CCMA Rules Including Rules of Various Courts - 4th Edition by Crackerjack

NEW CCMA RULES 2019

BRIAN VAN ZYL

For Walter James Victor (28 September 1960 to 2 August 2018) who was there at the beginning when we started dreaming.

Table of contents Forward to the third edition ................................................................................ 2 Preface ................................................................................................................. 3 Acronyms and abbreviations ............................................................................... 6 Contents ............................................................................................................... 8 Section one: CCMA rules, commentary and references to similar provisions applicable in courts of law, including the labour and labour appeal courts ...................................................................................................... 26 Section two: prescribed forms relevant to CCMA rules .................................. 813 Section three: regulations made by the CCMA, guidelines issued and regulations published by the minister of labour and the Code of Good Practice: Collective Bargaining, Industrial Action and Picketing ................... 869 Section four: guidelines ................................................................................... 951 Section five: rules and Practice Manual of the labour court ............................ 972 Section six: rules of the labour appeal court .................................................. 1050 Table of cases ................................................................................................ 1063 Table of rules of the various courts ................................................................1098 Table of primary statutes ............................................................................... 1113 Table of other statutes and provisions ............................................................1127 Index .............................................................................................................. 1129

Forward to the third edition This publication, firstly, consists of a detailed analysis of all the rules governing the conduct of proceedings before the CCMA. Secondly, it deals with some of the important legal issues governing the rules regulating conduct in the labour and labour appeal courts. Thirdly, similar and appropriate rules of the uniform rules of court, as well as the rules of the magistratesâ&#x20AC;&#x; courts, have been incorporated into the text. The author has extensively researched the relevant statutory provisions within which these rules operate and this is reflected in the table of primary statutes, as well as the table of other statutes and provisions. The publication further consists of the identification of the relevant, evergrowing body of case law, not only dealing with the aforesaid rules but also the substantive law within which they operate. It is a comprehensive work, yet readable and practical. particularly found the extensive index most useful.

In this regard, I

I have no doubt that the publication will be welcomed and used extensively by CCMA commissioners, judges, practitioners and students. It makes an important contribution to the establishment of much needed literature dealing specifically with the topic of the rules governing conduct in the various labour fora. Basheer Waglay Judge President of the Labour Appeal Court and the Labour Court of South Africa and Judge of the High Court of South Africa (Western Cape)

Preface The first edition, simply titled CCMA Rules, was published in 2003. The authors were Floors Brand, Erika Schlesinger and me. The ever faithful Colleen Sass was both the typesetter and proofreader. The second edition, with the same title, was published in 2005 and, again, the aforesaid trio were the authors. The bulk of the work, for both the first and second editions, was done by Erika Schlesinger and I wish to express my sincere gratitude to her. I was able to build the content of the third edition mainly upon her previous work. I started the work on the third edition in the winter of 2015 and, from the beginning, found the writing of this book, whilst conducting a fulltime practice, challenging. My admiration goes to Colleen Sass, without whose superefficient effort the manuscript would not have been processed. The third edition was published during 2018 and I wish to thank all the loyal subscribers, who have waited so long for an update, for their continued support. Within six months after the completion of the third edition, the following came into operation, which necessitated the writing of this edition: (a)

the Labour Relations Amendment Act 8 of 2018;

(b)

the National Minimum Wage Act 9 of 2018;

(c)

the Basic Conditions of Employment Amendment Act 7 of 2018;

(d)

picketing regulations issued in terms of s28 of the LRA in Government Gazette No 42121 of 19 December 2018;

(e)

guidelines issued on balloting for strikes or lockouts in terms of s95(9) of the LRA in Government Gazette No 42121 of 19 December 2018;

(f)

regulations to the National Minimum Wage Act published in terms of s16 of such Act, in Government Gazette No 42124 of 19 December 2018;

(g)

rules for the conduct of proceedings before the CCMA published in Government Gazette No 42092 of 7 December 2018;

(h)

the Code of Good Practice: Collective Bargaining, Industrial Action and Picketing; and 3

4 (i)

PREFACE various amended and newly-drafted forms to be utilised by the CCMA and its users.

Taking into account the above developments, I have adopted the following approach in writing and compiling this edition: (a)

the exposition of each rule as it existed before 1 April 2015 was maintained, seeing that such „history‟ in various instances provides insight as to the rationale for subsequent changes;

(b)

in the circumstances where a rule or subrule was not amended from 1 January 2019, the previous exposition and analysis from 1 April 2015 was maintained, but I incorporated, where applicable, statutory amendments and cross-references to amended rules;

(c)

in the scenario where a rule or a subrule was amended from 1 January 2019, the old regime is reflected as „The rule from 1 April 2015 to 31 December 2018‟ and the exposition and analysis of same has been maintained as well as the identification of relevant case law;

(d)

any amendments and/or insertions of a rule or subrule applicable from 1 January 2019 have specifically been identified, analysed and, where applicable, cross-references have again been made to statutory amendments as well as amendments and/or insertions to other applicable CCMA rules;

(e)

the comprehensive cross-references made to similar provisions in courts of law (the labour court, labour appeal court, high court and magistrates‟ courts) have been maintained, well-knowing that the rules for the conduct of proceedings in the labour and labour appeal courts will shortly be amended; and

(f)

where appropriate, a specific „case law‟ section has been maintained.

I would again like to extend my gratitude to all of those who have helped me and particularly to the following people: (a)

my friends, Spike Spilkin and Henk Ungerer, for their never-ending support and encouragement;

(b)

Erika Schlesinger, for being an inspiration – I only realise now the extent of her effort in producing the first and second editions;

(c)

Colleen Sass, for always being there and to whom the third edition was dedicated;

PREFACE (d)

my family, for their assistance, encouragement and understanding when I was absent during the fun times and from their daily lives.

Any reference in this publication to male or female includes the other gender, unless so specifically indicated to the contrary. Lastly, I am fully to blame for any inaccuracies and I am sure that these do exist, despite my best efforts. I am well aware that the speed required to bring this edition to the market, essentially four months after the above substantial developments, inherently carries the risk of sacrifices in respect of accuracy and, for this I apologise. The law in this work, as I believe it to be, is stated as at 1 January 2019. Brian van Zyl Port Elizabeth April 2019

Acronyms and abbreviations BCEA CA CCMA CEPPWAWU CL COSATU CUSA CWIU EBDA DENOSA EEA FFATU FGWU GIWUSA HOSPERSA IMATU LRA MAWU MEWUSA NASGAWU NCBAWU NEHAWU NEWU NMWA NUM NUMSA PAIA PAJA PPWAWU PSA RAWU ROA SABC SACCAWU SALGBC SAMSA SAMWU SAPS SARS SASBO SATAWU

Basic Conditions of Employment Act Current Assets Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers Union Current Liabilities Congress of South African Trade Unions Council of Unions of South Africa Chemical Workers Industrial Union Earnings before Depreciation and Dividends Allowance Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa Employment Equity Act Federation of Free African Trade Unions Food and General Workers Union General Industries Workers of South Africa Health and Other Service Personnel Union of South Africa Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union Labour Relations Act Metal and Allied Workers Union Metal and Electrical Workers Union of South Africa National Security Guards and Allied Workers Union National Construction Building and Allied Workers Union National Education Health and Allied Workers Union National Entitled Workers Union National Minimum Wage Act National Union of Mineworkers National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa Promotion of Access to Information Act Promotion of Administrative Justice Act Paper Printing Wood and Allied Workers Union Public Servants Association of South Africa Retail and Allied Workers Union Return on Assets South African Broadcasting Corporation South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union South African Local Government Bargaining Council South African Maritime Safety Authority South African Municipal Workers Union South African Police Services South African Revenue Service South African Society of Bank Officials South African Transport and Allied Workers Union 6

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS SMS TA TES TGWU TL

short message service Total Assets temporary employment service Transport and Allied Workers Union Total Liabilities

Contents SECTION 1: CCMA RULES, COMMENTARY AND REFERENCES TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW, INCLUDING THE LABOUR AND LABOUR APPEAL COURTS ............................................................................................ 26 Chapter 1 ............................................................................................................ 27 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................. 27 Chapter 2 ............................................................................................................ 31 STRUCTURE OF THE CCMA RULES............................................................ 31 Chapter 3 ............................................................................................................ 32 PART ONE: SERVING AND FILING OF DOCUMENTS .............................. 32 3.1 RULE 1 – HOW TO CONTACT THE CCMA ....................................... 33 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE........................................................ 33 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS ................................... 33 1. Contact details of the CCMA .................................................. 34 2. Status of the CCMA ................................................................ 38 3. Functions, duties and powers of the CCMA ............................ 40 3.1 Mandatory functions, duties and powers .............................. 40 3.2 Discretionary functions, duties and powers .......................... 41 3.2.1 Provide advice .................................................................... 41 3.2.2 Issue rules and guidelines ................................................... 44 3.2.3 Ballots ................................................................................ 45 3.2.4 Training .............................................................................. 45 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW ........................................... 46 3.2 RULE 2 – WHEN ARE THE OFFICES OF THE COMMISSION OPEN ............................................................................ 51 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE........................................................ 51 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS ................................... 52 1. Office hours of the CCMA ...................................................... 52 2. General principle - hours for filing .......................................... 53 3. Exception to general principle - hours for filing by means of telefaxing and emailing ............................................ 54 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW ........................................... 54 3.3 RULE 3 – HOW TO CALCULATE TIME PERIODS IN THESE RULES ....................................................................................... 57 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE........................................................ 57 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS ................................... 57 1. Principles with regard to the computation of time periods ..................................................................................... 58 8

CONTENTS

3.4

3.5

2. Computation of the exclusionary period ..................................58 3. Computation of time „within‟, „after‟ and „before‟ ..................60 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW ...........................................60 RULE 4 – WHO MUST SIGN DOCUMENTS ......................................63 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE ........................................................63 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS ...................................63 1. Signing of documents by a party .............................................64 2. Signing of documents by the person entitled in terms of the LRA or the CCMA rules to represent the party in the proceedings ....................................................................64 2.1 Relevant provisions and principles regarding representation ........................................................................64 2.2 Meaning of words used in the relevant provisions ................82 2.2.1 Legal practitioner and candidate attorney ..........................82 2.2.2 Director and member of a close corporation ......................84 2.2.3 Employee ............................................................................88 2.2.4 Office-bearer, official or member of a registered trade union or registered employers‟ organisation .............91 2.3 Conditions to be met before a party is entitled to be represented by a legal practitioner in terms of rule 25(1)(c) .................................................................................94 3. Signing of documents in proceedings that are jointly instituted or opposed ................................................................95 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW ...........................................96 RULE 5 – HOW TO SERVE DOCUMENTS ON OTHER PARTIES AND NOTICE OF ANY PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE CCMA ...........................................................................................100 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE ......................................................100 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS .................................106 1. By whom service must be effected ........................................106 2. Manner of service ..................................................................107 3. Methods of service .................................................................107 3.1 Method 1: Personal service .................................................108 3.2 Method 2: Service on an authorised representative.............109 3.3 Method 3: Service on the party‟s place of residence, business or place of employment ........................................109 3.4 Method 4: Service on the specific entities described in rule 5(2)...........................................................................111 3.4.1 Service on a company or other body corporate (corporate entity) ..............................................................111 3.4.2 Service on an employer where the employees involved in the dispute ordinarily work or worked ..........119

CONTENTS Service on a trade union or employers‟ organisation ...................................................................... 120 3.4.4 Service on a partnership, firm or association ................... 121 3.4.5 Service on a municipality ................................................. 122 3.4.6 Service on a statutory body .............................................. 123 3.4.7 Service on the state or a province, a state department or a provincial state department, a minister, premier or member of the executive committee („MEC‟) of a province i e the government or a government official in such capacity ............................................................................ 124 3.5 Method 5: Service on a chosen domicilium citandi et executandi 124 3.6 Method 6: Service by means of affixing ............................. 126 3.7 Method 7: Service by emailing, telefaxing or telexing................................................................................ 126 3.8 Method 8: Service by registered post or telegram .............. 126 3.9 Method 9: Service in a manner other than prescribed by order of the CCMA or a commissioner ...................................................................... 126 3.10 Method 10: Service in a manner provided for elsewhere in the CCMA rules ............................................. 127 4. Distinction between general methods of service and methods of service on specific entities .................................. 128 5. Notice of proceedings before the CCMA .............................. 129 6. Issues not dealt with .............................................................. 129 6.1 The CCMA has no power to direct the method of service where service has been effected in accordance with one of the recognised methods of service ................................................................................. 129 6.2 No restriction on days or times when service may validly be effected ............................................................... 129 6.3 No specific preference to a specific method of service ................................................................................. 130 6.4 No specific provision for service to be effected in a foreign country .................................................................... 130 REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW ......................................... 132 CASE LAW ................................................................................... 151 1. Meaning of „main or principal place of business‟ ................. 151 2. Further steps required by the court in relation to service .................................................................................... 153 3. Service by means of another method where a domicilium citandi et executandi has been chosen ................ 154 3.4.3

C. D.

CONTENTS 3.6

3.7

3.8

3.9

RULE 6 – HOW TO PROVE THAT A DOCUMENT WAS SERVED IN TERMS OF THE RULES ................................................158 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE ......................................................158 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS .................................160 1. The rule prescribes the manner in which proof of service is to be furnished to the CCMA or a commissioner .........................................................................163 2. Presumption ...........................................................................166 3. Applicability of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002: service by email or SMS .......................................................................................166 4. Issues not dealt with - no provision to object to invalid service ........................................................................168 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW .........................................168 D. CASE LAW ...................................................................................172 1. Courts to discourage technical objections..............................172 RULE 7 – HOW TO FILE DOCUMENTS WITH THE COMMISSION ......................................................................................173 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE ......................................................173 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS .................................175 1. Permissible methods of filing a document with the CCMA ...................................................................................175 2. Requirements to be met for valid filing of a document .........176 3. Filing of the original of a document ......................................178 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW .........................................179 RULE 8 – DOCUMENTS AND NOTICES SENT BY REGISTERED POST ............................................................................182 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE ......................................................182 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS .................................182 1. Presumption ...........................................................................182 2. Calculation of time-period .....................................................183 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW .........................................184 RULE 9 – HOW TO SEEK CONDONATION FOR DOCUMENTS DELIVERED LATE ....................................................185 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE ......................................................185 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS .................................187 1. Purpose of the rule .................................................................187 2. How to apply for condonation ...............................................189

CONTENTS 3.

Peremptory requirement when documents are delivered late: simultaneous application for condonation in terms of rule 31 of the CCMA rules ............. 190 4. When to apply for condonation ............................................. 191 5. The grounds for seeking condonation and applicable principles ............................................................................... 192 6. Assistance by the CCMA ...................................................... 199 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW ......................................... 199 Chapter 4 .......................................................................................................... 202 PART TWO: CONCILIATION OF DISPUTES ............................................. 202 4.1 RULE 10 – HOW TO REFER A DISPUTE TO THE COMMISSION FOR CONCILIATION................................................ 203 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE...................................................... 203 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS ................................. 204 1. The process by which conciliation is initiated ....................... 204 2. Obligations of referring party to effect a valid referral.......... 215 3. Powers of the CCMA: rule 10(3) of the CCMA rules ........... 215 4.2 RULE 11 – WHEN MUST THE COMMISSION NOTIFY PARTIES OF A CONCILIATION........................................................ 218 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE...................................................... 218 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS ................................. 218 1. Manner of giving notice ........................................................ 219 2. Period of notice...................................................................... 219 2.1 Meaning of „The Commission must notify the parties in writing of a conciliation hearing at least ... seven (7) days ... fourteen (14) days prior to the scheduled date...‟................................................................. 220 2.2 Computation of the notice period........................................ 220 2.3 Calculation of the notice period where the CCMA gives notice by registered post ............................................ 222 3. Issues not dealt with .............................................................. 223 3.1 Consequences of short notice.............................................. 223 3.2 Recourse of an aggrieved party........................................... 224 3.3 Consequences of failure to object to short notice ............... 224 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW ......................................... 225 D. CASE LAW ................................................................................... 228 1. Computation of period where an Act requires a particular number of days before a particular date ........... 228 4.3 RULE 12 – COMMISSION MAY SEEK TO RESOLVE A DISPUTE BEFORE CONCILIATION ................................................. 231 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE...................................................... 231

CONTENTS B.

4.4

4.5

ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS .................................231 1. Purpose of the rule .................................................................231 2. Procedure ...............................................................................232 3. Administrative action .............................................................232 RULE 13 – WHAT HAPPENS IF A PARTY FAILS TO ATTEND AT CONCILIATION ............................................................243 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE ......................................................243 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS .................................245 1. Peremptory personal attendance requirement or, alternatively, peremptory personal representative attendance requirement ..........................................................245 2. Consequences of non-attendance by referring party or such party‟s representative.....................................................246 3. Dismissal consequences.........................................................248 4. Consequences of non-attendance by non-referring party or such party‟s representative .......................................248 RULE 14 – HOW TO DETERMINE WHETHER A COMMISSIONER MAY CONCILIATE A DISPUTE.........................249 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE ......................................................249 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS .................................250 1. Commissioner must determine the presence of jurisdictional factors ..............................................................250 2. Jurisdiction of the CCMA: Category of disputes ...................264 2.1 Disputes referred in terms of the LRA ................................264 2.1.1 Category of dispute: Disputes about unfair dismissal ...........................................................................273 2.1.2 Category of dispute: Disputes about unfair labour practices ............................................................................282 2.2 Disputes about matters of mutual interest ...........................287 2.3 Disputes arising in terms of other legislation ......................287 3. Discretion of commissioner to defer determining the presence of jurisdictional facts to arbitration .........................290 4. Bombardier Transportation (Pty) Ltd v Mtiya NO and Others [2010] 8 BLLR 840 (LC) ....................................291 5. Extension of conciliation period ............................................294 6. Procedural aspects to determine a jurisdictional issue and the request to extend the conciliation period...................295 7. Issues not dealt with ...............................................................297 Specific procedure to be followed to raise a jurisdictional issue 297 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW .........................................297 1. Jurisdiction of the labour court ..............................................298

4.6

4.7

CONTENTS 2. Powers of the labour court ..................................................... 303 3. Review jurisdiction of the labour court ................................. 307 3.1 LRA s145 arbitration award reviews .................................. 308 3.1.1 The meaning of „misconduct‟........................................... 309 3.1.2 The meaning of „gross irregularity‟.................................. 312 3.1.3 Meaning of „exceeds the commissioner‟s powers‟ .......... 316 3.1.4 Meaning of „an award has been improperly obtained‟........................................................................... 318 3.2 LRA s158(1)(g) reviews ..................................................... 318 3.2.1 Reviews on grounds permissible in common law ............ 319 3.2.2 Reviews on grounds permissible in statutory law ............ 322 3.3 Sidumo and COSATU v Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd, the CCMA and Moropa 2008 (2) SA 24 (CC); (2007) 28 ILJ 2405 (CC); (2008) 19 SALLR 35 (CC) and subsequent developments ............................... 324 3.4 Review procedure in the labour court ................................. 332 3.4.1 Application of the rule...................................................... 332 3.4.2 Procedure by which review proceedings are initiated ............................................................................. 333 3.4.3 Obligation of the CCMA and relevant commissioner ................................................................... 334 3.4.4 Obligations with regard to record of proceedings ............ 335 3.4.5 Additional notices and affidavits ...................................... 335 3.4.6 Rule 7A of the labour court rules does not deal with a „counter review‟ by the respondent in review proceedings........................................................... 336 3.4.7 Amendments to s145 of the LRA introduced by the LRA Amendment Act 2014, effective 1 January 2015 ................................................................. 336 RULE 15 – ISSUING OF A CERTIFICATE IN TERMS OF SECTION 135(5) OF THE LRA ........................................................... 343 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE...................................................... 343 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS ................................. 343 1. Section 135(5) of the LRA .................................................... 343 2. Section 157(4) of the LRA .................................................... 345 3. Section 191(11)(a) of the LRA .............................................. 346 4. Relevant principles with reference to the nature of the dispute and the consequences surrounding the certificate of outcome ............................................................ 348 5. Advisory arbitration award in terms of s150A, s150B, s150C and s150D of the LRA: Form 7.22 ............................. 351 6. Issues not dealt with .............................................................. 358 RULE 16 - CONCILIATION PROCEEDINGS MAY NOT BE DISCLOSED ......................................................................................... 359 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE...................................................... 359

CONTENTS B.

ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS .................................360 1. The rationale of the rule .........................................................360 2. The constitutional court‟s interpretation of the rule...............360 3. Subsequent development .......................................................362 4. Recommended approach when interpreting and applying rule 16 .....................................................................363 C. CASE LAW ...................................................................................366 1. Without prejudice negotiations or correspondence................366 2. Nature of conciliation process ...............................................367 Chapter 5 ..........................................................................................................369 PART THREE: CON-ARB IN TERMS OF SECTION 191(5A) ....................369 5.1 RULE 17 – CONDUCT OF CON-ARB IN TERMS OF SECTION 191(5A) OF THE LRA ........................................................369 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE ......................................................369 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS .................................372 1. The notice to be given by the CCMA of a con-arb: rule 17(1) of the CCMA rules ................................................374 1.1 Manner of giving notice ......................................................374 1.2 Period of notice ...................................................................374 2. Lodging an objection to con-arb: rule 17(2) and rule 17(3) of the CCMA rules .......................................................375 2.1 Manner of lodging an objection ..........................................376 2.2 Notice period relating to notice of objection .......................376 2.3 Who may lodge an objection...............................................377 2.4 Mandatory con-arb process without the option of objection ..............................................................................377 3. Failure to lodge an objection and the discretion of the commissioner having commenced arbitration: rule 17(4)(b) and rule 17(4)(c) of the CCMA rules ......................382 4. Non-appearance at commencement of con-arb: rule 17(4)(a) of the CCMA rules...................................................382 5. Issues not dealt with ...............................................................385 5.1 Consequences of short notice ..............................................385 5.2 Recourse of an aggrieved party ...........................................386 5.3 Consequences of the failure to object to short notice..........387 Chapter 6 ..........................................................................................................390 PART FOUR: ARBITRATIONS .....................................................................390 6.1 RULE 18 – HOW TO REQUEST ARBITRATION .............................391 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE ......................................................391 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS .................................392 1. The process by which arbitration is initiated .........................394 2. Obligations of the referring party to effect a valid referral for arbitration ............................................................395

CONTENTS 3. 4.

6.2

6.3

Powers of the CCMA ............................................................ 396 Calculation of the period within which a dispute is to be referred to the CCMA for arbitration ................................ 397 5. Rule 18 is not applicable to con-arb proceedings .................. 401 RULE 19 – WHEN MUST THE PARTIES FILE STATEMENTS ..................................................................................... 402 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE...................................................... 402 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS ................................. 403 1. Delivering of statements ........................................................ 403 2. Time periods .......................................................................... 404 3. Format and content of the statement of case.......................... 404 4. Consequences of the failure to deliver a statement of case or answering statement .................................................. 406 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW ......................................... 408 D. CASE LAW ................................................................................... 421 1. Purpose of a statement of case and what it must contain ................................................................................... 421 2. The object of pleading ........................................................... 422 3. Parties are limited to their pleadings ..................................... 424 4. The court must not blindly follow the ipsissima verba of pleadings ........................................................................... 425 5. It may be necessary to plead history ...................................... 425 RULE 20 - WHEN THE PARTIES MUST HOLD A PREARBITRATION CONFERENCE ......................................................... 427 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE...................................................... 427 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS ................................. 433 1. When must a pre-arbitration conference be held ................... 433 1.1 Peremptory requirement...................................................... 433 1.2 Discretionary requirement .................................................. 435 1.3 Prescribed time period ........................................................ 436 1.4 Issues not dealt with ............................................................ 436 1.4.1 Whether the peremptory conference is to be held in the presence of a commissioner or not ......................... 436 1.4.2 Peremptory requirement at the request of a party or the parties to a dispute.................................................. 437 1.4.3 List to be furnished prior to conference ........................... 438 1.4.4 No time period prescribed: rule 20(1)(c) of the CCMA rules ..................................................................... 438 1.4.5 Consequences of the referring party‟s failure to attend conference.............................................................. 439 1.4.6 Consequences of the non-referring party‟s failure to attend conference ......................................................... 440

CONTENTS 2.

6.4

6.5

Matters to be dealt with at the pre-arbitration conference ..............................................................................440 3. Minute ....................................................................................464 4. Commissioner‟s powers on receipt of minute .......................465 5. Non-compliance before and from 1 April 2015, as well as from 1 January 2019 ..................................................466 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW .........................................467 D. CASE LAW ...................................................................................480 1. The benefits of pre-trial conferences and advantages of timeous holding thereof .....................................................480 2. Agreements reached at a pre-trial conference may validly circumscribe a dispute ...............................................482 RULE 21 – WHEN MUST THE COMMISSION NOTIFY PARTIES OF AN ARBITRATION ......................................................484 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE ......................................................484 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS .................................484 1. Manner of giving notice.........................................................484 2. Period of notice ......................................................................485 2.1 Meaning of „The Commission must notify the parties…at least 21 days prior to the scheduled date,…‟................................................................................485 2.2 Computation of the notice period ........................................486 2.3 Calculation of the notice period where the CCMA gives notice by registered post ............................................488 3. Issues not dealt with ...............................................................489 3.1 Consequences of short notice ..............................................489 3.2 Recourse of an aggrieved party ...........................................490 3.3 Consequences of failure to object to short notice................491 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW .........................................491 RULE 22 – HOW TO DETERMINE WHETHER A COMMISSIONER MAY ARBITRATE ...............................................496 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE ......................................................496 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS .................................496 1. Jurisdiction to arbitrate a dispute ...........................................496 2. Jurisdictional issue must arise during the arbitration proceedings ............................................................................504 3. Burden of proof on referring party to prove jurisdictional issue .................................................................506 4. The jurisdiction of the labour court to review any decision or ruling made during conciliation or arbitration: applicable from 1 April 2015 ..............................507

CONTENTS 5.

Procedural aspects applicable to the determination of a jurisdictional issue .............................................................. 507 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW 508 6.6 RULE 23 – HOW TO POSTPONE AN ARBITRATION .................... 509 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE...................................................... 509 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS ................................. 511 1. Mandatory postponement by agreement ................................ 511 2. Discretionary postponement where no agreement is reached................................................................................... 511 3. Procedural requirements applicable to discretionary postponements: rule 23(1)(b) of the CCMA rules ................. 519 3.1 Request for postponement on notice supported by affidavit ............................................................................... 519 3.2 Requirement that the application must be delivered ........... 520 3.3 Time-limits.......................................................................... 520 4. Powers of the CCMA in dealing with a written application for the postponement of arbitration proceedings ............................................................................ 521 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW ......................................... 521 Chapter 7 .......................................................................................................... 523 PART FIVE: RULES THAT APPLY TO CONCILIATIONS, ARBITRATIONS AND CON-ARBS .............................................................. 523 7.1 RULE 24 – WHERE A CONCILIATION OR ARBITRATION WILL TAKE PLACE ............................................................................ 524 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE...................................................... 524 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS ................................. 524 1. Area of jurisdiction: the general rule ..................................... 525 2. Area of jurisdiction: exception to the general rule ................ 527 3. Venue of conciliation, arbitration or con-arb proceedings ............................................................................ 527 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW ......................................... 528 7.2 RULE 25 – REPRESENTATION BEFORE THE COMMISSION ...................................................................................... 531 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE...................................................... 531 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS ................................. 538 1. The charging of a fee or receiving of a financial benefit .................................................................................... 551 2. Who may raise an objection to representation ....................... 551 3. Powers of commissioner where issue of representation is in dispute .................................................... 551

CONTENTS

The exclusion of members of an employers‟ organisation............................................................................552 5. Issues not dealt with ...............................................................553 5.1 Procedure to be followed in raising an objection ................553 5.2 No need to file a power of attorney and the postponement of conciliation or arbitration proceedings to facilitate the production of proof ................553 5.3 When an objection to representation may be raised ............554 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW .........................................554 RULE 26 – HOW TO JOIN OR SUBSTITUTE PARTIES TO PROCEEDINGS ....................................................................................557 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE ......................................................557 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS .................................560 1. Joinder of parties whose right to relief depends on the determination of substantially the same question of law or fact as envisaged in rule 26(1)(a) of the CCMA rules ...........................................................................561 1.1 Circumstances under which a person may be joined ..........561 1.2 Powers of the CCMA or a commissioner to allow joinder .................................................................................562 1.3 When persons may be joined ..............................................562 1.4 Procedure for joinder...........................................................564 2. Joinder of any party in proceedings where such party has a substantial interest in the dispute as envisaged in rule 26(1)(b) of the CCMA rules .......................................565 3. Joinder of a party in proceedings where such party may be prejudicially affected by the outcome of the proceedings, as envisaged in rule 26(1)(c) of the CCMA rules ...........................................................................569 4. Discretionary power of the commissioner to allow joinder ....................................................................................570 5 When interested persons may be joined.................................570 6. Procedure for joinder of interested persons ...........................572 7. Additional powers of the CCMA when granting an order for joinder of interested persons ...................................572 8. Substitution of a party to proceedings ...................................573 8.1 Circumstances under which a person may be substituted for an existing party in any proceedings ...........573 8.2 Discretionary power to allow substitution ..........................573 8.3 When a party may be substituted ........................................574 8.4 Procedure for substitution of a party ...................................574 8.5 Additional powers of the CCMA when granting an order for substitution ...........................................................574 4.

7.3

CONTENTS C.

7.4

7.5

7.6

REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW ......................................... 575 RULE 27 – HOW TO CORRECT THE CITATION OF A PARTY .................................................................................................. 583 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE...................................................... 583 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS ................................. 583 1. Purpose of the rule ................................................................. 583 2. Procedure ............................................................................... 584 3. Powers of the CCMA ............................................................ 584 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW ......................................... 585 D. CASE LAW ................................................................................... 586 1. Rectification of citation allowed where the employee is unaware of a transfer of the contract of employment ........................................................................... 586 2. Rectification of citation sought at arbitration allowed ........... 587 RULE 28 – WHEN THE COMMISSION MAY CONSOLIDATE DISPUTES ................................................................ 590 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE...................................................... 590 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS ................................. 591 1. Purpose of rule 28(1) of the CCMA rules ............................. 591 2. Purpose of rule 28(2) of the CCMA rules ............................. 592 3. Procedure applicable to rule 28(1) and rule 28(2) of the CCMA rules ..................................................................... 593 4. Powers of the CCMA or a commissioner .............................. 593 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW ......................................... 593 RULE 29 – DISCLOSURE OF DOCUMENTS (AND OTHER EVIDENCE) .......................................................................................... 595 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE...................................................... 595 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS ................................. 595 1. Purpose of the rule ................................................................. 596 2. Procedure ............................................................................... 598 2.1 Disclosure by agreement between the parties ..................... 599 2.2 Disclosure ordered by a commissioner at any time before or during the proceedings ........................................ 599 2.3 Compulsory disclosure........................................................ 599 3. Powers of a commissioner in terms of rule 29(3) of the CCMA rules ..................................................................... 600 3.1 Section 16 of the LRA ........................................................ 600 3.2 The Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 („PAIA‟) ..................................................................... 601 3.2.1 Introduction ...................................................................... 601

CONTENTS

3.2.2 Public interest override provision .....................................601 3.2.3 Ground for refusal of access to records ............................602 4. Issues not dealt with ...............................................................611 4.1 Consequences of failure to disclose documents ..................611 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW .........................................612 D. CASE LAW ...................................................................................614 1. Requirements to obtain disclosure of relevant documents ..............................................................................614 7.7 RULE 30 – WHAT HAPPENS IF A PARTY FAILS TO ATTEND ARBITRATION PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE COMMISSION ......................................................................................617 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE ......................................................617 B. ANALYSIS OF RULE 30 AND CROSS-REFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS ...........................................................618 1. Purpose of the rule .................................................................618 2. Consequences of absence of a referring party/applicant or such party‟s representative .......................619 3. Consequences of absence of the opposite party/respondent or such party‟s representative.....................622 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW .........................................623 Chapter 8 ..........................................................................................................625 PART SIX: APPLICATIONS ..........................................................................625 8.1 RULE 31 – HOW TO BRING AN APPLICATION .............................625 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE ......................................................625 B. ANALYSIS OF RULE 31 AND CROSS-REFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS ...........................................................635 1. Application of the rule ...........................................................635 2. Form of application................................................................637 3. The time period within which an application must be brought ...................................................................................638 4. To whom notice must be given ..............................................639 5. Content of the notice of application .......................................639 6. Supporting affidavit ...............................................................642 6.1 The application must be supported by an affidavit .............642 6.2 Content of the supporting affidavit .....................................645 7. Notice of opposition and answering affidavit ........................648 7.1 Delivery of notice of opposition and answering affidavit ...............................................................................648 7.2 Content of the notice of opposition .....................................649 7.3 Content of the answering affidavit ......................................649 8. Replying affidavit ..................................................................650 9. Urgent applications ................................................................651 10. Date of hearing ......................................................................652 11. Determination of applications ................................................653

CONTENTS D.

8.2

8.3

ANALYSIS OF RULE 31B AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS ................................. 661 E. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW ......................................... 666 RULE 32 – HOW TO APPLY TO VARY OR RESCIND ARBITRATION AWARDS OR RULINGS ......................................... 684 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE...................................................... 684 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS ................................. 684 1. Purpose of the rule ................................................................. 684 2. Limited grounds for rescission or variation of arbitration awards and rulings ............................................... 685 2.1 The award or ruling was erroneously made or sought in the absence of the affected party ......................... 685 2.2 Correction of an ambiguity, obvious error or omission in an award or ruling............................................ 688 2.3 A mistake common to the parties to the proceedings ......... 691 2.4 An arbitration award or ruling made in the absence of any party, on good cause shown ..................................... 691 3. Procedural aspects ................................................................. 691 3.1 Nature of the order sought .................................................. 692 3.2 When application must be made ......................................... 692 4. Issues not dealt with .............................................................. 693 4.1 How the discretion to vary or rescind a default award should be exercised and what the applicant needs to prove ..................................................................... 693 4.2 Recourse of an aggrieved party........................................... 695 4.3 Variation or rescission mero motu ...................................... 696 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW ......................................... 696 RULE 33 – HOW TO APPLY TO REFER A DISMISSAL DISPUTE TO THE LABOUR COURT ................................................ 703 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE...................................................... 703 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS ................................. 705 1. Purpose of the rule ................................................................. 705 2. Application of s191(6) of the LRA ........................................ 706 3. The process by which a referral to the labour court is initiated .................................................................................. 707 4. Time limits for lodging the application ................................. 708 5. Content of the notice of application and supporting affidavit.................................................................................. 709 6. Content of the answering affidavit ........................................ 709 7. Notification of the director‟s decision ................................... 710 8. Recourse of an aggrieved party ............................................. 710 9. Obligation if application is successful ................................... 710

CONTENTS C.

CASE LAW ...................................................................................711 1. Section 191(6) of the LRA is not applicable where an automatically unfair dismissal dispute is referred to the labour court after the CCMA had ruled that it did not have jurisdiction...............................................................711 Chapter 9 ..........................................................................................................714 PART SEVEN: INQUIRY BY AN ARBITRATOR IN TERMS OF SECTION 188A OF THE LRA ........................................................................714 9.1 RULE 34 - HOW TO REQUEST AN INQUIRY IN TERMS OF SECTION 188A OF THE LRA .......................................................714 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE ......................................................714 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS .................................716 Purpose of the rule .........................................................................716 1. The process by which a pre-dismissal arbitration is initiated ..................................................................................718 2. Employee‟s involvement in referral.......................................720 3. Payment of prescribed fees ....................................................720 4. Notification by CCMA to parties of an inquiry in terms of s188A of the LRA....................................................721 5. Refund of prescribed fees ......................................................721 Specific provisions of s188A of the LRA ......................................721 1. Representation during the inquiry..........................................721 2. Status of the ruling of the arbitrator in an inquiry..................722 3. Application of the Protected Disclosures Act ........................722 Chapter 10.........................................................................................................724 PART EIGHT: GENERAL ..............................................................................724 10.1 RULE 35 – CONDONATION FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE RULES AND FORM .........................................................725 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE ......................................................725 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS .................................725 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW .........................................727 10.2 RULE 36 RECORDINGS OF COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS ....................................................................................728 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE ......................................................728 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS .................................729 1. Purpose of the rule .................................................................729 2. What records must be kept by the CCMA and how must these records be kept? ...................................................734 3. Access to records kept by the CCMA ....................................735 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW .........................................736

CONTENTS

10.3 RULE 37 – HOW TO HAVE A SUBPOENA ISSUED AND SERVED ................................................................................................ 739 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE...................................................... 739 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS ................................. 743 1. Purpose of the rule ................................................................. 743 2. Process of issuing a subpoena................................................ 745 3. Time periods .......................................................................... 747 4. Reasons for the refusal to issue a subpoena in the exercise of the CCMA‟s discretion........................................ 748 5. Service of a subpoena ............................................................ 749 6. Contempt of court .................................................................. 750 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW ......................................... 755 D. CASE LAW ................................................................................... 761 1. Computation of period where the required act is a particular number of days before a particular date ................ 761 10.4 RULE 38 – PAYMENT OF WITNESS FEES ...................................... 763 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE...................................................... 763 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS ................................. 764 1. Purpose of the rule ................................................................. 764 2. Payment of witness fee and tariff .......................................... 764 3. Liability to pay witness fee .................................................... 766 4. Principles laid down by the civil courts in respect of the payment of witness fees ................................................... 766 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW ......................................... 768 D. CASE LAW ................................................................................... 773 1. Witness fee allowed in excess of the prescribed tariff........... 773 10.5 RULE 39 – ORDER OF COSTS IN AN ARBITRATION ................... 774 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE...................................................... 774 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS ................................. 778 1. Basis on which a commissioner may make an order as to costs ............................................................................... 778 2. Costs orders in circumstances where a party is represented by persons other than legal practitioners or candidate attorneys or where a party is unrepresented ......................................................................... 788 3. Costs orders in circumstances where all parties to the arbitration were represented by legal practitioners or candidate attorneys ................................................................ 790 4. Disputes concerning any award of costs ................................ 790 C. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW ......................................... 794

CONTENTS

10.6 RULE 40 – CERTIFICATION OF ARBITRATION AWARDS AND PAYMENT OF AN ARBITRATION FEE ..................................803 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE ......................................................803 B. ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS .................................805 1. Purpose of the rule .................................................................805 2. Certification of the award ......................................................806 3. Enforcement of the certified award........................................807 4. Amount of money enforced through execution by the sheriff as well as collected directly ........................................807 5. Arbitration award may be executed in entire Republic..........808 C. ANALYSIS OF RULE 40A AND CROSSREFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS .................................808 D. REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW .........................................810 10.7 RULE 41 – WHAT WORDS MEAN IN THESE RULES ....................811 A. EXPOSITION OF THE RULE ......................................................811 SECTION TWO: PRESCRIBED FORMS RELEVANT TO CCMA RULES ...........................................................................................................8143 SECTION THREE: REGULATIONS MADE BY THE CCMA, GUIDELINES ISSUED AND REGULATIONS PUBLISHED BY THE MINISTER OF LABOUR AND THE CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE: COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, INDUSTRIAL ACTION AND PICKETING .......................................................................87069 SECTION FOUR: GUIDELINES ..................................................................9521 1. Structure of the CCMA rules .........................................................953 2. Diagrams illustrating the time periods provided for in rule 11(1)(b) and rule 17 of the CCMA rules........................................954 3. The content and form of statement of case: rule 19 of the CCMA rules ...................................................................................958 4. Content of supporting affidavit: rule 31(4) of the CCMA rules................................................................................................962 5. Contents of answering affidavit: rule 31(5) of the CCMA rules................................................................................................963 6. Summary of the elements of pre-arbitration conference: rule 20 of the CCMA rules.............................................................964 7. Notice of application: rule 31(3) of the CCMA rules ....................966 8. Notice of opposition: rule 31(5)(a) of the CCMA rules .................968 9. Schematic exposition of the various employment relationships that could possibly exist ...........................................970 10. Security bond provided by the labour court ...................................971 SECTION FIVE: RULES AND PRACTICE MANUAL OF THE LABOUR COURT .........................................................................................9732 SECTION SIX: RULES OF THE LABOUR APPEAL COURT.................10510

SECTION ONE

________________________________________________________________

CCMA RULES, COMMENTARY AND REFERENCES TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW, INCLUDING THE LABOUR AND LABOUR APPEAL COURTS

RULE 2

3.2

RULE 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; WHEN ARE THE OFFICES OF THE COMMISSION OPEN

EXPOSITION OF THE RULE The rule before 1 April 2015 (1)

The head office and the regional offices of the Commission will be open every day from Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, between the hours of 08h30 and 16h30, or as determined by the Commission.

