Sick leave abuse remains one of the most common and disruptive workplace challenges. While the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) protects employees who are genuinely ill or injured, it also provides employers with clear rights to manage, investigate, and address abuse. Understanding the statutory framework is the first step in dealing with the issue [...]
Bargaining councils play a central role in regulating labour relations within specific industries in South Africa. Where collective agreements are extended to non-parties, registration with the relevant bargaining council is not optional. It is a legal obligation that directly affects compliance, cost structures, and workplace stability. By Carl Ranger Head of Training at Consolidated Employers [...]
In a landmark judgment delivered on 3 October 2025, the Constitutional Court in Van Wyk and Others v Minister of Employment and Labour and Others fundamentally redefined parental leave in South Africa. The Court held that existing provisions of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) and Unemployment Insurance Act (UIA) unfairly discriminated against fathers [...]
Medical certificates remain a critical safeguard for employees on sick leave, but they are also frequently abused. While employers are entitled to investigate suspected misuse, recent Labour Appeal Court jurisprudence makes it clear that suspicion alone is insufficient to justify disciplinary action or dismissal. By Carl Ranger Head of Training at Consolidated Employers Organisation (CEO SA)
Personality clashes and strained working relationships are as old as the workplace itself. While employers are often expected to “fix” these situations, incompatibility is not automatically misconduct and must be approached carefully to avoid unfair dismissal findings. By Carl Ranger Head of Training at Consolidated Employers Organisation (CEO SA)
Resignations usually raise concerns when notice is too short or given with “immediate effect”. Less commonly considered is the opposite scenario: when an employee tenders more notice than required. While it may appear generous, excessive notice can create legal and operational complications for employers. By Carl Ranger Head of Training at Consolidated Employers Organisation (CEO SA)
The concept of a “broken trust relationship” is frequently invoked in misconduct dismissals. However, it is also one of the most misunderstood and misapplied principles in labour law. While trust may be relevant to sanction, it is neither automatic nor decisive. This infographic clarifies when trust matters, when it does not, and the common legal [...]
Subpoenaed witnesses play a critical role in CCMA arbitrations, but they do not always testify as expected. When a witness turns against the party who called them, it can materially affect the outcome of a case. Understanding subpoenas and the option to declare a witness hostile is essential for effective case management. By Carl Ranger [...]
Disciplinary procedures must be both fair and efficient. Prolonged delays not only undermine workplace discipline but can also prejudice employers. The Labour Court judgment in Strydom v ArcelorMittal South Africa provides important guidance on how delay tactics, particularly those caused by employees, can justify unpaid suspension. By Carl Ranger Head of Training at Consolidated Employers [...]
Pre-arbitration minutes play a critical role in arbitration proceedings. Once signed, they are binding agreements that define the issues in dispute, promote efficiency, and guide the commissioner. Employers often underestimate their legal weight - a mistake that can be costly. By Carl Ranger Head of Training at Consolidated Employers Organisation (CEO SA)