Onbillike ontslag in die Suid-Afrikaanse arbeidsreg met spesiale verwysing na Prosessuele aspekte

Abstract

Werknemers is benewens sekere hoogs uitsonderlike gevalle altyd voor ontslag op substantiewe - en prosessuele billikheid geregtig, hetsy in 'n individuele ofkollektiewe verband. Prosessuele billikheid in besonder het 'n inherente waarde, o.a. omdat die uiteinde van 'n proses nie voorspel kan word nie. Die werkgewer word ook daardeur in staat gestel om die feite te bekom, en arbeidsvrede word daardeur gehandhaaf. Van verdere belang vir prosessuele billikheid is die nakoming van eie of ooreengekome prosedures, die beskikbaarstelling van genoegsame inligting, voorafkennisgewing en bona fide optrede deur die werkgewer. Die primere remedie in die geval van 'n onbillike ontslag is herindiensstelling, alhoewel herindiensstelling nie in die geval van 'n prosessuele onbillike ontslag beveel behoort te word nie. Die riglyne soos in die verlede deur die howe en arbiters ontwikkel is grootliks in die Konsepwet op Arbeids= verhoudinge, soos bevestig in die Wet op Arbeidsverhoudinge, 1995, gekodifiseer.

Prior to dismissal employees are always entitled to substantive - and procedural fairness, be it in an individual or a collective context, subject to highly exceptional circumstances. Procedural fairness in particular has an inherent value, inter alia because the outcome of a process cannot be predicted. The employer also thereby establishes the facts and by conducting a process, labour peace is promoted. Also of importance for procedural fairness is adherance to own or agreed procedures, providing the employee with sufficient information, prior notification and bona fide conduct by the employer. The primary remedy in the case of an unfair dismissal is reinstatement, though reinstatement should not follow in the case of a dismissal which is (only) procedurally unfair. The guidelines as developed by the courts and arbitrators have largely been codified in the Draft Labour Relations Bill, as subsequently confirmed in the Labour Relations Act, 1995.