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Question 1
Advise Roberta if he can successfully challenge the Managing Director’s decision on
the basis of unfair discrimination. In your response, carefully set out the law,
including case law where applicable and apply the law to the facts.
Question 2
Assuming that Roberta alleges that he was dismissed because he is a member of a
trade union, advise Roberta whether his dismissal is automatically unfair. In your
answer, refer to the provisions of Labour Relations Act.
Question 3
Comprehensively advise Roberta on the tests used to determine whether one is an
employee or an independent contractor.
Question 4
Fully advise Roberta on the appropriate dispute resolution mechanism you would
recommend and justify why.
Question 5
Roberta is worried his contract may be invalid because he had not reported for duty.
Fully advise Roberta.
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Question 1
Introduction
Roberta Marley wants to know if he may successfully appeal the Managing Director's
decision to revoke his job offer due to his transsexual status. To assess the legal
standing of Roberta's claim, relevant legislation, case law, and the relevance of these
laws to the facts of the case must be examined.
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protected traits. In South Africa, the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 outlaws
employment discrimination.
Precedent
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Obo Khanyile v. Dunlop Mixing and Technical Services (Pty) Ltd [2017], National
Union of Metalworkers of South Africa: The South African Labour Court ruled in this
instance that discrimination against an employee based on gender identity constituted
unfair discrimination. Employers have a duty to promote equality and prevent
discrimination, according to the court.
Contractual Consequences
The HR Manager's claim that there was no contract between Roberta and the
company because he had not yet begun working is not conclusive. A contract can be
established by action and mutual agreement rather than through a formal written
document. However, this issue may necessitate additional legal research.
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Meeting with the Attorney
Roberta should meet with an attorney to explore the specifics of his situation,
including the relevant legislation, case law, and facts surrounding the retracted job
offer. During the session, the attorney will be able to examine the strength of
Roberta's case, advise on the various legal choices, and provide an educated
assessment on the possibility of victory.
Gathering Evidence
Roberta and his attorney should work together to collect all pertinent information that
supports his claim of unfair treatment. This may include email interaction with the HR
Manager, witness statements or testimonies, and any other relevant evidence or
communication pertaining to the job application process.
Conciliation or Mediation
Before filing a formal legal suit, Roberta and his lawyer should investigate the
possibilities of mediation or conciliation. To assist parties in reaching a mutually
satisfying resolution, several states provide dispute resolution processes such as
mediation or conciliation through labor or equality bodies. Participating in these
processes can save you time, money, and emotional turmoil.
Legal Procedures
During the court processes, Roberta's attorney will submit the information acquired,
including the date of the retracted job offer after his transgender status was revealed.
The attorney will claim that the revocation was motivated by direct prejudice,
highlighting the employer's responsibility to promote equality and prevent unfair
discrimination.
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Compensation and Reparations
Conclusion
Finally, Roberta has grounds to challenge the Managing Director's decision on the
basis of unfair discrimination based on his transsexual status. Roberta can exercise his
rights and seek appropriate remedies for the harm he has caused by seeking legal
advice, compiling evidence, exploring dispute resolution procedures, and potentially
pursuing formal legal action.
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Question 2
Introduction
Roberta Marley claims that he was fired from his job because he was a member of a
union. To evaluate the legality of his dismissal, the relevant provisions of the Labour
Relations Act must be examined and analyzed in light of the facts of the case. This
guidance will concentrate on the concept of automatic unfair dismissal based on union
membership.
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According to Section 187(1)(a) of the LRA, if the basis for the dismissal is the
employee's trade union membership or involvement in legitimate union activities, the
dismissal is automatically unfair.
Nationwide Airlines (Pty) Ltd v. Mudau [2014] Case Law: The South African Labour
Appeal Court ruled in the Nationwide Airlines case that an employee's dismissal was
automatically unfair if it was based on his trade union membership. The court stressed
the importance of trade union activity protection in safeguarding employee rights and
fostering collective bargaining.
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According to Section 187(1)(c) of the LRA, a dismissal is automatically unfair if it is
the result of the employer's reluctance to negotiate collectively or involvement in
collective bargaining efforts.
Conciliation
Conciliation is the first stage of the dispute resolution process in which a CCMA
commissioner or a Bargaining Council conciliator supports the parties in reaching an
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agreement. The conciliator promotes negotiations between the parties and urges them
to reach an agreement.
