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Workers have a right to strike, and employers have a right to lock out workers, if a dispute cannot be resolved. Certain procedures and certain limitations apply under certain conditions. Secondary strikes and pickets may also be held. What is a strike? To strike is the refusal to work, the slowing down of work or the obstruction of work by employees (“strikers”). A strike takes place to resolve a dispute between the employees and their employer. The dispute must be about something in the employer’s control for example, wages, improved working conditions and other disputes of mutual interest. While employees have the right to strike, an employer has an option to lock-out. However, these rights can sometimes be limited, for example, if the employees are bound by a collective agreement or are involved with essential services. What is a lock-out? A lock-out is the refusal of the employer to grant the employees access to the workplace. This means that the employees are not able to tender their services and as a result will not be paid. A lock-out takes place in response to a strike or to force the employees to accept a demand of the employer. The demand must relate to disputes of mutual interest. The demand of the employer can be, for example, to force the employees to accept changes to their terms and conditions of employment.
The rights of workers and employers Every worker has the right to strike, and every employer has the option to lock out workers, if:
What happens when a dispute cannot be resolved? Step 1: Conciliation - the dispute must be referred to the Council for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (“CCMA”) or Bargaining Council for resolution. Step 2: Certificate of outcome - if the dispute remains unresolved, or; a 30-day period has expired since it has been referred to the CCMA a certificate of outcome must be obtained. Step 3: Notice of Commencement – at least 48 hours prior to the strike or lock-out a written notice of the commencement must be given.
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