Labour Court backs Harcourt Printing dismissal after worker struck manager

In 1989, the Labour Court recommended that Harcourt Printing Company Limited’s dismissal of a van driver not be considered unfair. The recommendation was signed on 31 January 1989. The worker said a trainee production manager provoked him during a disagreement over instructions, and that he slapped the manager. The company said the worker committed an unjustified act of violence and that its investigation included his admission. The Court said striking a fellow employee in the circumstances justified the company’s decision to dismiss him. It did not recommend that the dismissal be considered unfair.