THE FACTS
GEOFFREY Mpho Shopi from Thabazimbi, Limpopo, said he worked as a cleaner for more than seven years.
He fell ill and had to go for an operation in 2019. He had another operation in 2021. His HR manager gave him a letter to sign, but he was not aware that he was signing a resignation letter.
He took the matter to the CCMA, but he was not helped. Instead, his case was referred to the Labour Court.
ADVICE
By law, no one should force you to sign any resignation letter. If you do sign it, this means you will lose other benefits such as your UIF.
If you have been forced to resign, the onus is on you to prove that you were forced to resign. If the commissioner certifies that the dispute remains unresolved, he will refer it to the Labour Court.
When your dispute has been referred to the Labour Court, it’s advisable to seek professional legal representation.
