The labour environment is filled with challenges and pitfalls for both employers & employees. Challenges can take the form of disputes to running a business according to legal requirements. Labour attorneys help all parties navigate these challenges. They have the knowledge to advise and take legal action when necessary.
Popular Labour Attorney Services Include:
Legal assistance for labour disputes
South Africa’s labour laws allow employees to stand up for their rights if they feel they are unfairly treated. Employers also have the right to take legal steps if employees act unlawfully. Labour attorneys help in the following cases:
- Unfair dismissals or retrenchments
- CCMA (Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration) cases
Labour lawyers assist both parties during disputes.
Mediatory services in labour disputes
With South Africa’s history founded in reconciliation, it should be all citizens’ goal to attempt to live with the same attitude. Employers and employees can ask labour attorneys to mediate whenever office disputes arise. Labour attorneys offer objective advice and legal guidance to help the two parties reach a compromise.
Training in terms of the labour law
Labour attorneys help South African businesses function within the confines of the law. They offer training sessions to business owners to educate them about applicable legislation. This helps business owners handle employees correctly and implement correct practices in their offices.
Guidance in terms of OHS
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) laws are quite strict in South Africa. They cover a vast array of safety measures. Business owners need to adhere to these guidelines. Labour attorneys offer a consulting service to help business owners audit and improve their OHS status.
Assistance with policies and contracts
The best way to prevent legal challenges is to have proper policies and contracts in place. Labour attorneys help business owners draw up these policies and documents. These protect both the employer and the employee.
Other legal matters
Some labour attorneys offer additional services as well, such as:
- Corporate and commercial law
- Constitutional law
- Property law services
- Litigation for injuries
5 Tips when Hiring a Labour Attorney
1. Ask for a free consultation
Before you hire an attorney, make sure he or she will be able to help you achieve your goal. Many companies offer a free first consultation. During a first consultation, you and the labour attorney can talk about expectations.
2. Talk about payment options
Labour attorneys offer different payment options. Some require payment upfront. Other attorneys only collect payment when a client wins a case. If you don’t have a lot of capital to invest in a legal case, search for an attorney that may accommodate your circumstances, or discuss paying monthly instalments.
3. Useful online tools can help lighten the load
Many labour attorneys post hints, informative pieces and checklists on their websites. They discuss OHS matters and other labour law features. Use this information to stay in line with OHS requirements and to realise the pitfalls in terms of employment matters. Business owners can make adjustments where necessary, to minimise the necessity for legal action.
4. Read the reviews
The best labour lawyers aren’t scared to show what clients say about them. Read reviews online so you know what kind of service you’ll receive. This is an excellent way to determine whether a certain attorney takes the same effort with small cases, as with large ones.
5. What is the attorney’s expertise?
Some attorney practices offer a range of services. If you know your case is complicated look for a labour attorney that has dealt with cases similar to yours before. Past experience will be beneficial when the case is tough to handle.