treating people unequally based on protected characteristics.

Workplace rights and obligations

Legal rights and duties of workers and employers in the workplace.

Conditions of service

The terms under which an employee works, including wages and hours.

Know your labour law

Understanding the key laws that govern labour relations and employment.

Redress mechanisms

Processes available to remedy grievances and wrongs in the workplace.

Employee rights

The rights of workers to fair treatment and conditions at work.

Employer obligations

Responsibilities of employers toward employees under labour law.

Trade union representatives

Elected individuals who represent employees in union matters.

Dispute resolution

Methods to settle disagreements between employers and employees.

Union subscriptions deductions

The withholding of union dues from employees’ wages by the employer.

Union leadership

Individuals elected to lead and manage a union’s activities.

Ethical workplace behavior

Standards of conduct expected in professional settings.

Professional appearance

Maintaining a neat, appropriate, and respectful look for the workplace.

Timeliness

The habit of completing tasks and arriving on time.

Communication with management

The exchange of information between employees, unions, and employers.