Arbitration
If conciliation fails to resolve the disagreement, it may be resolved through
arbitration. Arbitration is a more formal process in which an arbitrator designated by
the CCMA or Bargaining Council renders a binding judgement on the dispute after
taking into account the facts submitted by both parties.
Keeping Evidence
Roberta should collect and keep any evidence that supports his claim of automatic
unjust dismissal. Documents such as employment contracts, correspondence with the
employer about his trade union membership, witness statements, or any other relevant
evidence demonstrating the link between his dismissal and his trade union activity
may be included.
Conclusion
Roberta should speak with a labor law attorney to determine the viability of his claim
for automatically wrongful dismissal based on union membership. The lawyer will
advise him on the precise legal requirements, procedural measures, and any remedies
that are accessible to him. Roberta can seek a fair resolution to his issue and enforce
his rights as a trade union member through CCMA or Bargaining Council processes.
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Question 3
Introduction
Roberta Marley is concerned that his company will claim that he was hired as an
independent contractor rather than an employee based on the contract he signed. To
answer Roberta's worries, it is necessary to investigate the tests used to distinguish
between an employee and an independent contractor. This advise will provide you a
thorough review of the elements and tests that are typically used to determine job
status.
The policies and procedures that deal with what are "dynamic, interlocking economic,
legal, social, and psychological relationships that exist between individuals and their
work organizations" (Bratton and Gold, 2003: 485) are referred to as employment
relations. This definition defines ER as a framework of analysis for issues of labor,
employment, and the relationship between employers and employees. It is typically
seen as a broad phrase that encompasses any issues that arise between parties in the
context of interactions between employees and staff and employers. In that context, a
crucial distinction is drawn between a 'contract of service' (contract of employment)
between a worker and an employer and a 'contract for service'. The former involves
the employer taking the worker 'into service' to exchange for a wage or salary,
whereas the latter is a commercial/economic relationship between two or more
(nominally) equal parties in which a principal contracts with an agent for the supply
of products and services in exchange for consideration.
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increasingly blurred, making it difficult to determine who is inside and who is outside
the business.
Because of these changes, 'traditional' full-time permanent job may become less
common (Harrington, 1997). The decrease in 'normal' employment is usually referred
to as 'atypical employment' or the increase in non-standard employment. Non-
standard forms of employment include workers who are either part-time or on a
temporary or fixed-term contract, as well as those who are not legally 'employed' by
an organization, such as subcontractors, self-employed, and agency workers (Winch,
1998; Ward etal., 2001).
Control Examination
The control test focuses on the employer's amount of control over the worker
executing the work. An employment connection exists when the employer has the
right to control the manner, method, and details of how the work is conducted.
Control over work hours, location, tools and equipment employed, and the ability to
delegate or monitor labor are all examples of this.
Integration Examination
The integration test determines whether the individual is integrated into or functions
independently of the employer's business. If the individual is heavily involved in the
operations of the company, it suggests an employment relationship. The degree of
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exclusivity, financial dependency on the employer, and whether the individual
presents themselves as part of the business's workforce are all taken into account.
Obligation Mutuality
The existence of reciprocal duties between the parties is taken into account. There is
an ongoing expectation in an employment relationship that the individual will perform
work and the employer will provide labor and remuneration. Independent contractors,
on the other hand, often work on a project-by-project basis with no ongoing obligation
from either party.
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or engage in self-employment activities, whereas employees typically work for a
single employer.
Legal Cases
While no specific case law is cited here, it is crucial to remember that the courts have
taken into account a variety of variables and tests when assessing employment status.
The use of these variables is determined by the facts and evidence provided in each
case.
Conclusion
A thorough examination of the factors outlined above is required to establish if
Roberta is an employee or an independent contractor. The level of control, integration
into the firm, tool ownership, substitution and delegation, financial risk and reward,
mutuality of obligation, and the presence of various contracts or entrepreneurial
activities must all be examined.
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Question 4
Introduction
Roberta Marley has expressed reservations about taking his employer's disagreement
to court. He is looking for advise on the best dispute resolution technique to use.
Taking into account the specific circumstances of the case, this advise will provide
recommendations and justification for an alternative means of resolving the
disagreement.
Labor disputes are a fundamental tenet of all labor relations systems (ILO, 2001).