(2)

Documents may be filed with the Commission during the hours referred to in subrule (1).

(3)

Notwithstanding subrule (2), documents may be faxed at any time to the Commission.

The rule from 1 April 2015 to 31 December 2018 (1)

(2)

Documents may be filed with the Commission during the hours referred to in subrule (1).

(3)

Notwithstanding subrule (2), documents may be faxed and emailed at any time to the Commission.

The rule from 1 January 2019 (1)

(2)

Documents may be filed with the Commission during the hours referred to in subrule (1).

(3)

Notwithstanding subrule (2), documents may be faxed and e-mailed at any time and on any day of the week to the Commission.

52 B.

RULE 2 ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSS-REFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS Rule 2 provides for the days and hours on which the offices of the CCMA are open and prescribes on which days and during which hours documents can be filed. The rule deals with the following aspects: 1.

Office hours of the CCMA The offices of the CCMA (head office and regional offices) are open on a Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, between the hours of 08h30 and 16h30, or as determined by the CCMA. The CCMA is thus expressly empowered to alter the hours mentioned. Rule 41 defines „public holiday‟ to mean a public holiday referred to in s11 of the Public Holidays Act.2 The days to be observed as public holidays are set out in the first schedule to this Act. They are the following: New Year‟s Day Human Rights Day Good Friday Family Day Freedom Day Workers‟ Day Youth Day National Women‟s Day Heritage Day Day of Reconciliation Christmas Day Day of Goodwill

1 January 21 March Friday before Easter Sunday Monday after Easter Sunday 27 April 1 May 16 June 9 August 24 September 16 December 25 December 26 December

If the public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be regarded as the public holiday. The president may also declare any other day to be a public holiday throughout the Republic of South Africa or any part thereof by proclamation in the Government Gazette, for example, Election Day.

There are no public holidays listed in s1 of the Public Holidays Act and these are indeed contained in the first schedule to this Act 36 of 1994

RULE 2 2.

General principle - hours for filing In terms of rule 7(1) of the CCMA rules, a party must file documents with the CCMA by: (a)

handing the document to the regional office of the CCMA or the office of the department of labour, at the address listed in schedule one; or

(b)

sending a copy of the document per registered post to the regional office of the CCMA, at the address listed in schedule one; or

(c)

telefaxing or emailing the document to the regional office of the CCMA, at a telefax number or email address listed in schedule one.

Filing, by means of the aforesaid three methods with a regional office of the CCMA, may take place during the hours stipulated in rule 2(1) or during such other office hours as determined by the CCMA.3 This implies that the CCMA has the power to determine that filing may take place outside the hours specifically referred to in rule 2(1) of the CCMA rules. The circumstances under which the CCMA may determine other office hours are not prescribed or expressly limited in the same way as the uniform rules of court (rules regulating the conduct of the proceedings of the several provincial and local divisions of the high court of South Africa) („uniform rules of court‟) which permits alternative hours for filing only in exceptional circumstances.4 However, unlike the powers afforded to the registrars of the labour courts5 and the high court, this power does not extend to registrars of the CCMA. From 1 April 2015 to 31 December 2018, filing with the department of labour could take place by either handing in the document at the address listed in schedule one or by sending a copy of the document to be filed per registered post to the relevant address of the department of labour in schedule one or by telefaxing or emailing the document to such telefax number or email address of the department as listed in schedule one. From 1 January 2019, filing with the department of labour can no longer take place by means of registered post, telefaxing or emailing and

3 4 5

The word „only‟ has been deleted in rule 2(2) Rule 3 of the uniform rules of court Rule 2(4) of the labour court rules

RULE 2 can only be done by handing the document in at the office of the department of labour at the address listed in schedule one.6 3.

Exception to general principle - hours for filing by means of telefaxing and emailing In terms of rule 7(1)(c) of the CCMA rules, documents may be filed by telefaxing or emailing the document to the regional office of the CCMA (and no longer an office of the department of labour) at a telefax number or email address listed in schedule one. The amendment applicable as of 1 January 2019 in respect of rule 2(3) of the CCMA rules seeks to clarify the position that documents may be telefaxed or emailed to a regional office of the CCMA at any time and on any day of the week, despite the CCMA offices only being operational from Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, between 08h30 and 16h30. This is so, despite the general principle contained in rule 2(2) that documents may only be filed during the hours referred to in rule 2(1) of the CCMA rules. The counterpart of this rule in the uniform rules of court provides for the registrar‟s office to be open on similar days and further provides that in exceptional circumstances, the registrar may issue process and accept documents at any time. The high court interpreted the phrase „at any time‟ to include a Sunday.7 Consequently, it was suggested that, even before the current amendments, documents could be telefaxed or emailed to the CCMA on any day, irrespective of the time or day they are telefaxed or emailed.

REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW Labour court Rule 2(3) of the labour court rules provides for the days and hours during which the office and branch offices of the registrar are open. These are every Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, from 08h00 to 13h00 and from 14h00 to 15h30. Despite the aforesaid provision, either the court, i e any judge of the labour court, or the registrar may direct that any document may be filed „on any day and at any time‟. This rule is also not expressly limited in the same manner as the equivalent rule in the

6 7

Rule 7(1) of the CCMA rules Minister of Police v Johannes 1982 (3) SA 846 (A)

RULE 2

uniform rules of court that permits the issue of process and filing thereof only in exceptional circumstances, as allowed by the registrar or when so directed by a judge. Does this mean that the court or the registrar may direct to accept filing of a document on, for example, a Saturday? Rule 1 of the labour court rules defines „day‟ to mean „any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday…‟. This means that although the provision permits the filing of documents when so directed by the court or the registrar „on any day‟, same can only be done outside the prescribed office hours on any day as defined, i e outside the prescribed hours on any day, other than a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday. However, the directive by the registrar or the court only relates to the filing of documents. It thus appears that the formulation of the provision has the effect that an application for a case number, assigned by the registrar to every document that initiates proceedings in the labour court in terms of rule 3 and the issue of a subpoena, can only be done during the prescribed hours. It is suggested that the interpretation by the high court of „any time‟ to include a Sunday, as it appears in the counterpart of this rule in the uniform rules of court, does not apply to this rule. Unlike the uniform rules of court this rule refers to „on any day and at any time‟ and „day‟ is, unlike in the uniform rules of court, expressly defined to exclude certain days. Labour appeal court Rule 3 of the labour appeal court rules provides for the days and hours during which the office of the registrar is open. As the registrar of the labour court is also ex officio the registrar of the labour appeal court, the days and hours coincide with the days and office hours of the registrar of the labour court. Similar to its counterpart in the labour court rule, a document may be filed „at any time‟. This can only be done if the judge president provides such a direction and, unlike the powers of a labour court judge and the registrar of that court, a judge of the labour appeal court or the registrar does not have similar powers. High court Rule 3 of the uniform rules of court provides for the days and hours during which the office of the registrar is open and on which days and during which hours documents can be filed. The office hours are every Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, from 09h30 to 13h00 and from 14h00 to 16h00, with the qualification that in the afternoons, process may only be issued and documents filed between 14h00 and 15h00. Similar to the provisions of its counterpart in the labour court

RULE 2 rules, and notwithstanding specific prescribed office hours on certain days, the registrar has a discretion, in exceptional circumstances, to issue process and accept documents at any time and is compelled to do so when directed by a judge. The appellate division (now the supreme court of appeal) interpreted the phrase „at any time‟ to include a Sunday.8 Magistrate‟s court In terms of rule 2(2) of the magistrates‟ courts rules, a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday shall not, unless the contrary appears, be reckoned as part of any period calculated in terms of such rules. In terms of rule 3(12) of such rules, except on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, the offices of the registrar or clerk of the court shall be open from 08h00 to 13h00 and from 14h00 to 16h00, save that, for the purpose of issuing any process or filing any document, other than a notice of intention to defend, the offices shall be open from 08h00 to 13h00, and from 14h00 to 15h00. The registrar or the clerk of the court may, however, in exceptional circumstances, issue process and accept documents at any time, and shall do so when directed by a magistrate. Rule 3(12) does not exclude Sundays or public holidays when it provides that the registrar or the clerk of the court may, in exceptional circumstances, issue process and accept documents „at any time‟. It is not required to read this subrule subject to rule 9(2)(a) and, therefore, the intervention of the court is not required before summons can be issued on a Sunday or public holiday.

Minister of Police v Johannes (supra)

RULE 4 3.4

RULE 4 – WHO MUST SIGN DOCUMENTS

EXPOSITION OF THE RULE

The rule before and from 1 April 2015

(1)

A document that a party must sign in terms of the Act or these Rules may be signed by the party or by the person entitled in terms of the Act or these Rules to represent the party in the proceedings.

(2)

If proceedings are jointly instituted or opposed by more than one employee, documents may be signed by an employee who is mandated by the other employees to sign documents. A list in writing of the employees, who have mandated the employee to sign on their behalf must be attached to the referral document.

ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSS-REFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS Rule 4 provides for the manner in which documents are to be signed. It relates to: (a)

documents to be signed in terms of the CCMA rules; or

(b)

documents relating to proceedings conducted under the auspices of the CCMA that are to be signed in terms of the LRA.

Rule 4 caters for, inter alia, the following documents: 

LRA Form 7.11 (referral of a dispute to the CCMA for conciliation and con-arb)



LRA Form 7.13 (request for arbitration)



LRA Form 7.14 (notice of objection to arbitration by the same commissioner who dealt with the conciliation of the dispute)



LRA Form 7.15 (application to appoint a senior commissioner to arbitrate)



LRA Form 7.16 (subpoena)



LRA Form 7.17 (referral of a cost dispute)



LRA Form 7.18 (application to certify a CCMA award)

RULE 4 

LRA Form 7.19 (request for an inquiry by an arbitrator)

Three circumstances are provided for, namely: 1.

Signing of documents by a party Rule 41 defines „party‟ to mean „any party to proceedings before the Commission‟. Thus, any party to proceedings before the CCMA may, in terms of rule 4(1), sign the required documents personally, or in the case of a corporate entity, for example, a company or a close corporation, the person duly authorised by such entity to do so.1

Signing of documents by the person entitled in terms of the LRA or the CCMA rules to represent the party in the proceedings Rule 4(1) authorises the person who is entitled to represent the party in the proceedings to sign documents. In terms of the subrule, this right of representation must be entrenched in either the LRA or the rules. However, seeing that the right to representation is being regulated by the provisions of rule 25,2 it seems unclear why the subrule provides that documents can also be signed by the person entitled to represent the party to the proceedings in terms of the LRA.

2.1

Relevant provisions and principles regarding representation Prior to the Labour Relations Amendment Act,3 („the LRA Amendment Act 2002‟) the right to legal representation in arbitration proceedings was a general right afforded in the following terms by s138(4) of the LRA: „In any arbitration proceedings, a party to the dispute may appear in person or be represented only by – (a) a legal practitioner; (b) a director or employee of the party; or

1 2

NUMSA v CCMA and Others [2000] 11 BLLR 1330 (LC) Documents signed by persons who are not empowered to represent parties in terms of the CCMA rules are branded as null and void – Marx and Others v Stalcor and Others (2001) 22 ILJ 2669 (LC) paras [65] to [66]; Adams v National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry and Others C700/16, 7/09/2018 para 28 12 of 2002

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(c) any member, office-bearer or official of that party‟s registered trade union or registered employers‟ organisation.‟ Section 140(1) of the LRA qualified the rights extended by s138(4) in relation to arbitration proceedings concerning misconduct and incapacity dismissals. The section read as follows: „If the dispute being arbitrated is about the fairness of a dismissal and a party has alleged that the reason for the dismissal relates to the employee‟s conduct or capacity, the parties, despite section 138(4), are not entitled to be represented by a legal practitioner in the arbitration proceedings unless – (a) the commissioner and all the other parties consent; or (b) the commissioner concludes that it is unreasonable to expect a party to deal with the dispute without legal representation, after considering – (i)

the nature of the questions of law raised by the dispute;

(ii) the complexity of the dispute; (iii) the public interest; and (iv) the comparative ability of the opposing parties or their representatives to deal with the arbitration of the dispute.‟ The LRA Amendment Act 2002, which came into operation on 1 August 2002, repealed both s138(4) and s140(1) of the LRA. It further did not replace the repealed sections with any new provisions regarding the right to legal representation in arbitration proceedings except to insert a new subsection (2A) into s115 of the LRA. The relevant paragraphs contained in s115(2A) read as follows: „The Commission may make rules regarding – ... (k) the right of any person or category of persons to represent any party in any conciliation or arbitration proceedings; ...

RULE 4 (m) all other matters incidental to performing the functions of the Commission.‟ The LRA Amendment Act 2002 also inserted a new item 27(1) into part H of schedule 7 to the LRA. Part H of schedule 7 contained transitional provisions arising out of the application of the LRA Amendment Act 2002. That item provided as follows: „Until such time as rules made by the Commission in terms of section 115(2A)(m) of the Act come into force – (a) sections 135(4), 138(4) and 140(1) of the Act remain in force as if they had not been repealed, and any reference in this item to those sections is a reference to those sections prior to amendment by this Amendment Act; (b) a bargaining council may be represented in arbitration proceedings in terms of section 33A of the Act by a person specified in section 138(4) of the Act or by a designated agent or an official of the council; (c) the right of any party to be represented in proceedings in terms of section 191 of the Act must be determined by – (i)

section 138(4) read with section 140(1) of the Act for disputes about dismissal; and

(ii) section 138(4) of the Act for disputes about an unfair labour practice.‟ The legislative intent underlying these provisions is obvious in that after 1 August 2002, the LRA would no longer regulate the right to legal representation in CCMA proceedings, but it would be determined by the CCMA, subject to a retention of the status quo until such time as the CCMA has made a valid set of rules. However, implementing this intention has been less easily achieved. Firstly, the reference to s115(2A)(m) of the LRA, in the preamble to item 27(1) of Part H of schedule 7 of the LRA, appeared to be an error. The reference ought to have been made to s115(2A)(k), which dealt with „the right of any person or category of persons to represent any party in any conciliation or arbitration proceedings‟. Secondly, on 25 July 2002, a new set of rules for the conduct of proceedings in the CCMA was published in terms of GN R961 of the same date. In that notice, the governing body of the CCMA, acting in terms of s115(6) of the LRA, recorded that

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it had published „the Rules made in terms of s115(2A)‟. Rule 25 of these rules provided that: „If a party to the dispute objects to the representation of another party to the dispute or the commissioner suspects that the representative of a party does not qualify in terms of the [LRA], the commissioner must determine this issue.‟ Footnote 5 to rule 25 stated that „the representation of parties is dealt with in sections 135(4), 138(4) and 140(1) of the Labour Relations Act‟. These sections were then reproduced in the footnote. In terms of the definitions‟ clause contained in rule 41, a rule is defined to include any footnote to a rule. The LRA Amendment Act 2002, which incorporated the empowering provision in the form of s115(2A) of the LRA, came into force on 1 August 2002. However, the empowering provision, in terms of which the rules published on 25 July 2002 were purportedly made, was not in operation on that date. On this basis, the labour court held in Norman Tsie Taxis v Pooe NO and Others4 that the rules were void. On 10 October 2003, the CCMA issued another new set of rules, which appeared to constitute an endeavour to clarify the position regarding legal representation in the CCMA. On 17 October 2003, a „correction notice‟ was published which purported to address certain errors contained in the set of rules published the previous week. On 5 December 2003, yet another set of rules was published. Despite the issue of various correction notices, it appeared that the rule still contained a patent error. In s140(1) of the repealed provision of the LRA, the word „or‟ linked subsections (1) and (2). A mistake appeared to have arisen when this provision was incorrectly quoted in footnote 5 of the CCMA rules promulgated on 25 July 2002. It is presumed that the intention was to quote s140(1) of the LRA and to incorporate this provision into the rules, but the word „or‟ was mistakenly left out of the quotation. This mistake was perpetuated in the version of the CCMA rules promulgated on 10 October 2003, and ultimately in the version promulgated on 5 December 2003. The current statutory provisions regulating the above scenario were introduced by the Labour Relations Amendment Act 6 of 4

(2004) 25 ILJ 724 (LC)

RULE 4 2014 („the LRA Amendment Act 2014‟) and came into operation on 1 January 2015, by means of Government Gazette 37921 of 18 August 2014. The said Act introduced the following changes to subsection (2A) of s115 of the LRA: „(2A) The Commission may make rules regulating – … (k)

the right of any party to be represented by any person or category of persons in any conciliation or arbitration proceedings, including the regulation or limitation of the right to be represented in those proceedings;

(kA) the consequences for any party to conciliation or arbitration proceedings for not attending those proceedings;‟ The amended item 27(1) of part H of schedule 7 to the LRA, as a result of the changes introduced by s44 of the LRA Amendment Act 2014 currently reads as follows: „Representation in conciliation and arbitration (1)

Until such time as rules made by the Commission in terms of section 115(2A)(k) of the Act come into force – (a) sections 135(4), 138(4) and 140(1) of the Act remain in force as if they had not been repealed, and any reference in this item to those sections is a reference to those sections prior to the amendments by this Amendment Act; (b) a bargaining council may be represented arbitration proceedings in terms of section 33A the Act by a person specified in section 138(4) the Act or by a designated agent or an official the council;

in of of of

(c) the right of any party to be represented in proceedings in terms of section 191 of the Act must be determined by – (i)

section 138(4) read with section 140(1) of the Act for disputes about a dismissal; and

RULE 4

(ii) section 138(4) of the Act for disputes about an unfair labour practice. (2)

Despite sub-item 1(a), section 138(4) of the Act does not apply to an arbitration conducted in terms of section 188A of the Act.‟

Rule 25 of the CCMA rules currently regulates the right to legal representation before the CCMA and is reproduced herein under the exposition of such rule. With reference to the applicable provisions of the LRA as well as the content of rule 25 of the CCMA rules, the following is the current position regarding representation: (a) Inquiry by arbitrator Section 188A(5) of the LRA provides that in an inquiry by an arbitrator, a party to the dispute may appear in person or be represented only by: (i)

a co-employee;

(ii)

a director or employee, if the party is a juristic person;

(iii)

any office-bearer or official of that party‟s registered trade union or registered employers‟ organisation;5 or

(iv)

a legal practitioner, on agreement between the parties or, if permitted by the arbitrator, in accordance with the rules regulating representation at arbitration before the Commission.6

(b) Conciliation proceedings (i)

No legal representation is allowed in conciliation proceedings.7

Section 32(e) of the Labour Relations Amendment Act 6 of 2014 deleted the reference to „member‟ of that party‟s registered trade union or registered employers‟ organisation – NUM obo Mabote v CCMA and Others [2013] 10 BLLR 1020 (LC); Kalahari Country Club v National Union of Mineworkers and Dire Phillip Mabote (2015) 36 ILJ 1210 (LAC); [2015] 4 BLLR 410 (LAC); (2014) 25 SALLR 104 (LAC); NUMSA and Another v Alec Wainrights and Others (JR1060 of 2010) Prior to the amendment created by s32(e) of the Labour Relations Amendment Act 6 of 2014, the provision read as follows: „a legal practitioner, on agreement between the parties‟. In Mashabe v Van der Merwe (1996) 7 (9) SALLR 90 (CCMA), the viewpoint was held, in essence, that a legal practitioner is not capable of signing the referral document (LRA Form 7.11)

RULE 4 (ii) In terms of the rule 25(1)(a) of the CCMA rules that applied before 1 April 2015, the party to the dispute could appear in person or be represented only by: (aa)

an employee of that party;

(bb)

if the party is a juristic person, a director or a member of a close corporation; or

(cc)

any member, office-bearer or official of the party‟s registered trade union or registered employers‟ organisation.

