Welcome

South African Engineers’ and Founders’ Association

The SA Engineers and Founders Association (SAEFA) represents the interests of hundreds of member companies in the metal and engineering industry. These companies range in size from very small employers to large multinational organisations. SAEFA not only offers a wide range of direct services to member companies but also represents the interests of our members at both industry and national levels. 

SAEFA’s direct services to member companies, available at a reduced fee to these companies compared to what a non-member company would pay in the market, include assistance on all matters affecting the relationship between themselves and their employees/trade unions – for example:

  • Dispute resolution, conciliation, mediation and arbitration services 
  • Advice, assistance, consultancy and training on labour legislation, employment conditions and all other Industrial Relations matters
  • Assistance is also provided with health and safety matters, broad-based black economic empowerment, contract price adjustments and skills development through our affiliate organisations

For full information on these services contact SAEFA’s Executive Director, Gordon Angus, at gordon@saefa.co.za. 

SAEFA also represents the interests of our member companies in all industry negotiations with the industry’s trade unions, not only on wages and other conditions of employment but also on the industry’s benefit funds which provide benefits to employees such as pensions, permanent disability and sick pay benefits. SAEFA has its own seats at the MEIBC, participating directly in all activities there.

Being a member of SAEFA allows you to have a direct say in what happens in your industry.

 

News

COID Act: Draft Regulations relating to the proposed new Rates Assessment Model

18 September 2019

Below please find a draft Government notice relating to the above which has been published for comment. You will note that the number of new proposed classes has been significantly reduced with new assessment rates for each. Most SAEFA companies will fall under Paragraph 3.12 of the schedule: Restructured Cluster L. 

Companies wishing to comment are requested to email these to me by no later than Monday 23 September 2019.

Draft Regulation on Employers Assesment Model

Retrenching? Make sure you know what you're doing

27 August 2019

Business conditions in the sector continue to be abysmal for many companies.  Various economists are of the view that the effects of the global credit crisis have not even yet been fully felt.  This has, unfortunately, put many companies in a position where they now have to contemplate implementing retrenchments.  The retrenchment process is regulated under s189 of the Labour Relations Act and it is imperative that employers who are in this desperate position are au fait with legal requirements.

SAEFA is running a comprehensive training workshop dealing with the intricacies and legalities of implementing retrenchments on 18 September 2019.  For more information or to make a booking, please see the attached.

Retrenchment Workshop Flyer

CIRCULAR: Dispute Resolution Levy Increase - 2019

13 August 2019

As you are aware, SAEFA has been mandated to pursue private dispute resolution mechanisms for our members.  To this end, we have concluded arrangements with private, CCMA accredited dispute resolution providers who are prepared to offer a superior, private dispute resolution service at no additional cost.  However, before this service can be implemented, an exemption first needs to be sought and obtained from the MEIBC, a process which is currently underway.  Until such time as we are ready to introduce the private service for members, please be aware of the 4.7% increase in the Dispute Resolution Levy as from 1 August 2019

Please refer to the circular from the MEIBC below:

Circular

Effective Workplace Discipline Workshop - 21 August 2019

8 August 2019

Section 185 of the Labour Relations Act gives all employees the right not to be unfairly dismissed.  Yet many employers still make fundamental mistakes when taking corrective action against their employees.  As an employer, there is nothing more frustrating than having to compensate or reinstate an employee who has broken your rules.  The key to successful workplace discipline starts with understanding the principles of progressive discipline and ensuring you know the procedural requirements to ensure fairness. 

SAEFA is running a one-day workshop to guide employers through the discipline provisions of the Labour Relations Act:

Date and Venue 

Wednesday, 21 August 2019, Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre, Viewpoint Street, Boksburg.