Tournament News
Ex-gratia leave for SWC?
2010-03-08 14:16
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Johannesburg - The 2010 Soccer World Cup scheduled to kick-off on 11 June raises a number of issues for employers to consider. These same issues are likely to emerge with any major sporting event that is of great interest to a broad section of the workforce.
The South African Football Supporters Association (Safsa) is calling upon employers to allow staff to work flexi-time during the World Cup.
Safsa has tabled a special matter for consideration and possible approval by the Social Partners at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) and the Minister of Public Service and Administration Masenyani Baloyi to request both Nedlac and the Minister to grant all employed South Africans an ex gratia leave that will enable them a rare opportunity to leave their work place three hours prior to all Bafana-Bafana games played during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Safsa spokesperson Siyabulela Makhunga said it was fair to say that some pockets of the workforce may not be at their best at work the next day or perhaps would not turn up for work at all.
It's a known fact that employers are poised to experience a major drop in productivity during the month of June. A large section of the South African workforce plans to take time off to watch football.
Makhunga said: "This event takes place once every four years. It is the greatest sporting event on the world stage. Employers should give people a chance to enjoy. There is going to be a productivity slump during the World Cup in June.
“Pre-planned absentees from work are only part of the story. The actual level of absenteeism is likely to be even higher due to post-match celebrations or lack of sleep as fans are likely to stay up until much later to watch the games."
He said Safsa believes that if employers decide not to grant the requested ex gratia leave, the euphoria of the World Cup will inevitably affect productivity in the work place.
"You cannot help it, the World Cup is here and people will do whatever it takes to have their fair share of the World Cup. As a country we need to work together to ensure that people’s dream is fulfilled" Makunga added.