(iii) The amended rule 25(1)(a) of the CCMA rules that applied from 1 April 2015 to 31 December 2019, read as follows: „(1) (a) In conciliation proceedings a party to the dispute may appear in person or be represented only by – (i)

if the party is an employer, a director or employee of that party and, in addition, if it is a close corporation, a member of that close corporation;

(ii) any office-bearer, official or member of that party‟s registered trade union or registered employer‟s organisation; (iii) if the party is a registered trade union, any office-bearer, official or member of that trade union authorized to represent that party; or (iv) if the party is a registered employer‟s organisation, any office-bearer or official of that party or a director or because a legal practitioner is not entitled to represent a party at conciliation proceedings. In Etschmaier v CCMA and Others (1999) 20 ILJ 144 (LC), the labour court stated: „Save to say that prima facie it seems an extraordinary proposition for the legislature to have intended that the representatives such as legal practitioners be excluded from signing such forms on behalf of their client.‟ In ABC Telesales v Pasmans (2001) 22 ILJ 624 (LAC); [2001] 4 BLLR 385 (LAC), the referral to conciliation was signed by a candidate attorney and the labour appeal court found that the referring party‟s participation in the conciliation process without objection rendered the requirement of the said signature redundant at such stage

RULE 4

employee of an employer that is a member of that employers‟ organization authorized to represent that party.‟ (iv) In terms of rule 25(1)(a) of the CCMA rules, as applicable from 1 January 2019, in conciliation proceedings, a party to the dispute may appear in person or only be represented by: (aa)

if the party is an employer, a director or employee of such party;

(bb)

if the party is a close corporation, a member or employee of such entity;

(cc)

any member of that party‟s registered trade union or registered employers‟ organisation or an officebearer or official as defined in the LRA;

(dd)

if the party is a registered trade union, any member of that trade union or any office-bearer or official as defined in the LRA and authorised to represent that party;

(ee)

if the party is a registered employers‟ organisation, any director or employee of an employer that is a member of that employers‟ organisation or any official or office-bearer as defined in the LRA and authorised to represent that party; or

(ff)

if a party is the department of labour, any employee or official of the department of labour.8

In terms of rule 25(1)(b) of the CCMA rules that applied before 1 April 2015, the party to the dispute could appear in person or only be represented by: (aa)

a legal practitioner;

This provision, inter alia, permits employees and officials of the department of labour to refer non-compliance with compliance orders and/or written undertakings, in terms of s68(3) and s73 of the BCEA, to the CCMA to be made arbitration awards

RULE 4 (bb)

an employee of that party;

(cc)

if the party is a juristic person, a director or a member of a close corporation;9 or

(dd)

any member, office-bearer or official of the party‟s registered trade union or registered employers‟ organisation.

(ii) The amended rule 25(1)(b), which was applicable from 1 April 2015, read as follows: „Subject to paragraph (c), in any arbitration proceedings a party to a dispute may appear in person or be represented only by – (i)

a legal practitioner;10 or

(ii) an individual entitled to represent the party at conciliation proceedings in terms of subrule (1)(a).‟ (iii) As of 1 January 2019, rule 25(1)(b) currently entails that, subject to rule 25(1)(c), in any arbitration proceedings, a party to the dispute may appear in person or be represented only by: (aa)

a legal practitioner;

(bb)

a candidate attorney; or

(cc)

an individual entitled to represent that party at conciliation proceedings in terms of rule 25(1)(a) of the CCMA rules.

(iv) Prior to the current amendment to rule 25(1)(c) of the CCMA rules, legal representation was regarded as a right in arbitration proceedings except if the dispute being arbitrated was about the fairness of a dismissal and

9 10

AHI Employers’ Organisation obo Members v CCMA and Others [2012] ZALCJHB 111 In terms of rule 41 of the CCMA rules, any expression in these rules that is defined in the LRA has the same meaning as in the LRA. Section 213 of the LRA defines „legal practitioner‟ as follows: „any person admitted to practice as an advocate or an attorney in the Republic;‟ and thus this definition of „legal practitioner‟ is applicable to the CCMA rules

RULE 4

a party has alleged that the reason for the dismissal related to the employeeâ&#x20AC;&#x;s conduct or capacity.11 In terms of rule 25(1)(c) of the CCMA rules, so applicable from 1 January 2019, a party is, as a general rule, not entitled to be represented by a legal practitioner or a candidate attorney if: (aa)

the dispute being arbitrated is referred to in terms of s69(5) of the BCEA12 or s7313 or s73A14 of the BCEA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it appears that this restriction on legal representation does not exist in terms of written undertakings in terms of s68(3) of the BCEA; or

(bb)

the dispute is about the fairness of a dismissal and a party has alleged that the reason for the dismissal relates to the employeeâ&#x20AC;&#x;s conduct or capacity.

The aforesaid general rule applies unless: (aa)

the commissioner and all the other parties consent; and

(bb)

the commissioner concludes that it is unreasonable to expect a party to deal with the dispute without legal representation having considered the following factors: I

the nature of the questions of law raised by the dispute;

the complexity of the dispute;

III

the public interest; and

IV the comparative ability of the opposing parties or their representatives to deal with the dispute.15 11

12 13 14 15

Rule 25(1)(b) read with rule 25(1)(c) of the CCMA rules so applicable from 1 April 2015 to 31 December 2019 Arbitration of disputes relating to compliance orders Application to make compliance order an arbitration award Arbitration relating to underpayment The content of rule 25(1)(c)(i) and rule 25(1)(c)(ii) applicable from 1 April 2015 has not been

RULE 4 (v) The latest amendments to the CCMA rules introduce rule 25(6) which stipulates that, despite the provisions of rule 25, but subject to rule 25(1)(f), a commissioner may, on application brought in terms of rule 31 of the CCMA rules, allow a person not contemplated in terms of rule 25(1) to represent a party at arbitration proceedings before the CCMA after considering the following factors: (aa)

whether it is unreasonable to expect the applicant party to deal with the dispute without representation, after considering the factors contained in rule 25(1)(c)(ii);

(bb)

the reason why a person contemplated in rule 25(1)(b) of the CCMA rules cannot represent the applicant party, which includes affordability if applicable;

(cc)

the ability of the proposed representatives to meaningfully represent the applicant;

(dd)

whether the proposed representative is subject to the oversight and discipline of a professional or statutory body;

(ee)

whether the proposed representative will contribute to the fairness of the proceedings and the expeditious resolution of the dispute;

(ff)

prejudice to the other party; and

(gg)

any other relevant factors.

The general approach had been that a commissioner has no discretion to permit or allow any other person, other than those contemplated in rule 25(1) of the CCMA rules, to appear or act as a representative, even if the other party to the dispute has no objection. 16 The labour

amended from 1 January 2019 Some employer parties, employersâ&#x20AC;&#x; organisations and trade unions employ people who are entitled to practice as legal practitioners so that they can appear on behalf of them, as employees at the CCMA, during conciliations and arbitrations, in circumstances where, if they indeed practised as legal practitioners, they would not have been so entitled. It is suggested that such representatives should be treated in the same way as any other legal practitioners and not as employees. They, therefore, should be excluded from conciliations and required to apply for legal representation in

RULE 4

court has thus held that the failure to strictly comply with the law governing representation renders an arbitration award reviewable.17 However, the labour court has also held that it is not irregular to allow a legal representative to sit in on arbitration proceedings where the legal practitioner is prohibited from appearing before the commissioner.18 The aforesaid general position has, since the latest amendments, been materially altered, seeing that the newly-drafted rule 25(6) of the CCMA rules provides a commissioner with a discretion, on application and subject to certain considerations, to permit a party to be represented by any person other than a person referred to in rule 25(1) of the CCMA rules in any arbitration proceedings before the CCMA. (vi)

Legal representation is permissible in disputes about unfair labour practices.19

(vii) Whether an attorney is entitled to sign the referral form requesting arbitration on behalf of his client depends on the intention of the employee party.20 (d) Representation during facilitation of large-scale retrenchments as contemplated in s189A of the LRA As of 1 January 2019, the newly-drafted rule 25(1)(d) of the CCMA rules regulates representation during such facilitation and states that a party may appear in person or be represented by:

18 19

(i)

if the party is the employer, a director or employee of such party;

(ii)

if the party is a close corporation, a member or employee of that close corporation; or

cases where it would have been necessary for a legal practitioner to make such an application â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Netherburn Engineering CC t/a Netherburn Ceramics v Robert Mudau NO and Others (labour appeal court case number JA1/0) Sam Garments (Pty) Ltd v Van Dokkum [1997] 9 BLLR 1234 (LC) and Frasers International Removals v CCMA and Others [1999] BLLR 689 (LC) Pelleteir v B and E Quarries (Pty) Ltd and Others [2000] 1 BLLR 90 (LC) CronjĂ¨ v Bloemfontein TLC (1996) 7 (3) SALLR 59 (CCMA) (also see the content of the current rule 25(1)(b)of the CCMA rules) Leadbrother v Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hagans Franchise Marketing (Pty) Ltd (1998) 9 (9) SALLR 1 (CCMA) at 460

RULE 4 (iii)

any member of that partyâ&#x20AC;&#x;s registered trade union or employersâ&#x20AC;&#x; organisation or office-bearer or official as defined in the LRA and authorised to represent such party.

Furthermore, in terms of rule 25(1)(e) of the CCMA rules, no representation by a legal practitioner or candidate attorney is to be permitted during such facilitation process. (e) Labour consultants21 Labour consultants are not legal representatives.22 Prior to the rules introduced by R1748 in GG25797, of 5 December 2003, so regulating representation before the CCMA, the CCMA held that a labour consultant could (apparently), with the consent of all parties concerned, represent a party at automatically unfair dismissal arbitration proceedings.23 In Masondo v Crossway Supersave,24 the commissioner had to consider the issue of representation in a s191(5)(b) unfair dismissal arbitration proceeding. The employee was represented by an attorney and consented to the employer being represented by a labour consultant. It is not clear whether the employer consented to the representation of the employee by the attorney. The commissioner held that in view of the consent, the employer was entitled to be represented by the labour consultant. The commissioner did, however, point out that this was allowed because of the specific circumstances of the matter, not as a general principle and that the ruling was not binding on other commissioners. It appears that prior to the publication of the CCMA rules coming into effect from 1 April 2015 and prior to the amendment created by s28(b) of the LRA Amendment Act 2014, labour consultants represented parties before the CCMA without much restriction under the guise of being an entity so permitted to represent a party other than a legal practitioner and the following are some examples of such unrestricted representation: 21

23 24

SOM Garments (Pty) Ltd v Van Dokkum and Others [1997] 9 BLLR 1234 (LC); Labuschagne v WP Construction [1997] 9 BLLR 1251 (CCMA) A consultant who is not an admitted advocate or attorney is not entitled to sign a document on behalf of a client - Fraser International Removals v CCMA and Others [1999] 7 BLLR 689 (LC) Masondo v Crossway Supersave (1996) 7 (6) SALLR 19 (CCMA) at 207 (1996) 7 (6) SALLR 19 (CCMA)

RULE 4 (i)

a labour consultant, who is also a director of company, was entitled to represent the employer before the CCMA as there was no provision in the LRA expressly precluding a director who was also a consultant from representing such company;25 and

(ii) likewise, a labour consultant who was appointed as a member of a close corporation was entitled to represent the corporation.26 The ability of labour consultants to represent a party during either conciliation or arbitration, under the guise of being an entity permitted in terms of the CCMA rules to represent a party (and not being a legal practitioner) was greatly limited by the introduction of rule 25(1)(d) of the CCMA rules, applicable from 1 April 2015, which states: „No person representing a party in proceedings before the Commission in a capacity contemplated in paragraph (a) or (b), other than a legal practitioner contemplated in paragraph (b)(i), may charge a fee or receive a financial benefit in consideration for agreeing to represent that party unless permitted to do so by the Commission.‟27 Similarly, labour consultants have been further restricted by means of s161(2) of the LRA in respect of their ability to represent parties before the labour court and, in this regard, it is to be noted that this section corresponds substantially with the already-mentioned rule of the CCMA and is to the following effect: „No person representing a party in proceedings before the labour court in a capacity contemplated in paragraphs (b) to (e) of sub-section (1) may charge a fee or receive a financial benefit in consideration for agreeing to represent that party unless permitted to do so by order of the labour court.‟ As of 1 January 2019, the newly-drafted rule 25(1)(f) of the CCMA rules reads as follows: 25

Smollan (Transvaal) (Pty) Ltd v Lebea NO, SA Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union and Chokoe (1999) 10 (2) SALLR 87 (LC); (1998) 19 ILJ 1252 (LC). See also Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd v CCMA and Others (1998) 19 ILJ (LC) Allied Workers Union of SA obo Ncube v Northern Crime Security CC (1999) 20 ILJ 1954 (CCMA) See further in this regard rule 25(2), rule 25(3), rule 25(4) and rule 25(5) of the CCMA rules

RULE 4 „No person representing a party in proceedings before the Commission in a capacity contemplated in subrule (1)(a) or (b), other than a legal practitioner or candidate attorney contemplated in subrule 1(b)(i) and (ii), may charge a fee or receive a financial benefit in consideration for agreeing to represent that party.‟ Therefore, as of 1 January 2019, the CCMA no longer has a discretion to allow representatives other than a legal practitioner or candidate attorney to charge a fee or receive a financial benefit for representing parties before the CCMA . (f)

Withdrawal of a representative An employee may be represented by another representative falling within the provisions of the LRA in circumstances where the erstwhile representative, who referred the dispute on behalf of the employee, had withdrawn.28

(g) Representation by a co-employee The right of an employee to be represented by a co-employee at conciliation or arbitration proceedings does not exist under the current dispensation. This will however not apply where the co-employee falls within a category of authorised representatives, such as an office-bearer, official or member of the employee‟s registered trade union or registered employers‟ organisation. It is suggested that by virtue of a commissioner‟s powers in terms of s138(1) of the LRA, other co-employees or other persons may be allowed to assist a party in arbitration proceedings within the limits permitted by the commissioner, but may not act as representatives. Thus, such person may not „represent‟ the employee, which word is defined in the Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus (1995) as „fill the place of; be a substitute or deputy for; be entitled to act or speak for‟. (h) Representation by a registered union or employers‟ organisation Section 200 of the LRA provides as follows: 28

Oil Chemical General and Allied Workers Union on behalf of Alexander v County Fair Foods (Pty) Ltd (2001) 22 ILJ 262 (CCMA) where it was held that an employee is entitled to change unions in midstream

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„(1) A registered trade union or registered employers‟ organisation may act in any one or more of the following capacities in any dispute to which any of its members is a party – (a) in its own interest; (b) on behalf of any of its members; and (c) in the interest of any of its members. (2) A registered trade union or a registered employers‟ organisation is entitled to be a party to any proceedings in terms of this Act if one or more of its members is a party to those proceedings.‟ Thus, an office-bearer or official of a registered trade union or employers‟ organisation may sign documents on behalf of the party represented,29 including a referral for conciliation and a request for arbitration.30 The fact that the arbitration referral form is not signed by the dismissed employee himself or herself, but by his or her representative union, will not entail that the referral is not a proper referral and that the CCMA lacks jurisdiction to arbitrate the dispute.31 In County Fair Foods (Pty) Ltd v CCMA,32 the labour appeal court acknowledged the right of a trade union to act as the recognized representative of an employee in arbitration proceedings, notwithstanding the fact that the dispute had initially been referred to the CCMA by another trade union in its own name. A dismissed employee may validly authorise any member, office-bearer or official of that employee‟s registered trade union to sign LRA Form 7.11 (referral of a dispute to the CCMA for conciliation and con-arb) and LRA Form 7.13 (request for arbitration) as these persons may appear at conciliation and arbitration proceedings on behalf of the employee.33

29 30

31 32 33

SACCAWU and Andries Ndlovu v Town Talk Furnishers MP7501-99 (CCMA) Pick ‘n Pay Supermarkets, Northern Transvaal (A Division of Pick ‘n Pay Retailers (Pty) Ltd) v Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration and Others (2000) 21 ILJ 234 (LC) ECCAWUSA obo Gumede v Mr Price (1997) 8 (3) SALLR 1 (CCMA) at 327 (2003) 24 ILJ 355 (LAC); [2003] 2 BLLR 134 (LAC) at 355 In National Union of Metalworkers of SA v Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (2000) 21 ILJ 1634 (LC), relying on Moolman Brothers v Gaylard NO and Others (1998) 19 ILJ 150 (LC) and Pick ‘n Pay Supermarkets, Northern Transvaal (A Division of Pick ‘n Pay Retailers (Pty) Ltd) v Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration and Others

RULE 4 The labour court34 granted a declaratory order with regard to the rights of representation and capacity of a registered trade union and, in the process, confirmed the following principles: (i)

s191(1) and s191(5) of the LRA read with LRA Form 7.11 and LRA Form 7.13 do not prevent an applicant, as a trade union registered in terms of the LRA or any of its members, office-bearers or officials, from: (aa) referring a dispute about the fairness of a dismissal on behalf of the dismissed employee in terms of s191(1)(a) of the LRA to the CCMA, and, accordingly, the failure of the dismissed employee to refer the dispute personally to the CCMA or to sign LRA Form 7.11 personally, does not deprive the CCMA of jurisdiction to hear a dispute about the fairness of the dismissal in terms of s191(1) of the LRA; and (bb) requesting that a dispute about the fairness of a dismissal on behalf of the dismissed employee be referred for arbitration by the CCMA in terms of s191(5)(a) of the LRA and, accordingly, the failure of the dismissed employee to request the arbitration of the dispute personally or so sign LRA Form 7.13 personally does not deprive the CCMA of jurisdiction to arbitrate a dispute about the fairness of the dismissal in terms of s191(5)(a) of the LRA;

(ii) s191(1) and s191(5) of the LRA do not prevent an applicant, as a trade union registered in terms of the LRA, or any of its members, office-bearers or officials from: (aa)

referring a dispute about the fairness of a dismissal on behalf of the dismissed employee to a bargaining council if the parties to the dispute fall within the registered scope of that council in terms of s191(1)(a)(i) of the LRA and accordingly, the failure of the dismissed employee to refer the dispute personally or to

(2000) 21 ILJ 234 (LC), the court held that, to the extent that the Rustenburg Platinum case and Etschmaierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cases were decided by using the wrong criteria, the court was not bound by them Per Landman J in National Union of Metalworkers of SA v Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (supra) at 1643

RULE 4

personally sign a document referring the dispute does not deprive the relevant council to entertain a dispute about the fairness of the dismissal in terms of s191(1) of the LRA; and (bb)

requesting that a dispute about the fairness of a dismissal on behalf of the dismissed employee be referred for arbitration by the council in terms of s191(5)(a) of the LRA and, accordingly, the failure of the dismissed employee to request the arbitration of the dispute personally or to personally sign a document requesting arbitration does not deprive the relevant council to arbitrate a dispute about the fairness of the dismissal in terms of s191(5)(a) of the LRA.

