3) Employment equity act (EEA)

• Purpose

  • The EEA allows employees equal pay for the same work.
  • Promotes equal opportunity and fair treatment in the workplace.
  • Ensure equal representation of all population groups in the workplace.
• Impact

  Positives

  • Promotes equal opportunity and fair treatment in workplace.
  • Motivates employees because the workplace is more diverse.
  • Encourages consultation between employer and employees.
• Impact

  Negatives

  • Positions go unfilled because no suitable EE candidates.
  • Expensive to employ someone who knows little about the Act.
  • Fines for non-compliant businesses may be expensive for business.
• Discriminatory actions

  • Doing HIV testing unless justified by Labour Court.
  • Refusing to hire a young women due to potential future maternity leave.
• Penalties for non-compliance

  • Businesses may face heavy fines for non-compliance.
  • They can be ordered to pay compensation and damages to the employee.
  • Labour inspectors may investigate complaints.
• Ways to comply

  • Promote equal opportunities and fair treatment.
  • Implement an employment equity plan.
  • Businesses must guard against discriminatory appointments.