CHAPTER 13: CAREERS AND CAREER CHOICES

A set of 70 vocabulary flashcards covering labour laws, equity, and recruitment concepts from the notes.

Labour Relations Act (LRA) - Act 66 of 1995

South African law that governs relationships between employers, employees, employers’ organisations, and trade unions, and sets dispute-resolution mechanisms.

LRA aims

Promotes economic development, social justice, labour peace, and democracy in the workplace.

LRA relationships

Rules for relationships between employer and employees; employers' organisations and trade unions; employees and trade unions.

Right to form/join trade unions

Employees and employers may form or join trade unions and employers’ organisations.

Right to bargain collectively

Employees and unions may organise and bargain collectively with employers.

Workplace forums

Committees or forums for employee participation in decision-making at the workplace.

Right to strikes and lock-outs

Legal means for employees and employers to apply pressure during disputes.

Negotiation and conciliation first

Disputes should be resolved through negotiation and conciliation before court action.

CCMA

Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration; a body to settle disputes and provide advice.

Labour Court

Judicial body that decides matters related to the LRA.

Labour Appeal Court

Appellate court for labour-related decisions.

LRA excludes National Defence Force

The LRA does not apply to members of the National Defence Force.

LRA excludes National Intelligence Agency

The LRA does not apply to the National Intelligence Agency.

LRA excludes South African Secret Service

The LRA does not apply to the South African Secret Service.

Domestic workers rights limited

Some LRA rights are limited when applying to domestic workers.

Employment Equity Act (EEA) - aim

Promote equal opportunity and regulate affirmative action to assist designated groups.

Designated Groups (EEA)

Africans, Coloureds and Indians, and women and the disabled.

BCEA core elements (conditions of service)

The core elements of a job contract as defined by the BCEA.

Written contract requirement

The BCEA requires employment details in writing as an employment contract.

No under-15 employment; exceptions

It is illegal to employ a child under 15, except for performing arts.

Ages 15-18 - no dangerous work

Young workers aged 15-18 may not perform dangerous work or work risking development.

Employee duties

Employees must comply with lawful instructions and avoid unnecessary sick leave.

Core Elements of a Job Contract

The BCEA specifies the minimum elements to be included in a contract.

Conditions of Service

Another term for the core elements of a job contract.

Equity and redress principles

Laws promote equity and fairness in the workplace.

Unfair discrimination (definition)

Treating someone unfavourably on protected grounds is unfair discrimination.

Ground: Race

Discrimination based on race.

Ground: Gender

Discrimination based on gender.

Ground: Sex

Discrimination based on sex.

Ground: Pregnancy

Discrimination based on pregnancy.

Ground: Marital status

Discrimination based on marital status.

Ground: Family responsibility

Discrimination based on caring and family responsibilities.

Ground: Ethnic or social origin

Discrimination based on ethnic or social origin.

Ground: Colour

Discrimination based on colour.

Ground: Sexual orientation

Discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Ground: Age

Discrimination based on age.

Ground: Disability

Discrimination based on disability.

Ground: Religion

Discrimination based on religion.

Ground: HIV status

Discrimination based on HIV status.

Ground: Conscience

Discrimination based on conscience.

Ground: Belief

Discrimination based on belief.

Ground: Political opinion

Discrimination based on political opinion.

Ground: Culture

Discrimination based on culture.

Ground: Language

Discrimination based on language.

Ground: Birth

Discrimination based on birth.

Affirmative Action (EEA)

Policy to promote equality by advancing designated groups in employment.

Redress (equity)

Correcting past injustices and current wrongs through equity measures.

Disciplinary hearings

Procedures to address misconduct with defined rules and processes.

Disciplinary hearings examples

Examples include absenteeism, insubordination, dishonesty.

Trade Unions

Represent employees in grievances and disciplinary proceedings.

CCMA - mechanism in practice

After conciliation, CCMA can arbitrate disputes to avoid court.

Recruitment process - general

Various ways to recruit staff; commonly starts with advertisements.

Newspapers advertising

Job ads published in newspapers to attract applicants.

Trade and Career Magazines

Magazines used to advertise careers and vacancies.

Noticeboards

Physical boards where job ads are posted.

Department of Labour (recruitment)

A source of job information and postings for job seekers.

Small Business Centres

Resources that assist small businesses with recruitment.

Recruitment or Personnel Agencies

Outside agencies that recruit staff for employers.

E-recruitment (apply online)

Applying for jobs online through electronic recruitment systems.

Online job application form

The form filled out online to apply for a job.

Submit CV online (with photographs)

Uploading your CV online, often including a photo.

Complete tests for suitability

Assessment tests to determine qualification or fit for the job.

Write about yourself (paragraphs)

A short narrative about the applicant's background and goals.

Telephone interview appointment

Scheduling a phone interview as part of the process.

Register as job seeker on e-recruitment sites

Create a profile on e-recruitment platforms to be found by employers.

Facebook (careers page)

Companies may maintain a Facebook page dedicated to careers.

Twitter (jobs tweets)

Companies may post job openings via Twitter.

LinkedIn (jobs and candidates)

Companies post jobs and search for candidates on LinkedIn.

Social networks in recruitment (general)

Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are common channels for job adverts.

Modern recruitment channels summary

E-recruitment and social networks shape contemporary hiring practices.