The labour appeal court, in Kalahari Country Club v National Union of Mineworkers and Dire Phillip Mabote,35 held that an employee is entitled to be represented at arbitration before the CCMA by a trade union of which he is a member, even if, in terms of such trade union‟s constitution, he was employed in a job that fell outside the scope of such constitution. In interpreting rule 25(1)(b)(ii) of the CCMA rules as it applied from 1 April 2015 as well as its equivalent, namely, rule 25(1)(b)(iii) as it applies from 1 January 2019, an interpretive approach should be followed in view of what has been stated by such court, in County Fair Foods (Pty) Ltd v CCMA,36 by Davis AJA: „[17] In my view, Mr Kahanovitz has sought to place an unduly restrictive interpretation upon these sections. In the present case, FFRWSA completed LRA Form 7.13 in terms of section 191 of the Act, the matter in dispute being described as the alleged unfair [dismissal] of Mr Joseph Alexander to be resolved through arbitration. It meant that there was a dispute between appellant and the union, which concerned another party, being Joseph Alexander. Indeed in the certificate of outcome of dispute referred for conciliation, the dispute is described as being between “FFRWSA obo Joseph Alexander and appellant”. 35 36

[2015] 4 BLLR 410 (LAC); (2014) 25 SALLR 104 (LAC) (2003) 24 ILJ 355 (LAC); [2003] 2 BLLR 134 (LAC) at paras [17] to [18]

RULE 4 [18]

2.2 2.2.1

Accordingly, FFRWSA had done no more than represent a member in a dispute. When third respondent assumed that role, after FFRWSA withdrew, it did no more than represent the affected party to the dispute, being Mr Alexander. For this reason I find there to be no merit in the objection by appellant, namely that second respondent had committed an error of law by admitting third respondent to the proceedings, which error would justify a successful application for review. In short, there is no basis on which it could be said, within the context of the facts of the present dispute, that third respondent did not fall within s138(4)(c) as a recognised representative of Alexander.‟

Meaning of words used in the relevant provisions Legal practitioner and candidate attorney Legal practitioner is not defined in the CCMA rules. However, rule 41 provides that any expression in the rules that is defined in the LRA has the same meaning as in the LRA. Section 213 of the LRA defines „legal practitioner‟ as „any person admitted to practice as an advocate or an attorney in the Republic‟. On a strict interpretation, persons admitted and enrolled as advocates and attorneys, in terms of s24 and s30, respectively, of the Legal Practice Act,37 will fall within the definition, irrespective of whether they practice as such. Thus, nonpractising attorneys whose names appear on the roll maintained by the department of justice should meet the requirements envisaged by the definition. The labour court,38 however, adopted the view that a labour consultant, who was admitted as an advocate but had resigned as a member of the Johannesburg Bar, was only entitled to appear in the labour court if briefed by a practising attorney. The court stated that „attorneys have to be practising attorneys under the jurisdiction of the Law Society in question‟. The court thus went even further and limited such term to a legal practitioner who is practising as such.

37 38

28 of 2014 In NUMSA and Others v Comark Holding (Pty) Ltd (1997) 18 ILJ 516 (LC)

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The labour court, per Landman J,39 held that an „attorney admitted to practise‟ refers to an attorney who has been admitted by the high court (or its predecessor) and enrolled as an attorney and who has a trust account and a Fidelity Fund certificate as required by s41(1) of the Attorneys Act.40 Pleadings, including a pre-trial conference minute, signed by an attorney who does not meet these requirements, are null and void.41 In Society of Advocates of Natal v De Freitas and Another (Natal Law Society Intervening),42 the respondent submitted that s2 of the Right of Appearance in Courts Act43 meant that he had a right to practise in any court unencumbered by the referral rule and without the need to be briefed by an attorney. The court held:44 „Before the enactment of this Act, advocates had the right to appear on behalf of any person and in any court in the Republic. (See in this regard s6 of Act 74 of 1964.) There may of course be circumstances which would make it unethical for an advocate to appear for a particular client in a particular case and that would still be the case despite the provisions of s2. So, what then was the object of the Legislature in enacting s2? Counsel for the respondents submitted that the intention could only have been to invalidate the rule of conduct of the Society of Advocates in terms of which an advocate may only accept instructions from an attorney and not directly from a client. One need only state this proposition to realise that it is untenable. If the Legislature wanted to invalidate the rule it would certainly have used a less obscure way of expressing its intention.‟ The De Freitas decision was upheld on appeal.45 Advocates may thus not appear in the labour court unless properly instructed by an attorney.46 Obviously, the same principle is

39 40 41

42 43 44 45 46

Marx v Stalcor and Others; Glaubitz v Preston Anderson CC (2001) 22 ILJ 2669 (LC) 53 of 1979 Van Wyk v Dando and Van Wyk Print (Pty) Ltd; Taylor v Dando and Van Wyk Print (Pty) Ltd (1997) 18 ILJ 1059 (LC) 1997 (4) SA 1134 (N) at 1158C to F 62 of 1995 At 1171E to H De Freitas and Another v Society of Advocates of Natal and Another 2001 (3) SA 750 (SCA) NUMSA v Comark Holdings (Pty) Ltd (1997) 18 ILJ 516 (LC)

RULE 4 applicable when an advocate represents a party in any other fora, inclusive of the CCMA. Up to and until 31 December 2018, a candidate attorney was not entitled to represent a party at the CCMA.47 However, that position changed from 1 January 2019. In terms of the newly-drafted rule 25(1)(b)(ii) of the CCMA rules, a candidate attorney is entitled to, subject to the content of rule 25(1)(c) of the CCMA rules, represent a party to a dispute in any arbitration proceedings. As indicated, the restriction on such candidate attorney to represent a party to a dispute in terms of rule 25(1)(c) of the CCMA rules exists in the following scenarios: (a)

the dispute to be arbitrated has been referred in terms of s69(5), s73 or s73A of the BCEA; or

(b)

such dispute to be arbitrated is about the fairness of a dismissal and a party has alleged that the reason for the dismissal relates to the employee‟s conduct or capacity.

A candidate attorney is not defined in the CCMA rules or the LRA. Such term is defined in the Legal Practice Act48 as a person undergoing practical vocational training with a view to being admitted and enrolled as an attorney.49 2.2.2

Director and member of a close corporation „Director‟ in this context is not defined in the CCMA rules or the LRA and will thus have the meaning accorded to it in corporate law, namely, a person appointed as such in terms of the relevant corporate laws of South Africa. In terms of s66(1) of the Companies Act,50 the business and affairs of a company must be managed by, or under the

48 49

Ramolefe v Co-Ordinated Management Consulting (1996) 7 (8) SALLR 9 (CCMA) at 259; Colyer v Dräger South Africa (Pty) Ltd [1997] 2 BLLR 184 (CCMA); (1996) 7 (1) SALLR 19 (CCMA) at 89 28 of 2014 The Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014 also contains the following term, namely, „candidate legal practitioner‟. In terms of s1 of such Act, this term entails a person undergoing practical vocational training either as a candidate attorney or as a pupil. It is apparent that, in terms of the current wording of the relevant CCMA rule, a person undergoing practical vocational training as a pupil does not enjoy the same rights of appearance before the CCMA as a candidate attorney. In the aforesaid regard, it is to be noted that the term „pupil‟ means a person undergoing practical vocational training with a view to being admitted and enrolled as an advocate 71 of 2008

RULE 4

direction of, its board, which has the authority to exercise all of the powers and perform any of the functions of the company, except to the extent that such Act or the company‟s memorandum of incorporation provides otherwise. In terms of s66(2) of such Act, the board of a company must comprise, in the case of a private company, or personal liability company, at least one director or, in the case of a public company, or a nonprofit company, at least three directors. In terms of s66(3) of the said Act, a company‟s memorandum of incorporation may specify a higher number of directors than the minimum number so required by s66(2). A director is defined in s1 of the Companies Act51 to mean a member of the board of a company, as contemplated in s66, or an alternate director of a company and also includes any person occupying the position of a director or alternate director, by whatever name so designated.52 The Close Corporations Act53 in s1(1) defines „director‟, in relation to a company, to mean a director as defined in s1(1) of the Companies Act54 and „member‟, in relation to a close corporation, to mean a person qualified for membership of a close corporation in terms of s29 of such Act and designated as a member in a founding statement of such close corporation. In terms of the said definition, the term „member‟ includes, subject to the provisions of such Act, the following:

51 52

53 54 55

(i)

a trustee;

(ii)

an administrator;

(iii)

an executor or curator;

(iv)

or other legal representative.55

Supra In terms of s1 of the Companies Act 61 of 1973, a director is defined to include any person occupying the position of director or alternate director of a company, by whatever name he may so be designated. This will also extend to non-executive directors (Makhafolo v Sunpac (Pty) Ltd (2000) 5 LLD 353 (LC)) 69 of 1984 Supra So referred to in s29(2)(c) of such Act, in respect of any such person who is insolvent, deceased, mentally disordered or otherwise incapable or incompetent to manage his affairs, but excluding any such person who has, in terms of such Act, ceased to be a member of a close corporation

RULE 4 Section 29 of the Close Corporations Act56 regulates the requirements for membership of a close corporation. In terms of s29(1) of such Act, and subject to s29(2)(b) and s29(2)(c) of such Act, only natural persons may be members of a close corporation and no juristic person or trustee of a trust inter vivos in that capacity shall directly or indirectly (whether through a nominee or otherwise) hold a memberâ&#x20AC;&#x;s interest in a close corporation. In terms of s29(1A) of such Act, a natural or juristic person in the capacity of a trustee of a trust inter vivos may be a member of a close corporation provided that the following conditions have been met: (i)

no juristic person shall directly or indirectly be a beneficiary of such trust;

(ii)

the member concerned shall, as between such member and the close corporation, personally have all the obligations and rights of a member of a close corporation;

(iii)

the close corporation shall not be obliged to observe or have any obligation in respect of any provision of or affecting the trust or any agreement between the trust and the member concerned of the close corporation; and

(iv)

if at any time the number of natural persons at that time entitled to receive any benefit from the trust shall, when added to the number of members of the close corporation at such time, exceed 10, the provisions of, and exemption under, s29(1A) of such Act shall cease to apply and shall not again become applicable, notwithstanding any reduction in the number of members or beneficiaries.

In terms of s29(2) of the Close Corporations Act,57 the following persons shall qualify for membership of a close corporation:

56 57

69 of 1984 69 of 1984

(i)

any natural person entitled to hold a memberâ&#x20AC;&#x;s interest;

(ii)

a natural or juristic person, nomine officii, who is a trustee of a testamentary trust entitled to a memberâ&#x20AC;&#x;s interest, provided that:

RULE 4

(iii)

(a)

no juristic person is a beneficiary of such trust; and

(b)

if the trustee is a juristic person, such juristic person is not directly or indirectly controlled by any beneficiary of the trust; and

a natural or juristic person, nomine officii, who, in the case of a member who is insolvent, deceased, mentally disordered or otherwise incapable or incompetent to manage his affairs, is a trustee of his insolvent estate or an administrator, executor or curator in respect of such member or is otherwise a person who is his duly appointed or authorised legal representative.

In terms of rule 25(1)(a)(i) read with rule 25(1)(b)(iii) of the CCMA rules, a director (or employee) of a company and a member (or employee) of a close corporation may represent such party at conciliation and arbitration proceedings. However, such representation is subject to the safeguards contained in, inter alia, rule 25(1)(f), rule 25(2), rule 25(3) and rule 25(4) of the CCMA rules. A director of a company, who is also a labour consultant of a party to the proceedings, may represent the company in the CCMA.58 Production of the CM29 issued in terms of the Companies Act59 or the founding statement registered in terms of the Close Corporations Act60 should be sufficient to establish that the appointment of a director or a member is bona fide61 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; again, this is obviously subject to the further safeguards contained in, inter alia, rule 25(1)(f), rule 25(2), rule 25(3) and rule 25(4) of the CCMA rules. The court may order a company to furnish information relating to the appointment of a director, where the employee party alleges that the appointment is a sham aimed at circumventing the LRAâ&#x20AC;&#x;s limitations on representation during conciliation.62

59 60 61

Smollan (Transvaal) (Pty) Ltd v Lebea NO, SA Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union and Chokoe (1999) 10 (2) SALLR 87 (LC); (1998) 19 ILJ 1252 (LC) Supra Supra Makhafola v Sunpac (Pty) Ltd (supra) where a labour consultant, who was also a non-executive director, was held to qualify on production of such proof Mafuyeka v Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration and Others (1999) 20 ILJ 2386 (LC) where one of the issues that fell to be considered on review was whether the appointment of a lawyer as a director was in fraudem legis and a strategy to evade the restrictions on legal representation so contained in the deleted s138(4) of the LRA

RULE 4 2.2.3

Employee In terms of rule 41 of the CCMA rules, any expression in these rules that is defined in the LRA has the same meaning as in such Act. Rule 41 of the CCMA rules does not contain a definition of an „employee‟ and therefore, in line with what has already been stated, the definition to be attached to such term is to be found in the LRA. Section 213 of the LRA defines an „employee‟ in the following manner: „(a) any person, excluding an independent contractor, who works for another person or for the state and who receives, or is entitled to receive, any remuneration;63 and (b) any other person who in any manner assists in carrying on or conducting the business of an employer.‟ The construction of this definition is wide enough to cover various employment relationships. Section Four: Guidelines, page 970, contains a schematic exposition of these relationships. With reference to this exposition, the following is to be noted: (i)

three different types of non-standard employment receive special attention in the LRA Amendment Act 2014, namely: (a) employees provided to a client to deliver temporary employment services; (b) employees employed on fixed-term contracts; and (c) employees employed on a part-time basis;

(ii) in respect of the said three types of non-standard employment, a statutory barrier is created by s198A(2), s198B(2) and s198C(2) – the effect of such barrier is that, if employees „fall below‟ such barrier, their

The term „remuneration‟ is defined in s213 of the LRA to mean any payment in money or in kind, or both in money and in kind, made or owing to any person in return for that person working for any other person, including the state

RULE 4

employment is specifically regulated by s198A or s198B or s198C; (iii) on the other hand, if employees employed on such nonstandard employment basis do not „fall below‟ the statutory barrier, the employment relationship is regulated, inter alia, as follows: (a) in respect of employees provided by a temporary employment service („TES‟), s198 of the LRA is specifically applicable; (b) in respect of employees employed on fixed-term contracts, s186(1)(b) of the LRA is specifically applicable; and (c) in respect of part-time employees, there are no specific statutory provisions applicable but all employment law is so applicable; (iv) apart from the said regulation of non-standard employment, standard employment is still permitted; (v) other than the abovementioned regulation of non-standard employment, all other types of non-standard employment, such as outsourcing, subcontracting, task-based work, piecework and homework is permitted – in this regard, the viewpoint is held that both s200A and s200B are to be utilised to identify, firstly, whether or not an employment relationship exists and, secondly, the allocation of employer obligations; and (vi) it is to be stated that, obviously, the entire system of employment relationships is subject not only to the provisions of the LRA but also the provisions of any employment law.64

In terms of s213 of the LRA, „employment law‟ includes the LRA, any other Act, the administration of which has been assigned to the minister of labour, and also includes the following Acts:  the Unemployment Insurance Act 63 of 2001  the Skills Development Act 97 of 1998  the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993  the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act 130 of 1993  the Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act 4 of 2002

RULE 4 Section 200A(1) of the LRA contains a presumption as to who is an employee for the purposes of the LRA, any employment law65 and s98A of the Insolvency Act66 and provides that, until the contrary is proven, a person who works for, or renders services to, any other person will be presumed to be an employee, if certain factors are present, regardless of the form of the contract between such presumed employee and the other person. If any one or more of the following factors are present, the said rebuttable presumption will be applicable: (a) whether the manner in which the person performs his or her work is subject to the control or direction of the other person; (b) whether the personâ&#x20AC;&#x;s hours of work are subject to the control or direction of the other person; (c) in the case of a person who works for an organisation, whether the person forms part of that organisation; (d) whether the person has worked for that other person for an average of at least 40 hours per month over the last three months; (e) whether the person is economically dependent on the other person for whom he or she works or renders services; (f)

whether the person is provided with tools of trade or work equipment by the other person; or

(g) whether the person exclusively works for or renders services to one person. In terms of s200A(2), s200A(1) does not apply to any person who earns in excess of the amount determined by the minister of labour in terms of s6(3) of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.67 In terms of s200A(3) of the LRA, the CCMA is clothed with jurisdiction to make an advisory award with regard to the status of persons involved in proposed or existing work arrangements earning equal or less than the threshold amount. 65 66 67

Supra 24 of 1936 75 of 1997

RULE 4

In terms of s200A(4) of the LRA, read together with s203 of the LRA, the National Economic Development and Labour Council („NEDLAC‟) issued a Code of Good Practice to be used as a guideline for determining whether persons are employees, so titled „Code of Good Practice: Who Is An Employee‟. Section 200B of the LRA states that, for the purposes of the LRA and any other employment law,68 „employer‟ includes one or more persons who carry on associated or related activities or business by or through an employer if the intent or effect of their doing so is or has been to directly or indirectly defeat the purposes of the LRA or any other employment law.69 2.2.4

Office-bearer, official or member of a registered trade union or registered employers‟ organisation The term „member‟ is not defined in the CCMA rules or the LRA. A member of a trade union is a person who is eligible for membership according to the constitution of the trade union and who has been validly admitted to membership. Thus, a labour consultant who purports to be a member of a trade union will not be entitled to do so if the constitution of the trade union concerned does not permit him or her to be a member.70 Although the general principle, so contained in rule 25(1)(a)(ii) and rule 25(1)(b)(iii) of the CCMA rules is that a member of a party‟s registered trade union or registered employers‟ organisation has the right of representation during conciliation and arbitration proceedings, the provisions of rule 25(5) provide a commissioner with the discretion to exclude any person who is representing a party in any proceedings on the basis that such person is a member of the same employers‟ organisation as an employer party, or a member of an employers‟ organisation that is a party to the proceedings. In terms of the said rule, the commissioner is entitled to exercise such discretion after enquiring into the matter and considering relevant representations made in this regard. Such exclusion of

68 69

Supra The viewpoint is held that s200B of the LRA is to be utilised specifically in the context of subcontracting and outsourcing arrangements, particularly entered into to disguise the identity of the true employer and thus escape employer-employee obligations so created by the LRA or any other employment law Van Wyk v Dando and Van Wyk Print (Pty) Ltd; Taylor v Dando and Van Wyk Print (Pty) Ltd (1997) 18 ILJ 1059 (LC)

