South Africa: Navigating The National Shutdown: A Delicate Balance For Employers And Employees

The Economic Freedom Fighters' ("EFF") call for a "National Shutdown" on Monday, 20 March 2023 urges businesses to close and employees to stay home from work, leaving employers unsure about their operations and employees. Alongside the National Shutdown, the South African Federation of Trade Unions ("SAFTU") has simultaneously called for protest action in accordance with section 77 of the Labour Relations Act, 1995 ("LRA"). While there's no legal obligation for businesses to shut down, employees are entitled to participate in protected protest action without facing any adverse consequences.

Protest action

The LRA defines protest action as "the partial or complete concerted refusal to work, or the retardation or obstruction of work, for the purpose of promoting or defending the socio-economic interests of workers, but not for a purpose referred to in the definition of strike".

We understand that SAFTU has complied with the necessary procedural requirements in the Labour Relations Act, which would render this protest action protected.

What does this mean for employers and employees?

Every employee in South Africa (with some exceptions), regardless of whether they are a SAFTU member or not, has the right to take part in protected protest action and may not be dismissed or disciplined for participating.

However, these employees won't be entitled to pay for that day's work due to the no-work-no-pay principle.

Unlike a strike, the employees who participate in the protest action are not entitled to picket at the employer's premises.

The exception: essential and maintenance services employees

Employees who are involved in essential services and maintenance services are not entitled to participate in the protest action. Essential services are those that are necessary for the protection of life and personal safety, including parliamentary services and the SAPS. Maintenance services are those that, if interrupted, could result in material physical destruction to any working area, plant or machinery.

Employers wanting to prevent employee participation must approach the Labour Court with an urgent application.

The National Shutdown and SAFTU's protest action create a delicate balance between workers' rights and businesses' interests, highlighting the need for employers to navigate these situations cautiously.

In July 2021, we considered whether employers may take disciplinary action against their employees who participated in unlawful conduct outside of the workplace. These principles will also apply if employees participate in unlawful conduct during the National Shutdown.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.