Question: On Friday 17.04.09 , a disturbing incident occurred a staff member came to work with a ANC/ Jacob Zuma T-shirt on . One of the Directors of the company ( Director A) asked another Staff member to tell the man to take off the t-shirt. This resulted in another Director(Director B) having an argument with Director A regarding Freedom of expression and political freedom. Director A then swore at Director B – Director B swore back. Then Director A walked out and took two other Directors with her, they said they were resigning and left the office. On Monday 20.04.09. they all returned to work, no explanation given. Then Director B received a letter requesting he attend a Mediation as he verbally abused Director A and invaded her personal space. Since there where two witness in the room , I find it odd that she is claiming Verbal Abuse, since she started the abuse and invasion of personal space as Director B only stood up from his chair and they where at least 2 meters apart. Please can you advise this is really disturbing.

Answer: After reading this it confuses me as to what advice is actually needed. If the dispute is at Directorial level then it is up to the Board to resolve the matter. It would be unwise for any staff members to become embroiled in this dispute as it will entail taking sides against Directors. Should the outcome of the dispute be in favour of the Director that the staff member/s went against what do you think will happen to that person/s. This matter should be left at an Executive level and seems to be more of a personal issue rather than an actual Labour dispute as it involves personal opinions and beliefs. Directors have Executive decision to take any course of action that they see fit and that is in line with the Boards Constitution. Please bear in mind that verbal abuse has no set parameters and cannot be measured as a distance, thus 2 meters becomes irrelevant. It is what was said and how it was said that becomes important. Further, please note that when a person retaliates they become equally guilty of the same offense and as stated, Director B swore back at Director A.

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