EE changes: What should you worry about? (Part 4)
Two weeks ago, I explained how the unfair discrimination laws will change if the Employment Equity Amendment Bill is passed. I also told you about the equal work for equal pay principle in the new proposed legislation.
Today’s article is about how you will go about reporting sexual harassment claims if the Employment Equity Amendment Bill is passed.
Currently, all sexual harassment claims are decided by the Labour Court unless the parties agree otherwise. Under the proposed new laws, an employee may, without the consent of the employer, refer the dispute to the CCMA for arbitration where:
- The employee alleges sexual harassment; or
- Where the employee earns less than the earnings threshold prescribed by the Minister of Labour from time to time (currently, R183 008 per annum).
The CCMA will have the same powers, regarding relief, as the Labour Court.