RULE 4 the said person is to take place in the circumstances where the commissioner believes that, in terms of rule 25(5) of the CCMA rules: (i)

the representative joined the employers‟ organisation for the purpose of representing parties at the CCMA; or

(ii) the representative‟s participation in the dispute-resolution process: (a) would be contrary to the purpose of rule 25, which is to promote inexpensive and expeditious disputeresolution in a manner that is equitable to all parties; (b) is not in keeping with the objectives of the LRA;71 or (c) may have the consequence of unfairly disadvantaging another party to the dispute. The terms „trade union‟ and „employers‟ organisation‟ are not to be found in rule 41 of the CCMA rules but are indeed defined in the LRA. A „trade union‟, in terms of s213 of the LRA, means an association of employees whose principal purpose is to regulate relations between employees and employers, including any employers‟ organisations. An „employers‟ organisation‟, in terms of s213 of the LRA, is defined to mean any number of employers associated together for the purpose, whether by itself or with other purposes, of regulating relations between employers and employees or trade unions. The trade union and employers‟ organisation must be registered72 and an application for registration does not afford a right of appearance.73 The representative bears the onus of proving its statutory credentials. A certificate of registration is a necessary but not necessarily sufficient qualification and a commissioner may examine surrounding circumstances to determine the true purpose of the creation of the employers‟ 71

In terms of s1 of the LRA, the purpose of such Act is to advance economic development, social justice, labour peace and the democratisation of the workplace by fulfilling the primary objectives of the LRA, which are, inter alia, to promote the effective resolution of labour disputes Democratic Workers Assembly and Plastic Chips/Golden Strings MEGA 3029 (BCA) where the arbitrator held that, in view of s200(2) of the LRA, which entitles a registered union to be a party to proceedings, by applying the maxim expressio unius exclusio alterius, by implication, it excludes an unregistered union MEWUSA and Budget Office Furniture MEEL55 (BCA)

RULE 4

organisation.74 In this regard, it is also worthy to note that rule 25(2), rule 25(3) and rule 25(4) of the CCMA rules contain further safe-guards in an attempt to ensure proper representation. The CCMA also held that the employers‟ organisation must be bona fide and if it were established purely for the purposes of circumventing the provisions of the LRA, it will be disregarded.75 The labour court has held that the purpose of an employers‟ organisation must be governed by fair democratic principles and the organisation must be used in interests of members to pursue its objectives. Thus, the organisation is not to be used to enrich outside bodies or to be exploited by a consultancy business, which renders services to members in exchange for a fee, to give it an unlawful and unfair advantage in the labour law consulting industry. This arrangement is not in the public interest and deceives the public and the registrar of labour relations as to the true nature of the organisation.76 Furthermore, in terms of rule 25(1)(f) of the CCMA rules, no person representing a party in any proceedings before the CCMA, in a capacity other than a legal practitioner or candidate attorney, may charge a fee or receive a financial benefit in consideration for agreeing to represent that party.77 An organisation will not be regarded as a trade union if its membership is open to persons not qualifying as an „employee‟ for the purpose of representation by the union. Thus, as the term „employee‟ in the definition of union in s213 of the LRA envisages persons in a current employment relationship and not dismissed employees, the organisation seeking to represent dismissed employees must be an organisation engaged in collective bargaining for its members, failing which it is not a

75 76

Vidar Rubber Products (Pty) Ltd v The CCMA, Adair NO, National Union of Metalworkers of SA and Ramala (1998) 9 (4) SALLR 65 (LC); (1988) 19 ILJ 1275 (LC) Van der Heever v Heilbron Nissan (1996) 7 (7) SALLR 22 (CCMA) at 225 Labournet Holdings (Pty) Ltd v McDermott and Another (2003) 24 ILJ 185 (LC) where the court held that a contract with a private business to render services to members in exchange for a fee was permissible. However, where the arrangement leads to a complete take-over of the organisation and the organisation becomes unable to operate independently on behalf of its members, the organisation is indistinguishable from the business, which is not in the public interest Section 161(2) of the LRA contains a similar restriction in respect of such representation before the labour court and reads as follows: „No person representing a party in proceedings before the labour court in a capacity contemplated in paragraphs (b) to (e) of subsection (1) may charge a fee or receive a financial benefit in consideration for agreeing to represent that party unless permitted to do so by order of the labour court.‟

RULE 4 „trade union‟ as defined in s213 of the LRA and not entitled to represent alleged members.78 Section 213 of the LRA defines „office-bearer‟ to mean: „a person who holds office in a trade union, employers‟ organisation, federation of trade unions, federation of employers‟ organisations or council79 and who is not an official‟; and „official‟ in relation to a trade union, employers‟ organisation, federation of trade unions or federation of employers‟ organisations to mean: „a person employed as the secretary, assistant secretary or organiser of a trade union, employers‟ organisation or federation, or in any other prescribed80 capacity, whether or not that person is employed in a full-time capacity. And, in relation to a council means a person employed by a council as secretary or in any other prescribed capacity, whether or not that person is employed in a full-time capacity‟. The CCMA rules that became effective on 1 January 2019 specifically require that the terms „office-bearer‟ and „official‟ are to be utilised as defined in terms of the LRA. Furthermore, in terms of these amendments, per rule 25(1)(a)(iii) and rule 25(1)(a)(iv) of the CCMA rules, the party being represented must have specifically authorised such office-bearer or official to do so. 2.3

Conditions to be met before a party is entitled to be represented by a legal practitioner in terms of rule 25(1)(c)81 A party is not entitled to be represented by a legal practitioner, in an unfair dismissal arbitration process relating to the conduct or capacity of the employee as well as a dispute to be arbitrated in terms of s69(5), s73 or s73A of the BCEA, unless the following conditions have been met:

78 79

Nomabunga and Daily Dispatch (1998) 3 LLD 40 (CCMA) In terms of s213 of the LRA, the term „council‟ includes a bargaining council and a statutory council In terms of s213 of the LRA, „prescribed‟ means prescribed from time to time by regulation in terms of s208 of the LRA CCMA arbitrators have a duty to advise parties of their rights regarding legal representation – Scholtz v Maseko NO and Others [2009] 9 BLLR 1111 (LC)

RULE 4 (i)

the commissioner and all the other parties consent to such legal representation; or

(ii) in the scenario where the said consent has not been given, the commissioner concludes82 that it is unreasonable to expect a party to deal with the dispute without legal representation after considering the following factors:83 (a) the nature of the questions of law raised by the dispute; (b) the complexity of the dispute; (c) the public interest;84 and (d) the comparative ability of the opposing parties or their representatives to deal at arbitration with the dispute.85 3.

Signing of documents in proceedings that are jointly instituted or opposed In proceedings that are jointly instituted or jointly opposed by more than one employee, rule 4(2) allows for the signing of documents by one of the employees who is mandated by the other employees to do so on their behalf.

A commissioner must exercise the discretion whether or not to permit legal representation judicially after considering all the relevant factors, as well as the grounds upon which the parties consented to legal representation – Colyer v Essack NO and Others; Malan v CCMA and Another [1997] 9 BLLR 843 (LC) at 1176; Tiger Brand Field Services v CCMA and Others [2006] 7 BLLR 694 (LC) at para [57] The main issue for consideration is a determination as to whether or not it would be unreasonable to expect a party to deal with the dispute without legal representation and the factors stated hereunder should be considered in determining such issue – Afrox Ltd v Laka and Others (1999) 20 ILJ 1732 (LC); [1999] 5 BLLR 467 (LC) at 471 to 472; Commuter Handling Services (Pty) Ltd v Mokoena and Others [2002] 9 BLLR 843 (LC) at 848; Vaal Toyota (Nigel) v MIBCO and Others [2002] 10 BLLR 936 (LAC) at 943. The CCMA rules do not indicate what weight should be attached to each of the aforesaid four factors and commissioners have a discretion as to the weight to be attached to each factor – NUM and Another v CCMA and Others [2014] ZALAC 51 The public policy required to be considered is essentially a consideration of the rationale behind the CCMA rules limiting the right to legal representation. The perception was that legal practitioners make an arbitration process legalistic and expensive and that they are responsible for delaying the proceedings due to their unavailability and the approaches they adopt – Strydom v CCMA and Others (2004) 25 ILJ 2239 (LC); [2004] 10 BLLR 1032 (LC) at 1038 to 1039 It is suggested that the right to legal representation is acquired once a commissioner has concluded that it would be unreasonable to expect a party to deal with the dispute without legal representation. Once this conclusion has been reached, the commissioner has no discretion and the party concerned is entitled to legal representation during arbitration – Afrox Ltd v Laka and Others (supra); Commuter Handling Services (Pty) Ltd v Mokoena and Others (supra); Vaal Toyota (Nigel) v MIBCO and Others (supra); SA Post Office Ltd v Govender and Others (2003) 24 ILJ 1733 (LC); [2003] 8 BLLR 818 (LC)

RULE 4 In the case of a referral of a dispute, a list in writing of the employees who mandated the employee to sign the referral document must be attached to the referral document. This requirement does however not expressly extend to the signing of documents, other than the referral document, LRA Form 7.11. As the written list constitutes a mandate, it is suggested that it should take the form of listing the details of the employees who mandated the employee to sign on their behalf and their signatures to be appended thereto. The labour court held that in a referral of a dispute to the labour court for adjudication, a union may represent its members and be party to proceedings, if the members are party to such proceedings, provided that the union identifies the members in a schedule containing the full names and addresses and signatures of the members, failing which the union lacks locus standi in judicio.86

REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW Labour court Rule 6 of the labour court rules deals with the procedural requirements applicable to a referral of a dispute to the labour court. The proceedings are initiated by a document known as a „statement of claim‟87 that, in terms of the provisions of subrule (c), must be signed by the party to the proceedings. „Party‟ is defined in rule 1 of the labour court rules to mean any party to the court proceedings and includes a person representing a party as envisaged in s161(1) of the LRA. In this regard, s161 provides that in any proceedings before the labour court, a party may appear in person or be represented by: (a) a legal practitioner;

National Union of Mineworkers v Hernic Exploration (Pty) Ltd (2001) 22 ILJ 203 (LC). But, in NUM v Hernic Explorations (Pty) Ltd [2003] 4 BLLR 319 (LAC) the labour appeal court held that a union is entitled to refer a dismissal dispute in its own name without citing the names of the dismissed employees and that a failure to do so, does not deprive a union of the right to institute proceedings simply because the individual employees had not been cited In NUMSA and Others v SA Five Engineering and Others [2005] 1 BLLR 53 (LC), the labour court held that it lacked jurisdiction to determine a dispute concerning the substantive fairness of a dismissal brought by way of an application in terms of s189A(13) instead of s191(5)(b)(ii), which entails the filing of a statement of claim in terms of rule 6 of the labour court rules and not an application

RULE 4

(b) a director or employee of the party; (c) any office-bearer or official of that party‟s registered trade union or registered employers‟ organisation;88 (d) a designated agent or official of a council; and (e) an official of the department of labour.89 All other pleadings in the labour court can be signed by the representatives envisaged in s161 of the LRA. An affidavit is to be signed by a party to whom the facts set out in the affidavit are known.90 Labour appeal court Like its counterpart in the labour court rules, rule 1 of the labour appeal court rules defines „party‟ to mean any party to court proceedings and includes a person representing a party as envisaged in s161 of the LRA. In terms of s178 of the LRA, any person who, in terms of s161 of the LRA, may appear before the labour court, may also have the right to appear before the labour appeal court. The analysis relating to the labour court rule supra applies mutatis mutandis to the labour appeal court.

Section 28 of the LRA Amendment Act 2014 deleted the reference to „member‟ of a registered trade union or registered employers‟ organisation Prior to the amendments introduced by the Labour Relations Amendment Act, 127 of 1998, the identity of the party referring the dispute to the labour court was the subject of conflicting decisions. In Moolman Brothers v Gaylard NO and Others (1998) 19 ILJ 150 (LC) Seady J held that the requirements in s161 of the LRA that the dismissed employee refer a disputed dismissal to the court, did not preclude some other referring party, e g a trade union, from referring the dispute on behalf of its members. The judge said at 155D: „It was argued on behalf of the applicant that s191(2) requires the “employee” and not someone else, albeit their representative, to demonstrate that good cause exists. I do not agree with this construction which seems overly technical and does not accord with the use of the word “employee” in subss (1), (3) and (5) of s191. It must be read to mean the party who refers the dispute, because the Act clearly contemplated that someone other than an employee could be the referring party, e g a trade union that brings the application on its own behalf and on behalf of its members.‟ In Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd (Rustenburg Section) v The CCMA, Radebe NO and Bore (1999) 10 (11) SALLR 126 (LC); 1998 (19) ILJ 327 (LC) the court held that a labour consultancy could not make a referral to the court on behalf of a dismissed employee and that the words „dismissed employee‟ and „employee‟ in s191 of the LRA meant precisely that. This decision was not followed in the later decision of National Union of Metalworkers of SA v Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (supra) on the basis that it had been decided by using the wrong criteria In Goodwood Municipality v Rabie 1954 (2) SA 404 (C) and Swissborough Diamond Mines (Pty) Ltd v Government of the Republic of South Africa 1999 (2) SA 279 (T) the court held that an affidavit is a statement in writing sworn to before someone who has authority to administer an oath. It is a solemn assurance of fact known to the person who states it and sworn as his statement before some authority such as a judge, magistrate, justice of peace or a commissioner of oaths

RULE 4 High court Rule 17(3)(a) of the uniform rules of court provides that a summons must be signed by the attorney acting for the plaintiff. This rule relates to a simple summons, i e the process used in initiating proceedings in respect of claims for a debt or liquidated demand. „Attorney‟ is defined in rule 1 of the uniform rules of court as „an attorney admitted, enrolled, and entitled to practise in the division concerned‟. In terms of rule 17(3)(b) of the uniform rules of court, if no attorney is acting for the plaintiff in respect of a simple summons, the summons must be signed by the plaintiff personally. Rule 18 of the uniform rules of court provides that a combined summons, i e a summons with a statement of claim annexed thereto and used where the claim is not for a debt or liquidated demand and every pleading, must be signed by both an advocate and an attorney or, in the case of an attorney who has under s4(2) of the Right of Appearance in Courts Act91 the right of appearance in the high court, only by such attorney. A natural person who sues or defends personally may sign a summons, combined summons or pleading. This right does however not extend to a juristic person. Magistrate‟s court Rule 2(1) of the magistrates‟ courts rules defines „plaintiff‟, „defendant‟, „applicant‟, „respondent‟ and „party‟ to include the attorney or counsel appearing for any such party and the officer of a local authority nominated by it for that purpose. In terms of s20 of the Magistrates‟ Courts Act,92 an advocate or attorney of any division of the high court may appear in any proceeding in any magistrate‟s court. Rule 52(1) of the magistrates‟ courts rules provides for the representation of parties in the following manner: (a) a party may institute or defend and may carry to completion any legal proceedings in person or by a practitioner; (b) a local authority, company or other incorporated body may act through an officer nominated for that purpose; and

91 92

62 of 1995 32 of 1944

RULE 4

(c) a partnership or group of persons associated for a common purpose may act through a member nominated for that purpose. Various other rules deal with the signing of pleadings, including the following:  rule 5(3)(a)(i) – every summons must be signed by an attorney acting for the plaintiff  rule 5(3)(a)(ii) – if no attorney is acting for the plaintiff, the summons must be signed by the plaintiff  rule 6(1) – every pleading must be signed by an attorney or, if a party is unrepresented, by that party  rule 55 – an application must be signed by the party making the application, which includes the attorney appearing for such party or the officer of a local authority nominated by it for that purpose. Pleadings and notices may thus be signed by the party as defined, the party‟s representative as envisaged in rule 52(1) of the magistrates‟ courts rules, or an attorney. In terms of the referral rule, an advocate may not accept work directly from the public without the intervention of an attorney and, furthermore, needs to be briefed by an attorney. The Natal High Court93 and the supreme court of appeal94 have confirmed this principle.

Society of Advocates of Natal v De Freitas and Another (Natal Law Society Intervening) 1997 (4) SA 1134 (N) De Freitas and Another v Society of Advocates of Natal and Another 2001 (3) SA 750 (SCA)

RULE 7 3.7

RULE 7 – HOW TO FILE COMMISSION

EXPOSITION OF THE RULE

173 DOCUMENTS WITH THE

The rule before 1 April 2015 (1) A party must file documents with the Commission – (a) by handing the document to the office of the provincial registrar at the address listed in Schedule One; (b) by sending a copy of the document by registered post to the office of the provincial registrar at the address listed in Schedule One; or (c) by faxing the document to the office of the provincial registrar at a number listed in Schedule One. (2) A document is filed with the Commission when – (a) the document is handed to the office of the provincial registrar; (b) a document sent by registered post is received by the office of the provincial registrar; or (c) the transmission of a fax is completed. (3) A party must only file the original of a document filed by fax, if requested to do so by the Commission or a commissioner. A party must comply with a request to file an original document within seven days of the request. The rule from 1 April 2015 to 31 December 2018 (1) A party must file documents with the Commission – (a) by handing the document to the regional office or the office of the department of labour at the address listed in Schedule One; (b) by sending a copy of the document by registered post to the regional office or an office of the department of labour at the address listed in Schedule One; or

174

RULE 7 (c) by faxing or emailing the document to the regional office or an office of the department of labour at a number or email address listed in Schedule One of the CCMA rules. Documents filed by means of email must be transmitted in a format that is compatible with software used by the Commission at the time of filing. (2) A document is filed with the Commission when – (a) the document is handed to the regional office or an office of the department of labour listed in Schedule One; (b) a document sent by registered post is received by the regional office or an office of the department of labour listed in Schedule One; (c) the transmission of a fax is completed; or (d) the email is received in the regional office or an office of the department of labour listed in Schedule One, as provided for in the Electronics Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002. (3) A party must only file the original of a document, if requested to do so by the Commission or a commissioner. A party must comply with a request to file an original document within seven (7) days of the request. The rule from 31 January 2019 (1) A party must file documents with the Commission – (a) by handing the document to the regional office of the CCMA or the office of the Department of Labour at the address listed in Schedule One; (b) by sending a copy of the document by registered post to the regional office of the CCMA at the address listed in Schedule One; or (c) by faxing or e-mailing the document to the regional office of the CCMA using a fax number or e-mail address listed in Schedule One. Documents filed by means of e-mail must be transmitted in MS Word or PDF 1format

Microsoft Word or MS-WORD (often called „Word‟) is a graphical word processing program that

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175

(2) A document is filed with the Commission when – (a) the document is handed to the regional office or an office of the Department of Labour listed in Schedule One; (b) a document sent by registered post is received, or presumed to be received as provided for in Rule 8, by the regional office of the CCMA listed in Schedule One; (c) the transmission of a fax is successfully completed; or (d) the e-mail is received in the regional office of the CCMA, as provided for in the Electronics Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002. (3) A party must only file the original of a document, if requested to do so by the Commission or a commissioner. A party must comply with a request to file an original document within seven (7) days of the request, B.

ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSS-REFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS Rule 41 of the CCMA rules defines „deliver‟ to mean „serve on other parties and file with the Commission‟. The filing of a document with the CCMA is the second element of delivery of a document. Rule 7 deals with the following aspects: 1.

