Courts & Bargaining Councils
Find the right forum for your dispute. Each forum handles specific sectors and case types.
💡 Tip: Filing at the wrong forum wastes time and can cause you to miss prescription deadlines. Use the AI Review on your case to get the correct recommendation.
CCMA
Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration
Handles Cases Like:
Unfair dismissal
Unfair labour practice
Wages disputes
Retrenchment
Sexual harassment
Deadline: 30 days (dismissal) / 90 days (unfair labour practice)
Process Steps:
- 1.File LRA 7.11 form
- 2.Conciliation within 30 days
- 3.Arbitration if unresolved
- 4.Award within 14 days of arbitration
No legal representation allowed at conciliation. Legal rep allowed at arbitration with permission.
Labour Court
Labour Court of South Africa
Handles Cases Like:
Review of CCMA awards
Discrimination / equality
Organisational rights
Strike / lockout disputes
Constitutional labour matters
Deadline: Varies — often urgent applications within days
Process Steps:
- 1.File Notice of Motion
- 2.Serve respondent
- 3.Case management conference
- 4.Full hearing
Legal representation recommended. More formal process than CCMA.
MEIBC
Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council
Handles Cases Like:
Disputes in metal, engineering, electrical sectors
Conditions of employment disputes
Industry-specific collective agreements
Deadline: 30-90 days depending on dispute type
Process Steps:
- 1.File dispute form
- 2.Conciliation
- 3.Arbitration if needed
Covers: steel, metal fabrication, electrical, automotive components sectors.
MIBCO
Motor Industry Bargaining Council
Handles Cases Like:
Disputes in motor retail, repair, components
Vehicle sales industry
Petrol attendant disputes
Deadline: 30 days (dismissal)
Process Steps:
- 1.File with MIBCO conciliator
- 2.Conciliation
- 3.Arbitration
Covers car dealers, service centres, tyre fitment, fuel retail.
SALGBC
South African Local Government Bargaining Council
Handles Cases Like:
Municipal workers disputes
Local government conditions of service
Disciplinary matters in municipalities
Deadline: 30-90 days
Process Steps:
- 1.Dispute referral to SALGBC
- 2.Conciliation
- 3.Arbitration or Labour Court
Covers all municipal and local government employees.
NBCRFLI
National Bargaining Council for Road Freight & Logistics Industry
Handles Cases Like:
Truck driver disputes
Logistics and courier industry
Long-haul transport workers
Warehouse workers
Deadline: 30 days (dismissal)
Process Steps:
- 1.File referral form
- 2.Conciliation with NBCRFLI agent
- 3.Arbitration
Relevant to DREMPSTO drivers and transport operators.
GPSSBC
General Public Service Sector Bargaining Council
Handles Cases Like:
Government employee disputes
Public service conditions
Disciplinary matters in government departments
Deadline: 30-90 days
Process Steps:
- 1.Internal grievance first
- 2.Referral to GPSSBC
- 3.Conciliation / Arbitration
Covers national and provincial government employees.