Pay and discipline at work
Wages are the pay an employee receives for work; the terms are stated in the employment contract and cannot be below the minimum set by the state (the exact amount is revised from time to time). Pay is made in money, regularly, within the periods set by law and the contract, and deductions are made only in cases listed in law. Wages may consist of a rate or salary, additional payments (for night, holiday and overtime work) and bonuses. Ways of encouragement: thanks, a bonus, a valuable gift, an honorary certificate, awarding a title. Labour discipline means employees’ following the internal rules. The Labour Code lists the disciplinary penalties exactly: a reprimand, a fine and termination of the employment contract; a penalty not on the list may not be applied. Before a penalty is imposed, a written explanation is taken from the employee; the penalty is applied within the period set by law and the employee may appeal to court. Extra care is required when disciplinary action concerns a minor employee.
Role-play “Disciplinary case”: students take the roles of employer, employee and HR officer. Steps: the breach is stated, an explanation is written, a decision is made. The class finds which steps are required for the process to be lawful (invented names are used).