How To Effectively Deal With Toxic Managers – Know Your Labour Rights

Toxic managers, consumed by their desire for control and dominance, often disregard the rights and dignity of their employees. Sooner or later, they are going to cause the company a lot of money through CCMA cases and that will be their downfall. You need to be well informed to understand how you can take them down. Here are 5 ways toxic managers breach the LRA:

1. Unfair Labour Practices (Section 185-186)

Toxic managers engage in unfair labour practices, such as victimizing employees who exercise their rights or participate in protected strikes. Example: A manager at a mining company disciplines an employee for attending a union meeting, violating Section 185.

2. Unfair Dismissal (Section 188-191)

Toxic managers dismiss employees without following proper procedures or for invalid reasons, leading to unfair dismissal claims. Example: A manager at a retail store fires an employee without a disciplinary hearing, contravening Section 188.

3. Harassment and Bullying (Section 6)

Toxic managers create a hostile work environment through harassment and bullying, violating employees’ right to a safe workplace. Example: A manager at a financial institution regularly belittles and intimidates employees, breaching Section 6.

4. Failure to Comply with Workplace Forums (Section 84-86)

Toxic managers neglect to establish or participate in workplace forums, hindering employee representation and consultation. Example: A manager at a manufacturing plant refuses to establish a workplace forum, contravening Section 84.

5. Non-Compliance with Disciplinary Procedures (Section 188-191)

Toxic managers disregard disciplinary procedures, leading to unfair labour practices and dismissal claims. Example: A manager at a logistics company fails to follow disciplinary procedures, resulting in a successful unfair dismissal claim.

Remember, toxic managers are not smart. Their fixation on abusing employees ultimately leads to their downfall, as they breach the South African Labour Relations Act. Do yourself a favour and Google these sections. You do not need to get into a screaming match with a toxic manager. Just start auding them silently.