Don't Let Strikes Strike Out Your Business

Industrial action in South Africa poses a guaranteed business risk. The negative impact is often immense for both employers and employees. Extended negotiations, drawn out demonstrations, and safety risks often result in a loselose situation for both parties, even when demands are met.

A BY-PRODUCT of strikes is a diminished or completely non-existent workforce, often resulting in the loss of customers and production. To survive a strike, businesses need to adopt a secure strategy to mitigate losses, maintain productivity, uphold reputation and retain mutually beneficial employer-employee relationships.

The good, the bad and the ugly Strikes occur for many reasons, and they’re not always invalid, according to Sean Momberg, MD of Workforce Staffing Solutions. He explains that the common misconception that strikes take place to be maliciously disruptive or for unfair demands is incorrect.

“Workers typically strike due to a demand for increased wages or better working conditions,” says Sean, “However, regardless of the reasons for a strike, they are often debilitating for businesses.”

According to Joanette Nagel, Head: Commercial and Labour at Hunts Attorneys, for a strike to be deemed legal, there are certain legislated requirements that need to be met.