Permissible methods of filing a document with the CCMA2 From 1 January 2019, it is no longer permissible to file a document with the CCMA by sending a copy of such document per registered post to an office of the department of labour or by telefaxing or emailing such document to an office of the

allows users to type and save documents. Portable Document Format („PDF‟) is a file format used to present and exchange documents reliably. Rule 7 of the CCMA rules does not require that a referral or other document must be filed at the regional office of the CCMA or the office of the department of labour listed in schedule one in the area in which the dispute arose and any regional office of the CCMA or such office of the department of labour will suffice. It appears that it is the responsibility of the regional office of the CCMA or the department of labour on whom the documents were filed (or on whom the referral was filed) to forward same to the regional office of the CCMA where the cause of action arose because, generally, that is where the conciliation or arbitration will take place. From 1 January 2019, rule 24(1) has been amended to provide for dual regional jurisdiction in circumstances where the employer‟s principal place of business is situated in one region and the cause of action arose in another region. In terms of the amendment, the referring party is provided with an option of either referring a dispute in the region where the employer‟s principal place of business is situated or, as an alternative, where the cause of action arose

176

RULE 7 department of labour (per schedule one). From 1 January 2019, rule 7(2)(b) and rule 7(2)(d), dealing with the requirements to be met for a valid filing, have also been amended accordingly. Rule 7(1) now sets out the permissible methods of filing a document with the CCMA, which can be done in three ways, namely: (1)

by physically handing over of the document to the regional office of the CCMA or the office of the department of labour at the address listed in schedule one;

(2)

by sending a copy of the document by registered post to the regional office of the CCMA at the address listed in schedule one; or

(3)

by telefaxing of emailing the document to the regional office of the CCMA at a number or email address listed in schedule one.3

The regional offices of the CCMA are contained in schedule one and, therefore, filing with a satellite or local office of the CCMA will not constitute valid filing and, consequently, will not be valid delivery of a document. As the CCMA has no inherent jurisdiction and is bound by the powers conferred upon it by the LRA, rules or other legislation, it has no powers to issue practice notes regulating otherwise.4 2.

Requirements to be met for valid filing5 of a document Unlike the provision relating to service, there is no presumption which dictates that the party on whom it was filed has knowledge of the contents of the document. Rule 7(2) sets out the requirements to be met for valid filing to occur, namely that a document will be regarded as being filed with the CCMA:

In terms of rule 7(1)(c) of the CCMA rules, documents filed by means of email must be transmitted in a format that is compatible with software used by the CCMA at the time of filing, namely, MS Word or PDF format Northern Province Development Corporation v Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration and Others 2002 (5) SA 557 (LC) Delivery of a document to a commissioner personally (by whatever means) without filing a copy with the regional office of the CCMA or the department of labour listed in schedule one does not constitute proper filing in terms of rule 7 of the CCMA rules - Twana v Weirsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Cash and Carry (EC 3455-01 - unreported matter)

RULE 7 (1)

177

When the document is handed to the regional office of the CCMA or an office of the department of labour listed in schedule one - (rule 7(2)(a) of the CCMA rules) What is envisaged in the subrule is the actual physical handing over of the document to the said office and merely leaving the document at the said office will not suffice.

(2)

When a document sent by registered post is actually received or is presumed to be received, as envisaged in rule 8 of the CCMA rules, by the regional office of the CCMA listed in schedule one - (rule 7(2)(b) of the CCMA rules) The applicant can telephone the case management officer of the CCMA and check the date when the document was received. This can also be verified by checking with the post office when the registered document was delivered or collected. In terms of rule 8 of the CCMA rules, a document sent by registered post to the CCMA will be presumed, until the contrary is proved, to have been received by the CCMA seven days after it was posted.

(3)

When the transmission of a telefax is successfully completed - (rule 7(2)(c) of the CCMA rules) A telefax transmission report, indicating that the number of pages successfully telefaxed accords with the number of pages of the document, is presumably sufficient proof that the transmission of a telefax has been completed, irrespective of whether the document was printed by the office of the CCMA, where for example, the telefax machine of the office is out of paper or out of order. The subrule expressly provides for the transmission to be completed and does not provide, as in the case of a document filed by means of registered post, that a document will be regarded as being filed when the telefax is received by the office of the CCMA concerned. Rule 7(2)(a) (excluding the option of handing the document to an office of the department of labour as listed in schedule one), rule 7(2)(b) and rule 7(2)(d) specifically require filing of the document to take place in respect of the regional office of the CCMA so listed in schedule one. However, rule 7(2)(c) is silent as to where the document so filed is to

178

RULE 7 be telefaxed and it is suggested that, despite this omission and in view of the amendments effective from 1 January 2019, telefaxing of the document can only take place to the regional office of the CCMA listed in schedule one. (4)

When the email is received by the regional office of the CCMA listed in schedule one – (rule 7(2)(d) of the CCMA rules) The said email will be regarded as having been received in the regional office of the CCMA, so listed in schedule one, taking into account the relevant provisions of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act.6 In terms of s23(b) of such Act, a data message must be regarded as having been received by the addressee when the complete data message enters an information system designed or used for that purpose by the addressee and is capable of being retrieved and processed by the addressee. In terms of s23(c) of such Act, a data message must be regarded as having been sent from the originator‟s usual place of business or residence and as having been received at the addressee‟s usual place of business or residence. It is to be noted that, in terms of s21 of such Act, the aforesaid provisions only apply if the parties involved in generating, sending, receiving, storing or otherwise processing data messages have not reached an agreement on the aforesaid issues.

Filing of the original of a document Unlike the civil courts, filing of the original of the document with the CCMA is not specifically required to complete the act of delivery. Unlike the corresponding provisions in the labour court and labour appeal court rules, filing of the original document is thus not peremptory. However, rule 7(3) imposes an obligation to file the original of a document but only if so requested by the CCMA or a commissioner.7 This requirement is furthermore qualified by a second requirement in that a party must comply with a request to file an original document within seven days of the request.

6 7

25 of 2002 Before 1 April 2015 rule 7(3) of the CCMA rules imposed a peremptory requirement to file the original of a document when so „filed by fax‟ but only if so requested by the CCMA or a commissioner

RULE 7

179

In accordance with the interpretation of the civil courts, the day on which the request (to file the original of the document so requested by the CCMA or a commissioner) is made will be excluded from the calculation of the period and the period within which filing must take place will start to run from the following day.8 This accords with the provisions of rule 3(1) which provides that any period of time in the rules is to be computed by excluding the first day. If the request is, for example, made on a Thursday, this day will be excluded. Thus, in the said example, day one of the seven day period will be on the Friday and the period within which the original document must be filed will extend to the following Thursday,9 unless, in accordance with the provisions of rule 3(2), the Thursday falls on Saturday, Sunday, a public holiday or on a day between the period 16 December to 7 January (both days inclusive), when such last day is excluded and the period is extended to the following day which is not a Saturday, Sunday or a public holiday. C.

REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW Labour court Rule 5 of the labour court rules contains similar provisions relating to the filing of documents as its counterpart in the CCMA rules. The only differences are that documents are filed with the registrar of the court and that it is an express requirement that the original of a document is lodged with the registrar of the court. In the case of filing by telefaxing, it must be done within five days of it being faxed. The wording of rule 5(3) of the labour court rules, relating to filing of the original of documents, differs materially from the wording of the corresponding CCMA rule. The subrule provides as follows: „(3) The original document must be lodged with the registrar. In the case of filing by faxing the document, the original document must be lodged within 5 days of it being faxed.‟

The civil courts have held in Ex parte Tredoux 1926 CPD 7; Ex parte Nel 1929 OPD 210; Suliman Mia v Bulbolia and Son Ltd 1924 (1) PH F13; Black v Jackson’s (SA) Enterprises 1952 (2) SA 184 (W) that where a rule or order of court prescribes that something shall be done „within‟ a particular number of days „after‟ a named day or event, the named day or the day of the event is excluded from the computation and the period starts to run from the following day, whether the word „after‟, „from‟ or „of‟ is used In terms of rule 3(1) „day‟ means a „calendar day‟

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RULE 7 The obligation to lodge the original of a document, thus, arises when a copy of the document is sent by registered post or when it is transmitted by telefax. In the first scenario, there is no time period within which the original must be lodged. In terms of rule 5(2) of the labour court rules, a document is filed with the registrar of the labour court: (a)

on the date on which the document is handed to the registrar; or

(b)

on the date on which the document sent by registered post was received by the registrar; or

(c)

on completion of the whole of the transmission of the telefax.

Labour appeal court Rule 1 of the labour appeal court rules defines „deliver‟ to mean „serve on other parties and file with the registrar‟. Filing will be in accordance with rule 5 of the labour court rules. High court Rule 1 of the uniform rules of court defines „deliver‟ to mean „serve copies on all parties and file the original with the registrar‟. Unlike the corresponding provisions in the rules of the CCMA and the labour courts, no provision is made for the filing of copies of process. Filing is done by physically depositing the original document at the office of the registrar of the provincial or local division of the high court that has jurisdiction in the matter. It is customary for the registrar to place a rubber stamp on all documents received, both to acknowledge the receipt thereof and to record the date of receipt. In practice, copies will also be stamped to be retained by the plaintiff/applicant as proof of filing, to be delivered to the sheriff for service and to be handed to counsel upon brief. Magistrate‟s court Rule 2 of the magistrates‟ courts rules defines „deliver‟ to mean (except when a summons is served on the opposite party only and in terms of rule 9) „...to file with the registrar or clerk of the court and serve a copy on the opposite party, either by hand-delivery, registered post or, where agreed between the parties or so ordered by court, by facsimile or electronic mail...‟. Unlike the corresponding provisions in the CCMA rules and the labour court rules, no provision is made for the filing of copies of process.

RULE 7

181

Filing is done by physically delivering the original document to the office of the registrar or clerk of the court of the magistrateâ&#x20AC;&#x;s court that has jurisdiction in the matter. It is customary for the registrar or clerk of the court to place a rubber stamp on all documents received, both to acknowledge the receipt thereof and to record the date of receipt. In practice, copies will also be stamped to be retained by the plaintiff/applicant as proof of filing and to be delivered to the sheriff for service upon the defendant/respondent.

RULE 16

359

4.7

RULE 16 - CONCILIATION PROCEEDINGS MAY NOT BE DISCLOSED

EXPOSITION OF THE RULE The rule before 1 April 2015 (1)

Conciliation proceedings are private and confidential and are conducted on a without prejudice basis. No person may refer to anything said at conciliation proceedings during any subsequent proceedings, unless the parties agree in writing.

(2)

No person, including a commissioner, may be called as a witness during any subsequent proceedings in the Commission or in any court to give evidence about what transpired during conciliation.

The rule from 1 April 2015 to 31 December 2018 (1)

(2)

No person, including a commissioner, may be called as a witness during any subsequent proceedings in the Commission or in any court to give evidence about what transpired during conciliation unless as ordered by a court of law.

The rule from 1 January 2019 (1)

(2)

360 B.

RULE 16 ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSS-REFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS 1.

The rationale of the rule The rationale of rule 16 is public policy, in that parties to a dispute should be encouraged to resolve their differences amicably in full and frank disclosure without the fear that if the negotiations fail, any admissions made by them during such discussions could be used against them in ensuing litigation.1 This principle has been confirmed by the civil courts2 and is essential to ensure that the conciliation process is successful.3 The labour court, however, in Kasipersad v CCMA and Others,4 held that a previous similarly worded rule conflicted with the right of the applicant to administrative justice and the power of the court to review the performance of any function by the CCMA.5 In terms of s126(3) of the LRA, the CCMA may also not disclose to anyone, including any court, any information, knowledge or document which it acquired confidentially or on a without prejudice basis, „except on the order of a court‟. The CCMA, in this context, includes the governing body, its members and committees, the director, commissioners, CCMA staff members and anyone contracted to the CCMA.6

The constitutional court‟s interpretation of the rule The constitutional court, in September and Others v CMI Business Enterprise CC,7 per Theron J delivering the majority judgment,8

3 4 5

7 8

Disclosures made „without prejudice‟ are subject to an express or implied undertaking that they are to be private and confidential - see Coetzee v Union Government 1941 TPD 1; Agnew v Union and SWA Insurance Company Ltd 1977 (1) SA 617 (A); September and Others v CMI Business Enterprise CC (2018) 39 ILJ 987 (CC); (2018) 29 SALLR 2 (CC) Naidoo v Marine and Trade Insurance Co Ltd 1978 (3) SA 666 (A); Kapeller v Rondalia Versekeringskorporasie van SA Bpk 1964 (4) SA 722 (T); Tshabalala v President Versekeringsmaatskappy Bpk 1987 (4) SA 72 (T) NUMSA v Cementation Africa Contracts (Pty) Ltd (1998) 19 ILJ 1208 (LC) (2003) 24 ILJ 178 (LC) At paras [6] and [7] of the judgment, on the basis that the CCMA rules, as subordinate legislation, must yield to the LRA and to the Constitution and that it shores up difficulties when reviewing conciliation proceedings. The court reasoned that in the absence of a record or a response by the commissioner to the review application, or if there are disputes of fact, the court would have a dilemma in determining what transpired during the conciliation Section 126(1) of the LRA. In terms of s126(2) of the LRA, the CCMA (inclusive of the entities contained in s126(1) of the LRA) is not liable for any loss suffered by any person as a result of any act performed or omitted in good faith in the course of exercising the functions of the CCMA (2018) 39 ILJ 987 (CC); (2018) 29 SALLR 2 (CC) With Cameron J, Froneman J, Jafta J, Kathree-Setiloane AJ, Kollapen AJ, Madlanga J, Mhlantla J

RULE 16

361

adopted the following approach when it interpreted rule 16, which existed before 1 April 2015 as well as from 1 April 2015 to 31 December 2018:9 (a)

the court, with approval, referred to the approach of the labour court, in Kasipersad v CCMA and Others,10 where the following was stated: „[5] The prohibition against reference to statements made at the conciliation during any subsequent proceedings and the prohibition against the commissioner or any other person testifying about the conciliation process conflicts with the right of the applicant to administrative justice and the power of this court to review the performance of any function by the CCMA. [6] The CCMA rules, as subordinate legislation, must therefore yield to the Labour Relations Act and to the Constitution.‟

(b)

a distinction is to be drawn between statements or admissions made during the course of settlement negotiations and those unconnected to or irrelevant to such settlement negotiations. The concepts of negotiation privilege, settlement privilege or privilege attached to statements made without prejudice are well-established in our law. In essence, settlement privilege entails: „Statements that are made expressly or impliedly without prejudice in the course of bona fide negotiations for the settlement of a dispute may not be disclosed in evidence without the consent of both parties.‟11

(c)

10 11

on the other hand, statements or admissions made during the course of settlement negotiations, that are unconnected

and Zondi AJ concurring The constitutional court also considered, inter alia, the primary functions of commissioners in terms of s135(3) of the LRA and, in doing so, also confirmed the viewpoint that an arbitrating commissioner is not bound by the parties‟ categorisation of the nature of the dispute nor the conciliating commissioner‟s description of the dispute in the certificate of outcome (2003) 24 ILJ 178 (LC) Zeffertt et al The Law of Evidence 2nd ed (LexisNexis – Butterworths Durban 2009) 700

362

RULE 16 to or irrelevant to the settlement, are not covered by the aforesaid rule;12 (d)

according to the constitutional court in casu, the aforesaid common law privilege attached to without prejudice settlement negotiations has not been extended by rule 16 of the CCMA rules to cover anything said at conciliation proceedings.13 In this regard, the following was further held by the constitutional court: â&#x20AC;&#x17E;Such an interpretation is not supported by the context and purpose of the rule. The purpose of rule 16, to promote frank discussions and early settlement of disputes, is properly served by the application of the common law rule of settlement privilege. The interpretation of rule 16, as contended by the respondent, to impose a blanket ban on the entirety of the content of the conciliation proceedings, does not further promote this purpose, or serve any legitimate purpose.â&#x20AC;&#x;;14 and

(e)

accordingly, it was found by the constitutional court in casu that the evidence as to the nature of the dispute gleaned from the conciliation proceedings was not privileged. The viewpoint was further held that, in order to determine whether a matter referred to the labour court for adjudication had first been referred to the CCMA for conciliation, the starting point is the referral documents. However, if there is a dispute as to the nature of the dispute referred to the CCMA, then regard may be had to the CCMA conciliation proceedings;15

Subsequent development Subsequently, as of 1 January 2019, rule 16(2) of the CCMA rules has been amended to permit a commissioner conducting arbitration to call upon any person, including a commissioner who conciliated

13 14 15

Para [70]; Naidoo v Marine and Trade Insurance Co Ltd 1978 (3) SA 666 (A) 678; Erasmus v Pienaar 1984 (4) SA 9 (T) 30C to E Para [70] Para [70] Para [67]. In Premier Foods (Pty) Ltd (Nelspruit) v CCMA (2017) 38 ILJ 658 (LC), the labour court correctly took into account what transpired at conciliation to determine whether the commissioner should have recused himself for arbitration â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the conduct of the commissioner thus had nothing to do with the rightful purpose of rule 16 of the CCMA rules, which is to create a safe harbour for the parties attempting to resolve the dispute by means of offers, counter-offers and discussions

RULE 16

363

the dispute, to be a witness during arbitration proceedings for the purpose of giving evidence on anything that transpired during the conciliation process. The explanatory memorandum issued by the CCMA in respect of this amendment identifies the purpose as follows:16 „The amendment is in line with the Constitutional Court Judgment in September & Others v CMI Business Enterprises [2018] ZACC 4, where the court held that the conciliation record can be disclosed where the interests of justice warrant such disclosure.‟ It is apparent that such explanatory memorandum relied, in essence, on the following statement made by Theron J in the aforesaid judgment: „[63] In exceptional circumstances, and subject to the discretion of the arbitrator or the court, evidence as to the conduct of the parties, including the commissioner, or the content of any advice or views expressed by the commissioner during conciliation, may be admissible, if the interests of justice require the disclosure thereof in subsequent proceedings.‟17 With reference to the summary of the constitutional court‟s interpretation of the rule provided supra, it is suggested that reliance on the said statement by the constitutional court as a reason for the required amendment to rule 16(2) of the CCMA rules is misplaced. The court made it abundantly clear that statements or admissions made during conciliation proceedings that are unconnected to or irrelevant to a settlement are not covered by the concepts of negotiation and settlement privilege and, thus, are to be disclosed without being directed by a court of law or an arbitrating commissioner. 4.

