I've been working in a shop for 2 years, and was appointed as a floor manager. All went well untill it came under new management. The new owner suddenly informed me that I cannot be trusted and I was refrained from continuing my normal duties. I went in to work everyday, but was not allowed to do anything. One Thursday on my way to work, my car broke down and I was told not to bother to go back to work. On the Monday, the owner called me and asked me to come back - which I did as I need the money. However, since I started to work at this shop (even with the previous owner) I am not allowed to get a weekend off. I work 7 days a week, from 07:00 - 18:00. I am allowed to get one day off during the week (then my wife is at work so what's the point) but I don't get it anyway. He forced me to sign a work contract immediately, without giving me the opportunity to read it first, and he is refusing to give me a copy, so I still don't know what it says. Please could you give me advise on what to do, as I feel it is unfair they I have to work continueously without decent hours.
Well first of all no employer can force you to sign a contract of employment without the tow of you first agreeing to the terms and conditions contained therein. Nor they can unilaterally enforce the terms on you without first consulting you and again you agreeing thereto.
I suggest that you try to sort this out internally, should this fail, then contact the CCMA or the department of Labour.