(Photo: Pieter Cloete/Maroela Media)
Solidarity appeals to employers not to use the sudden and dramatic rise in fuel prices as a reason for unnecessary layoffs or other drastic measures that could threaten employees’ job security.
The union admits that the expected fuel increase on 1 April, together with the already sharp increases in diesel prices that are in force at certain petrol stations, is putting great pressure on businesses, but warns that hasty decisions could worsen the situation.
Consequently, Solidarity warns employers not to turn this temporary economic disruption into permanent disruption for employees and consumers.
Solidarity says it also takes note of the increasing fears among employees about what the latest fuel shock could mean for their work, income and financial security and will not hesitate to assist members where employers use the situation as grounds for unfair layoffs or unilateral changes to employment conditions.
Gideon du Plessis, general secretary of Solidarity, says he understands that the sharp rise in fuel and transport costs is a real and unavoidable reality that puts pressure on businesses worldwide.
“Still, this situation must be handled with insight. Job security cannot be the first victim every time costs rise unexpectedly,” says Du Plessis.
According to Solidarity, employers should first consider all reasonable alternatives before staff reduction comes into question, especially since the current fuel price pressure is largely caused by international factors and is also temporary in nature.
(Photo: Mariska Nanni / Maroela Media)
The union suggests the following fair measures that employers can consider to accommodate employees:
- Avoid hasty layoffs and explore alternative solutions such as reducing unnecessary workplace luxuries and convenience expenses.
- Review travel and transport allowance where possible.
- Where employees have to cover commuting or fuel costs themselves over longer distances, review of allowances can help ease the sudden pressure.
- Use flexible working arrangements where possible.
- Give employees the opportunity to come up with cost-saving suggestions.
- Talk openly with employees about financial pressures.
- Transparent communication helps prevent uncertainty, rumors and unnecessary panic in the workplace.
- Approach the current fuel crisis as an extraordinary and temporary situation.
- Decisions that affect employees’ job security must be taken with caution, especially where international factors play a major role.
- Throw everything into the fight to prevent a temporary economic crisis from leading to long-term social consequences.
Du Plessis says employees are already seeing diesel prices rise sharply at some petrol stations, and the expected increase on 1 April further increases the uncertainty.
“It is precisely in times like this that employers and employees need each other, and should not stand against each other,” says Du Plessis.
Solidarity encourages members to contact the union immediately if they experience that the fuel price increases are being used as a reason for unfair layoffs, unilateral changes to employment conditions or any other action that threatens their job security, so that the matter can be dealt with in time.