The Economic Impact of Wellness

Abstract

Work wellness can be differentiated between employee and relational wellness. The impact of psychological contract breach with work wellness was explored in this chapter, as well as the link between industrial action and work wellness. Labour relations management deals with decision-making and behaviour regarding aspects such as trade unions and other forms of worker representation and participation, the rights and duties of the employer and employees and their representatives, how to deal with matters concerning conflicts and disputes, and also co-operation with unions, as well as how the organisation will relate to other organisations, such as employer organisations or associations. The focus of labour relations management was primarily on the collective, conflicting and formal dimensions of employment relations. The individual dimension is also covered in aspects such as the rights of the employee regarding fair treatment, accommodation , annual leave , certificate of service , family responsibility leave , freedom of association , maternity leave , notice of termination of employment, payment on termination of employment, prescribed days off, remuneration due, safe working conditions, sick leave and the right to strike . As in most industrialised countries, South African trade unions are facing a decline in their political and industrial influence in general (Fairbrother and Yates 2003). This does not, as such, influence the levels of industrial actions, but even seems to increase it. In South Africa, some burning issues associated with industrial actions exist, which were analysed in this chapter.