Preparing for Arbitration at the CCMA or Bargaining Council: 17 May 2023
2 May 2023
Are you looking to improve your skills in arbitration preparation? Join us for our upcoming workshop on Preparing for Arbitration at the CCMA or Bargaining Council. Our expert instructors will provide you with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively prepare for any arbitration proceeding.
You will learn how to develop case strategies, organize evidence, and construct persuasive arguments. This workshop is essential for all small business owners, HR personnel and anyone involved in the arbitration process.
For more information and to book your seat, please see the flyer below:
Explaining the Contents of the MEIBC Main Agreement
3 February 2023
Last year, the Main Agreement was extended to non-party employers, including members of SAEFA. Whilst every effort will be made to challenge this extension, until such time as we successfully overturn the extension, the Main Agreement is applicable to all scheduled employees on the shop floor.
On Wednesday, 22 February 2023, SAEFA will be guiding members through the contents of the agreement and its practical implementation on your shop floor. This seminar will provide a comprehensive overview of the agreement, breaking down the key provisions and explaining their implications for your business. We will share all of our knowledge and real-world experiences, providing practical insights and guidance that you can take back to your workplace. With an engaging and highly interactive format, this seminar is a must-attend event for anyone looking to stay informed and ahead of the curve in the metal and engineering industry.
Included in the presentation will be guidance on how to implement short-time in response to any unforeseen contingency, including load-shedding.
For more information or to book please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Notice of increase in Council levies and Updated Information Note
22 March 2023
Please see attached circulars from the MEIBC notifying the industry of an increase in the Admin and Dispute Levies, with effect from 1 April 2023.
Please contact me should you have any queries.
Industry Circular No 2023 - 01 Dispute Resolution Agreement - Revised
Industry Circular No 2023 - 02 Registration and Administration Expenses Collective Agreement
Are you having to consider retrenchments in 2023?
13 January 2023
The metal and engineering industry is now under more pressure than ever before, following the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent lockdown. Coupled with severe loadshedding and the extension of a Main Agreement that is unaffordable to many companies, this means that short-time, lay-offs and even retrenchments may need to be considered as means of survival.
Legislation regulating these processes requires that specific procedures be adhered to. These legal requirements can often prove daunting to employers, particularly those who have never implemented short-time, lay-offs or retrenchments before or who have not had to for some time.
NOTICE OF SAFTU'S PLANNED PARTICIPATION IN SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROTEST ACTION ON 20 MARCH 2023
13 March 2023
It has been widely reported in the media that the Economic Freedom Fighters (the EFF) intends on embarking on protest action on Monday, 20 March 2023, demanding the resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa and an end to load shedding.
Members are advised that the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has indicated that they will be joining the protest and that their application to Nedlac has been approved (see attached documentation). Participation in the socio-economic protest action will therefore be protected and any employees that choose to participate may not be disciplined for doing so.
Loadshedding and the Main Agreement
10 January 2023
As we are all aware, the situation within Eskom seems very unlikely to improve in the short term and all indications are that load shedding in 2023 will be more severe than it was in 2022. To assist members in dealing with loadshedding in the workplace, please see the circular below which explains how short time may be implemented to lessen the effects of load shedding.
The Main Agreement and Loadshedding January 2023
Also, please see some of the frequently asked questions raised by members:
Effective Workplace Discipline: Getting It Right, From Counselling to Dismissals
7 March 2023
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.
All too often, employers are ill prepared when taking disciplinary action against troublesome employees, particularly when it comes to conducting disciplinary enquiries. Even if you have experienced expert consultants available to chair such enquiries, things will not go your way unless you prepare thoroughly and present a well prepared, structured case to maximize your chances of success.
SAEFA is running a one-day workshop to guide employers through the discipline provisions of the Labour Relations Act on Thursday, 23 March 2023. For more information and to book your seat, please see the flyer below:
Workplace Discipline Flyer and Booking Form 23 March 2023
Please also note that the workshop can be run in-house – contact Gordon at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details.
President Cyril Ramaphosa declares 27 December as public holiday
8 December 2022
Earlier today, the President announced that the 27th of December will be proclaimed a public holiday. A statement issued by the Presidency can be viewed below. Accordingly, we have updated the brief dealing with the payment of Leave Pay and Leave Enhancement Pay. I will send a copy of the government gazette out as soon as it becomes available.
https://www.gov.za/speeches/president-cyril-ramaphosa-declares-27-december-public-holiday-8-dec-2022-0000