Probation Is Not a Free Pass
Introduction Many employers assume probation is a “trial period” where employment can be terminated with minimal procedure. That assumption is incorrect. During probation, dismissal must still meet the basic fairness standards set out in Schedule [...]
The True Nature of a Dispute: Substance Over Labels
Conciliation is intended to be a flexible, problem-solving process rather than a technical exercise bound by rigid classifications. Yet many employers mistakenly assume that once an employee describes a dispute in a referral form, the [...]
Investigation First, Discipline Second
One of the most overlooked, yet critical stages of any disciplinary process is the investigation. Too often, employers rush to issue charges before properly gathering and preserving evidence. When this happens, the disciplinary process is [...]
When Belief Meets Business
South Africa is a diverse country with a rich blend of cultural and religious beliefs, all of which are protected by the Constitution. These beliefs inevitably manifest in the workplace, often through employees, at times [...]
Managing Labour Costs in a Regulated Centralised Bargaining Environment
Managing labour costs in a Bargaining Council environment requires employers to look beyond the basic wage. Labour costs are made up of multiple components, including annual wage increases prescribed by main collective agreements, overtime and [...]
When a Default Award Isn’t the End
Few moments are more unsettling for an employer than discovering a CCMA or Bargaining Council award issued in their absence. The instinctive reaction is often panic, followed by a hurried question: Can this be rescinded? [...]
Annual Leave Under the BCEA: What Employers Must Grant and What They Must Pay
Annual leave remains one of the most frequently misunderstood areas of South African employment law. While most employers are aware that employees are entitled to paid annual leave, disputes often arise around how leave accrues, [...]
2025’s Most Searched SA Labour Law Questions – Answered
When employees and employers are unsure about their rights and obligations, they don’t turn to a lawyer or an HR manual; they turn to Google. Search trends from 2025 show a consistent theme: confusion. Confusion [...]
Shared Parental Leave: When the Law Changed Faster Than the Workplace
The Constitutional Court may have rewritten South Africa’s parental leave framework in 2025, but the real constitutional moment did not happen in court. It happened quietly, in HR offices, management meetings, WhatsApp family groups, and [...]
Message to Members: Welcome to the 2026 Business Year
As we welcome the dawn of the 2026 business year, we do so with a deep sense of appreciation, pride and renewed commitment to the members of the Consolidated Employers Organisations. The year 2025 was [...]
Where’s the “Quid”?
The use of mutual settlement or separation agreements to end employment relationships in South Africa is increasingly common, especially where there are disputes, strained relationships, or impending retrenchments. On paper, these agreements enable a “clean [...]
A Year of Gratitude
As we reflect on the year that draws to a close, one word continues to surface above all else: gratitude. Gratitude for the privilege of remaining viable in a demanding economic climate, for the ability [...]
Concluding 2025 on a Strong Note: A Practical Guide for Employers
At Consolidated Employers Organisation (CEO), we understand that the year-end period can be one of the most challenging times for employers. With the festive season just around the corner and the allure of some much-needed [...]
When the Office Goes Off-Site
Understanding that the workplace extends beyond the office The month of December is the bedrock of South Africa’s festive season, and most year-end functions are the highlight of the corporate social calendar before companies close [...]
Where Does My Business Belong – Demarcation May Hold the Answer
Demarcation is not a term commonly heard in everyday conversation, yet it can be beneficial to businesses if it applies to them. The purpose of this article is to provide a simple understanding of what [...]
When Fairness Meets Firmness
How far must an employer go to ensure procedural fairness? That question has long haunted disciplinary proceedings, especially when the accused employee is a shop steward. In a recent Labour Court decision, SAMWU obo Mvinjelwa [...]
The Truth about Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
In South Africa, the use of alcohol and the right to a safe working environment are regulated in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 (OHSA). This Act places a significant [...]
When Misconduct Becomes “Gross”
The Labour Relations Act (LRA), read together with the Code of Good Practice (2025), establishes that dismissal is an appropriate sanction when an employee’s conduct amounts to gross misconduct. While the LRA does not list [...]