Infographic: Employer Registration with Bargaining Councils
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 [...]
Infographic: Parental leave, equality, and workplace policy
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 [...]
Infographic: Suspected false medical certificates
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 [...]
Infographic: Dealing with incompatibility in the workplace
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 [...]
Infographic: Can an employee give too much notice when tendering their resignation?
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 [...]
Infographic: The trust relationship and the appropriateness of a sanction
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, [...]
Infographic: What to do when a subpoenaed witness turns against you
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 [...]
Legal insight on delayed disciplinary hearings and unpaid suspension
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 [...]
Infographic: A necessary roadmap to a smoother arbitration
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 [...]
Infographic: A practical guide to managing underperformance
Underperformance is rarely resolved by rushing to discipline or dismissal. In most cases, identifying the cause and applying structured performance improvement measures leads to better outcomes for both the employee and the organisation. By Carl [...]
Infographic: Why an Unsigned Contract Doesn’t Mean Casual Employment
“He never signed a contract, so he’s just a casual.” It’s a common refrain, and a dangerous misconception. In South African labour law, the absence of a signature rarely means the absence of an employment [...]
Infographic: When Does a Disciplinary Hearing Truly Commence?
Recent Labour Appeal Court case law has revived the long-standing debate on when a disciplinary hearing legally “commences” - a question with serious consequences for the validity of suspensions. By Carl Ranger Head of Training [...]
Infographic: Resignation with Immediate Effect and Employer Rights
Resignations “with immediate effect” often leave employers uncertain about whether the employment relationship has lawfully ended and what rights remain regarding notice and remuneration. By Carl Ranger Head of Training at Consolidated Employers Organisation (CEO [...]
Infographic: Resignation or Criminal Charges
Employers are sometimes confronted with misconduct that goes beyond workplace discipline and enters the realm of criminal law. Knowing when reporting is mandatory and how to handle resignations in such circumstances lawfully is critical to [...]
Infographic: Handling Resignations Without Getting Hooked at the CCMA
Disputes over whether an employee resigned or was dismissed are common at the CCMA. Poorly handled exits, especially during heated workplace incidents, can quickly expose employers to unfair dismissal claims, even where termination was justified. [...]
Infographic: Employer Responsibilities for Uniforms & Protective Clothing
Employers often confuse uniforms with protective clothing, yet the legal distinction is critical when determining who bears the cost. Recent CCMA arbitration confirms clear obligations under labour legislation, particularly in the retail sector. By Carl [...]
Infographic: Balancing Incentives and Workplace Equity
Discretionary bonuses and 13th cheques are commonly used to reward performance and motivate employees. While employers have broad discretion in awarding these benefits, that discretion must be exercised fairly, consistently, and transparently to avoid disputes. [...]
Infographic: When Failure to Appoint Becomes a Legal Risk
Employers generally enjoy discretion in recruitment decisions – but that discretion is not unlimited. Where appointment decisions are unfair, irrational, or discriminatory, employers may face legal consequences. By Carl Ranger Head of Training at Consolidated [...]