Do You Need Urgent CCMA Advice? Here’s Why You Should Partner with a Labour Law Expert
Have you just found yourself on the wrong side of the law? Is it because you never kept abreast with all the latest changes to the LRA and BCEA, or have you wilfully neglected to follow the correct procedure when disciplining, retrenching, or dismissing an employee? The reality today is that businesses need to be very careful about how they treat their employees. In South Africa, employees have certain rights and South Africa’s constitution goes a long way to guarantee that these rights are upheld.
The CCMA Deals With Over 100 000 Cases Each Year
Aimed at promoting fair practices in the work environment, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) is a dispute resolution body established in terms of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA). Founded on the principle of conciliating first before arbitrating, the CCMA is an independent body established by law to carry out a range of workplace dispute prevention and resolution services. Largely due to word of mouth, employees at all levels are aware that, at little or no cost, they can bring a case against an employer who has treated them unfairly. In fact, in addition to the thousands of cases handled by the Labour Court, Labour Appeal Court, bargaining councils, and private arbitration forums, the CCMA deals with over 100 000 cases relating to unfair labour practice each year.
97% of All CCMA Cases are Won by the Employee
The reality is that every employee has the right to refer a dispute to the CCMA if they feel that they’ve been treated unfairly, even if they haven’t. Yes, any employer can end up before the CCMA, and when they do, they usually lose. Why? Despite the fact that it is compulsory to have an effective human resources department, many employers feel that they are above the law when dealing with workplace disputes, and this is where things can and usually do go terribly wrong.
Knowledge is power when it comes to workplace disputes, and following the correct procedures can go a long way towards saving businesses hundreds and thousands of rands. The truth is that 97% of all CCMA cases are lost by the employer due to failure to follow the correct procedures, and if you want to avoid a costly visit to the CCMA, you need to have more than just an effective HR department; you need to be armed and ready with expert CCMA advice from a law firm that specialises in labour and employment law.
We Are a Boutique Law Firm Specialising in Labour and Employment Law
Registered as specialised labour lawyers with the Law Society, we are a boutique law firm specialising in both labour law and employment law. Taking great pride in our specialised labour law services, not only do we have the expertise, understanding, and compassion, but also the legal muscle to deal with every type of workplace and CCMA dispute, and we have represented clients in numerous high-profile cases throughout South Africa. Boasting a formidable reputation complemented with the backing of an exceptional team of attorneys and paralegals, not only do we assist employers, employees, trade unions and employer organisations with legal assistance, but we also offer excellent CCMA advice.
For more information on Allardyce & Partners, CCMA advice, our rates, and our “No Win, No Fee” policy for employees, contact us at reception@www.allardyce.co.za or on 011 234 2125 today.
NB: this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You are advised to consult with us before using/relying on this information.
