Human Rights / Rights in the Workplace

Human Rights and Rights in the Workplace Fab Consulting

Human Rights Day is a national day that is commemorated annually on 21 March to remind South Africans about the sacrifices that accompanied the struggle for the attainment of democracy. South Africans worked tirelessly for the transformation of our country to an open and democratic society based on human dignity, equality and freedom.

This month Charnel shares that although, in the workplace, individual expectations and requirements differ, we all yearn to be treated fairly with respect and dignity.

Charnel believes, regardless of your working environment, chosen profession or title, one is entitled to fair and equal treatment.

Individuals may have different criteria and expectations of their workplace; however, all have a right to be respected, to be treated fairly and with dignity.

Much has been written about the “sweat shops” in the East that employ child labour and have staff work extremely long hours for a (barely) living wage. On the other side of the coin, there are the Mediterranean countries that have wonderful mid-day siestas.

So, what are our rights in the workplace?

According to Labour Guide * we have the right:

not to be unfairly dismissed or discriminated against
to be provided with appropriate resources and equipment
to have safe working conditions
to receive the agreed remuneration on the agreed date and time
to receive fair labour practices
to be treated with dignity and respect
to non-victimisation in claiming rights and using procedures
to leave benefits and other basic conditions of employment as stipulated in the BCEA **.

Mutual respect is a keystone of a safe and enjoyable workplace.

With rights, come a responsibility. We have the responsibility to speak about mental health issues, bullying, sexual harassment and unfair labour practices.

Only when we take that responsibility can we protect our rights.

Pause for a moment: Human Rights – What do these two words evoke in you? It is easy to pass over them and assume you know that they mean or allude to, without really grounding yourself in how they connect to your own lived and evolving experience.