Most of the time, they are the result of collective bargaining reaching a breaking
point, which, if not addressed, leads to industrial action, such as strikes or lockouts. A
good labor relations policy comprises the creation of a legal framework for the
prevention and resolution of labor conflicts (ILO, 2001). Conflict between partners in
a relationship is often caused by competing interests and goals (Venter, 2003, p. 383).
A solid foundation for resolving employment, labor, and labor relations issues is
required for any country's economic success. Countries will need to build a
constructive conflict resolution system in order to address issues successfully and
quickly; this is especially crucial for workplace industrial democracy. Labor and
industrial relations concerns are not resolved quickly in many nations, and there is no
cordial relationship between employer and employee. Despite its rising interest in
labor relations and welfare, the government cannot stay a bystander. It is the state's
responsibility to pass legislation to resolve these competing interests in labor-
management relations (Ahmed, 2014, p. 29).
Mediation
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Mediation is a type of ADR in which a neutral third party, the mediator, assists the
parties in achieving an amicable conclusion. The mediator encourages discussion,
assists in identifying interests and issues, and steers the parties to a resolution.
Mediation is often more cost-effective than litigation since it needs fewer resources
and time.
Control over the outcome: During mediation, the parties retain control of the outcome
and actively participate in developing a mutually acceptable solution. This can result
in more satisfactory and long-term agreements.
Mediation allows for more flexible and informal hearings, resulting in a less
combative climate than formal court proceedings.
Speed: Because parties can plan sessions at their leisure and avoid lengthy court
processes, mediation can be speedier than litigation.
Recommendation
Based on the advantages listed above, I recommend that Roberta pursue mediation as
a suitable dispute resolution technique. Mediation provides an opportunity to reach a
mutually acceptable conclusion while maintaining relationships and avoiding the
potential expenses, delays, and uncertainty of litigation.
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and fostering productive communication. It may also be prudent for Roberta to
acquire legal counsel to provide assistance and safeguard his interests during the
mediation process.
Conclusion
In Roberta's instance, alternative conflict resolution, specifically mediation, provides
a feasible and preferable alternative to litigation. Mediation provides a confidential,
cost-effective, and collaborative atmosphere in which to reach a mutually acceptable
resolution while maintaining relationships. To properly navigate the mediation
process, Roberta should hire a knowledgeable mediator and consider hiring legal
counsel. However, it is critical to note that mediation is a voluntary process, and if the
employer is unwilling to participate or if mediation fails to achieve a satisfying
outcome, other options, including litigation, may need to be considered.
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Question 5
Introduction
Roberta Marley, a job candidate who was initially offered a position at Dobson
Accounting Inc, is in a difficult predicament. Roberta receives an email rescinding the
job offer after divulging his transgender identity in a biographical note, reportedly due
to the decision to abandon the position he had applied for. Roberta asks advice on
how to proceed because he is concerned about the validity of his contract and
potential prejudice. This essay's goal is to give Roberta some broad advice while
highlighting the significance of speaking with a knowledgeable employment lawyer
who can handle the specific legal elements of his case.
A contract describes the terms, conditions, and expectations that an employee must
follow while selling his or her labor to an employer. This contract could be in the
form of a formal written document.CEOs, professional athletes, and unionized
workers are examples of employees who are often covered by written contracts. An
employee handbook is another sort of contract. Depending on a country's legal theory,
employment contracts may or may not be legally enforceable; nonetheless, written
contracts are insufficient because all of the tasks and performance requirements of
employees are not defined in advance. As a result, it is common to perceive the job
relationship to be governed by implicit contracts of informal, legally unenforceable
economic, psychological, or social commitments.
Collect evidence
Roberta should gather and preserve all pertinent documentation, including emails, the
contract, and any other relevant papers. These materials will serve to bolster his case
and provide a more complete picture of what happened.
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Document Specifications
Roberta must record the timeline of events, including the dates of interviews,
communications received, and any discriminatory words or behaviors. When
discussing the case with a lawyer or during any legal proceedings, detailed notes
might be extremely useful.
Conclusion
Seeking legal counsel is critical in cases involving potential discrimination and
contractual problems. Roberta Marley should speak with an experienced employment
lawyer who can evaluate the specifics of his case, such as applicable anti-
discrimination legislation and contractual duties. Roberta can pursue justice and
understand his legal choices by gathering evidence, documenting significant facts, and
maintaining open communication with his counsel.
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