Recommended approach when interpreting and applying rule 16 The approach, when interpreting and applying rule 16 before September and Others v CMI Business Enterprise CC18 was handed down, entailed accepting that the intention of the

16 17

Para 2.21 With reference to what was stated by the labour court in Kasipersad v CCMA and Others (supra) paras [5] to [6] Supra

364

RULE 16 legislature, in formulating the rule, was that „anything said at conciliation proceedings‟ and to „what transpired during conciliation‟ as well as „something that was not said during the course of the conciliation meeting‟, was regarded as private and confidential. It was reasoned that, „in a reverse process of reasoning‟, the fact that something was not said in the course of conciliation may legitimately be described as something which „transpired‟ in that process.19 Obviously, the above prohibition was subject to an agreement between the parties in writing or an order by a court of law. Therefore, in the period prior to the handing down of the said constitutional court judgment, no distinction was made between statements or admissions made during the course of settlement negotiations and those unconnected to or irrelevant to such settlement negotiations. In view of the approach adopted by the constitutional court as well as subsequent developments, and despite the wording of the current rule, the following recommended approach in interpreting and applying rule 16 is provided:

(a)

the only part of conciliation proceedings that is private and confidential and conducted on a without prejudice basis is when statements are made expressly or impliedly, without prejudice, in the course of bona fide negotiations for the settlement of the dispute; 20

(b)

statements that are unconnected or irrelevant to the settlement of the dispute are not covered by the privilege rule;

(c)

statements or admissions covered by the privilege rule may only be disclosed if the parties agree in writing or, alternatively, as ordered by a court of law;

Network Healthcare Holdings (Pty) Ltd: In re Hofmeyer v Network Healthcare Holdings (Pty) Ltd (2003) 24 ILJ 1730 (LC), where the applicant, Network, in an interlocutory application, successfully sought to strike out a phrase in the other party‟s reply which referred to the conciliation meeting. In the main application between the parties, the respondent, Network, in its statement of defence, disputed that it was Hofmeyer‟s employer. Hofmeyer replied that Network was estopped from denying the employment relationship on, inter alia, the following basis: „At the conciliation meeting [Network] did not object to [Network] having been cited as the employer in the referral of the dispute and the dispute was properly referred to the labour court for determination.‟ Network sought to have this phrase struck out Dally v Davmark (Pty) Ltd (1995) 6 (11) SALLR 42 (CCMA) at 33

RULE 16

365

(d)

statements or admissions, and, for that matter, any conduct of the parties unconnected to or irrelevant to negotiation or settlement privilege, are not private and confidential and made on a without prejudice basis and, therefore, may be disclosed in any subsequent proceedings without the requirement that the parties must agree thereto in writing or, alternatively, be ordered by a court of law to do so;

(e)

likewise, there is no blanket ban on any person, including a commissioner, to be called as a witness in subsequent proceedings before the CCMA or a court of law as to what transpired during conciliation;21

(f)

the prohibition against testimony in subsequent proceedings should only be in respect of settlement negotiations;

(g)

a person, including a commissioner, may thus only be called as a witness in any subsequent proceedings before the CCMA or in any court to give evidence as to what transpired during conciliation with reference to the settlement negotiations, if indeed ordered by a court of law or an arbitrating commissioner; and

(h)

in respect of statements or admissions unconnected or irrelevant to the settlement of the dispute, no order of a court of law or an arbitrating commissioner is required before testimony in subsequent proceedings before the CCMA or a court of law is permitted.

Some of the consequences of the above approach should be that: (a)

conciliating commissioners should not deal with the parties separately, as is the custom, in respect of statements or admissions unconnected or irrelevant to settlement negotiations;

The labour court, in Kasipersad v Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration and Others (2003) 24 ILJ 178 (LC); [2003] 2 BLLR 187 (LC), held that rule 16(2) of the CCMA rules, precluding commissioners and parties to conciliation proceedings from testifying in subsequent proceedings in the CCMA or any court of law, is unconstitutional and, furthermore, stated the following: â&#x20AC;&#x17E;Conciliation proceedings [are] by nature confidential. However, the rule preventing parties to such meetings and conciliating commissioners from testifying about these proceedings contravene(s) the partiesâ&#x20AC;&#x; right to administrative justice and [are] unconstitutional. In the absence of a record, such proceedings must be reviewed on the basis of facts that are common cause, admitted or not disputed.â&#x20AC;&#x;

366

RULE 16 (b)

when the conciliating commissioner deals with statements or admissions unconnected or irrelevant to negotiation or settlement privilege, all parties or their representatives, in terms of rule 25(1)(a) of the CCMA rules, should be present;

(c)

when dealing with statements or admissions unconnected or irrelevant to negotiation or settlement privilege, such part of the conciliation proceedings should be recorded; and

(d)

when dealing with offers, counter-offers and discussions relating to same, which are covered by negotiation and settlement privilege, the conciliating commissioner may deal with the parties separately and/or jointly.

CASE LAW 1.

Without prejudice negotiations or correspondence In Naidoo v Marine and Trade Insurance Co Ltd,22 the appellate division (now known as the supreme court of appeal) confirmed the principles laid down in Kapeller v Rondalia Versekeringskorporasie van SA Bpk23 as follows:

22 23 24

(a)

correspondence conducted „without prejudice‟,24 in the bona fide efforts of both parties to an action to settle the plaintiff‟s claim, is, in accordance with the general „without prejudice‟ rule, once a party objects to its being adduced in evidence, wholly inadmissible;

(b)

the rationale of the rule is public policy. Parties to disputes are to be encouraged to avoid litigation, and all the expenses, delays, hostility and inconvenience it usually entails, by resolving their differences amicably in full and frank discussions without the fear that if the negotiations fail, any admissions made by them during such discussions will be used against them in the ensuing litigation;

(c)

often such admissions are classified or described as being „privileged‟ communications. That is an inaccurate but

1978 (3) SA 666 (A) 1964 (4) SA 722 (T) Merely indicating that correspondence is conducted „without prejudice‟ does not necessarily confirm absolute protection against the disclosure of such correspondence - see NUMSA and Others v John Thompson Africa [2002] 4 BLLR 383 (LC); Lynn and Main Inc v Naidoo and Another 2006 (1) SA 59 (N)

RULE 16

367

convenient label, provided it is remembered that their admissibility or otherwise is not necessarily governed by the same considerations as are applicable to privileged communications; and (d)

according to various statutes in South Africa, our courts are, in effect, enjoined to apply the „without prejudice‟ rule as developed and expounded in the English courts. Obviously, any admissions that are quite unconnected with, or irrelevant to, the settlement negotiations are not covered by the protection of the rule and are admissible in evidence. The presence or absence of any such connection or relevance is essentially a question of fact in which the intention of the party making the admission, as objectively manifested, may be of importance.

In relying on the same principles above, the court, in Tshabalala v President Versekeringsmaatskappy Bpk,25 held that an offer of settlement, which had been made without prejudice to rights during settlement negotiations in a letter, was not admissible evidence in the determination of an appropriate order for costs in an action for damages in terms of the provisions of Compulsory Motor Vehicle Insurance Act.26 2.

Nature of conciliation process In NUMSA v Cementation Africa Contracts (Pty) Ltd,27 the labour court, per Waglay AJ, remarked as follows: „More importantly what is crucial is to understand what the process of conciliation entails. Although conciliation may appear to convey the meaning of bringing together disputants to attempt reconciliation, the Act obliges the commissioner seized with the conciliation to determine, as provided for in s135(3) – “a process … which may include – (a) mediating the dispute; (b) conducting a fact finding exercise; and

25 26 27

1987 (4) SA 72 (T) 56 of 1972 (1998) 19 ILJ 1208 (LC) at 1213F-J

368

RULE 16 (c) making a recommendation to the parties which may be in the form of an advisory arbitration awardâ&#x20AC;?.â&#x20AC;&#x;28 The court reasoned that in the circumstances, the process via an independent third party seeks compromises from both sides, which neither may be prepared to make otherwise, purely to resolve the matter. For the process to be successful, the parties need to have sufficient confidence in the commissioner to raise issues or to make concessions. This the parties do because they are confident that the process is confidential, which it has to be in order for the commissioner to be able to assist the parties to resolve the dispute. The court held that conciliation, therefore, as provided for in the LRA, is not a mechanical chairing of a meeting by an independent third party, but includes an active participation by the commissioner to intervene in the thought processes of the parties in an attempt to resolve the dispute and, to do this, the commissioner is granted the right to determine his or her own process.29

28 29

September and Others v CMI Business Enterprise CC (supra) paras [36] to [40] See further Premier Foods (Pty) Ltd Nelspruit v CCMA and Others (2017) 38 ILJ 658 (LC); (2016) 27 SALLR 78 (LC); Anglo Platinum Ltd v CCMA and Others (2009) 30 ILJ 2396 (LC) at para [32]

RULE 29

595

7.6

RULE 29 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DISCLOSURE OF DOCUMENTS (AND OTHER EVIDENCE)

EXPOSITION OF THE RULE The rule before 1 April 2015 (1) Either party may request a commissioner to make an order as to the disclosure of relevant documents. (2) The parties may agree on the disclosure of documents. The rule from 1 April 2015 to 31 December 2018 (1) At any time after the request for arbitration, either party may request a commissioner to make an order as to the disclosure of relevant documents or other evidence. (2) The parties may agree on the disclosure of documents or other relevant evidence. The rule from 1 January 2019 (1) At any time after the request for arbitration, but not less than fourteen (14) days prior to the hearing date, either party may request the other party to disclose any documents or material relevant to the dispute. (2) The party to whom the request is made must respond to the request within five (5) days from the date on which the request was received. (3) A commissioner may either before or during the proceedings on his/her own accord, or on application, make an order as to the disclosure of relevant documents or other evidence. (4) Notwithstanding the above, the parties may agree on the disclosure of documents or other relevant evidence.

ANALYSIS OF THE RULE AND CROSS-REFERENCES TO OTHER PROVISIONS Rule 29 of the CCMA rules provides for the following:

596

RULE 29 1.

Purpose of the rule The purpose of rule 29 is to provide for a procedure in terms whereof a party to a dispute can obtain disclosure of all relevant documentation or other evidence to ensure a fair hearing. An employer party may, for example, require access to relevant documentation which is held by the union or the employee party. Relevant documents or other evidence are documents or evidence relating to any matter in question in the dispute.1 This means documents that might advance the case of the party requiring disclosure or impeach the case of the party from whom discovery is requested by providing evidence of that fact which is important to the success or the failure of the dispute. It was held by the labour court that documents are not discoverable if: (a)

they form part of the evidence supporting the case of the party objecting to discovery;

(b)

they do not support or tend to support the case of the party objecting to discovery; and

(c)

they contain nothing impeaching the case of the party objecting to the discovery.2

Thus, an obligation to discover only arises if the documents may either, directly or indirectly, enable the party requiring discovery to advance such party‟s case or if they may damage the case of his or her adversary. The viewpoint is held that the principles relating to the discovery of documents as set out above are equally applicable to the discovery of other evidence.

The test for determining this, as laid down in Compagnie Financière et Commerciale du Pacifique v Peruvian Guano Co (1882) 11 QBD 55, has often been accepted and applied in our courts. After remarking that it was desirable to give a wide interpretation to the words „a document relating to any matter in question in the action‟, Brett LJ stated the principle as follows: „It seems to me that every document relates to the matter in question in the action which, it is reasonable to suppose, contains information which may - not which must - either directly or indirectly enable the party requiring the affidavit either to advance his own case or to damage the case of his adversary. I have put in the words “either directly or indirectly” because, as it seems to me, a document can properly be said to contain information which may enable the party requiring the affidavit either to advance his own case or to damage the case of his adversary, if it is a document which may fairly lead him to a train of enquiry which may have either of these two consequences.‟ SA Typographical Union and Others v Republican Press (Pty) Ltd (1999) 20 ILJ 1602 (LC)

RULE 29

597

Documents which tend to advance the case of the party making the discovery need not be disclosed,3 provided that such party does not intend using the documents at the hearing of the matter.4 What will be regarded as a „document‟ for the purposes of this rule? Neither the LRA, nor the CCMA rules, define „document‟. The rules of discovery in the high court5 are applicable to all documents and tape recordings, which are or have been in the possession or under control of the party making discovery and a photograph is a „document‟ within the meaning of the rule relating to discovery.6 Rule 6(9) of the labour court rules, relating to discovery, refers to a document or tape recording and a tape recording includes a soundtrack, film, magnetic tape, record or other materials on which visual images, sound or other information can be recorded.7 Section 33 of the Civil Proceedings Evidence Act8 defines a document to include „any book, map, plan, drawing or photograph‟. In the law of evidence, objects, persons, sounds and similar things, which are produced to courts as items of evidence, are customarily described as real evidence, as opposed to documentary evidence. The CCMA does however not regard itself as bound by the strict rules of evidence and documentary evidence would probably be interpreted to include paper records, copies, computer print-outs, film, photographs, video recordings, emails, electronically recorded information (tapes, computer hard drives, etc), plans, diagrams, models and, in general, anything capable of recording and displaying information regardless of form or medium. What is the position if a party refuses to disclose on the basis that the document or other evidence is not in the possession or under 3

5 6

7 8

Caravan Cinemas (Pty) Ltd v London Film Productions 1951 (3) SA 671 (W); Lentz Township Co (Pty) Ltd v Munnik 1959 (2) SA 640 (W); Lentz Township Co (Pty) Ltd v Munnik 1959 (4) SA 567 (T); Ferreira v Endley 1966 (3) SA 618 (E) at 622A; Tractor v Excavator Spares (Ltd) v Groenedijk 1976 (4) SA 359 (W) at 362V-E; Rellams (Pty) Ltd v James Brown and Hamer Ltd 1983 (1) SA 556 (N) at 564A; Carpede v Choene NO 1986 (3) SA 455 (O) at 452; Quintessence Co-ordinators (Pty) Ltd v Government of the Republic of Transkei 1991 (4) SA 214 (Tk) at 216D This requirement is not expressly provided for in the rules of the CCMA but finds application in the labour and the high court – Carpede v Choene NO (supra) Rule 35 of the uniform rules of court Rule 35(15) of the uniform rules of court reads as follows: „For the purposes of rules 35 and 38 a tape recording includes a sound track, film, magnetic tape, record or any other material on which visual images, sound or other information can be recorded.‟ Rule 6(9)(c) of the labour court rules 25 of 1965

598

RULE 29 the control of such party or, alternatively, that such document or other evidence does not exist? The fact that such evidence does not exist should be made known to the opposite party so that he or she can be in a position to properly prepare for the arbitration.9 Furthermore, if such evidence is not in the possession or under the control of the party, details of the whereabouts of such evidence should be disclosed to enable the party requiring disclosure to request the commissioner to issue a subpoena in accordance with the provisions of s142 of the LRA10 read with rule 37 of the CCMA rules, requiring the person, in whose possession or under whose control the evidence is, to appear before the CCMA to produce the document. 2.

Procedure From 1 April 2015 to 31 December 2018, disclosure of documents, inclusive of other evidence, could only be obtained by agreement between the parties, failing which a commissioner could have been requested to make an order in this regard. From 1 January 2019, rule 29(4) of the CCMA rules retained the avenue entailing that the parties may agree on such disclosure. But, from such date, the newly-inserted rules 29(1), 29(2) and 29(3) of the CCMA rules have been drafted to ensure that parties are placed in possession of documents and evidence to be used at arbitration for the purpose of proper preparation, thus limiting the need to postpone matters in order to allow parties to consider documents or evidence presented on the day of the hearing.11 Obviously, nothing prevents the parties from requesting the relevant documents or other evidence to be dealt with during a pre-arbitration conference.12 Thus, disclosure may be obtained in one of the following ways, namely:

9 10

Holding, Susan v Telkom KN9951 (CCMA) Section 142(1)(a) and s142(1)(b) of the LRA read as follows: â&#x20AC;&#x17E;(1) A commissioner who has been appointed to attempt to resolve a dispute may (a) subpoena for questioning any person who may be able to give information or whose presence at the conciliation or arbitration proceedings may help to resolve the dispute; (b) subpoena any person who is believed to have possession or control of any book, document or object relevant to the resolution of the dispute, to appear before the commissioner to be questioned or to produce that book, evidence or object;â&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;&#x; Para 2.32 of the explanatory memorandum accompanying the new CCMA rules, effective from 1 January 2019 Rule 20 of the CCMA rules

RULE 29 2.1

599

Disclosure by agreement between the parties13 It is advisable that a telefax or email be addressed to the other party detailing the evidence that is required to be disclosed and, if indeed an agreement is reached in this regard, that same is reduced to writing.

2.2

Disclosure ordered by a commissioner at any time before or during the proceedings14 From 1 January 2019, a commissioner has the discretion, before or during arbitration proceedings, to make an order as to the disclosure of the relevant documents or evidence under the following circumstances: (a)

on his or her own accord; or

(b)

on application in terms of rule 31 of the CCMA rules.

In such a case, care should be taken that the relevant documents or other evidence are adequately specified or described in the supporting documents and that a case is made out that same is relevant to the dispute. 15 2.3

Compulsory disclosure16 In terms of rule 29(1) of the CCMA rules, at any time after the request for arbitration, but not less than 14 days17 prior to the hearing date, either party may request the other party to disclose any documents or material relevant to the dispute. In terms of rule 29(2) of the CCMA rules, the party to whom the request is made, in terms of rule 29(1) of the CCMA rules, is obliged to respond to the request within18 five days from the date on which the request was received. How is this period to be

13 14 15 16 17

Rule 29(4) of the CCMA rules Rule 29(3) of the CCMA rules SA Typographical Union and Others v Republican Press (Pty) Ltd (supra) Rule 29(1) read with rule 29(2) of the CCMA rules The computation of the 14-day period is to be in line with the approach adopted in interpreting such time period contained in rule 11(1)(b) of the CCMA rules The civil courts have held, in Ex parte Tredoux 1926 CPD 7; Ex parte Nel 1929 OPD 210; Suliman Mia v Bulbolia and Son Ltd 1924 (1) PH F13 and Black v Jackson’s (SA) Enterprises 1952 (2) SA 184 (W), that, where a rule or order of court prescribes that something shall be done „within‟ a particular number of days „after‟ a named day or event, the named day or the day of the event is excluded from the computation and the period starts to run from the following day, whether the word „after‟, „from‟ or „of‟ is used

600

RULE 29 calculated? In accordance with the interpretation of the civil courts, the day on which the request is received will be excluded from the calculation of the period and the period will start to run from the following day.19 This accords with the provisions of rule 3(1) of the CCMA rules to the effect that the period of time in the rules is to be computed by excluding the first day. 3.

Powers of a commissioner in terms of rule 29(3) of the CCMA rules The commissioner has a discretion to order disclosure, which is exercised based on the relevance of the evidence to the proceedings, subject to confidentiality. In this regard the provisions of s16 of the LRA and the Promotion of Access to Information Act20 are instructive.

3.1

Section 16 of the LRA Section 16 of the LRA empowers the CCMA to arbitrate a dispute about the disclosure of information relating to organisational rights and also applies to disclosure of information in the context of consultation prior to dismissal based on operational requirements. It appears that the CCMA is not competent to order such disclosure of information in circumstances where the procedures contained in s16 of the LRA have not been followed21 or in the absence of the required declaration of a dispute.22 Section 16(5) of the LRA provides: „(5)

An employer is not required to disclose information – (a) that is legally privileged; (b) that the employer cannot disclose without contravening a prohibition imposed on the employer by any law or order of any court;

20 21

Ex parte Tredoux (supra); ex parte Nel (supra); Suliman Mia v Bulbolia and Son Ltd (supra); Black v Jackson’s (SA) Enterprises (supra) 2 of 2000 Public Servants Association of SA obo Petzer v Department of Home Affairs (1996) 7 (10) SALLR 26 (CCMA) at 270 Public Servants Association on behalf of Nortier and State Attorney WE8044-02 (CCMA) where the CCMA refused an application for an order compelling the employer to disclose information where the information was required to enable the union to assess the merits of the employee‟s claim of unfair conduct concerning promotion, before declaring a dispute

RULE 29

601

(c) that is confidential and, if disclosed, may cause substantial harm to an employee or the employer; or (d) that is private personal information relating to an employee, unless that employee consents to the disclosure of that information.‟ The disclosure of information envisaged in s16 of the LRA is only afforded a majority registered trade union,23 entailing that if an employee is not a member of such union the employee will not be able to rely on s16 of the LRA to obtain the required information but will be obliged to utilise rule 29 of the CCMA rules. 3.2

3.2.1

The Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 („PAIA‟) Introduction The Promotion of Access to Information Act („PAIA‟) gives effect to the constitutional right of access to information enshrined in s32(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.24 PAIA requires records to be disclosed by private or public bodies, as defined, on request, if the requirements of PAIA are met and unless refusal to grant disclosure can be justified in terms of a mandatory or discretionary right of refusal provided for in PAIA. Despite the right of refusal, disclosure may however have to be granted if it is deemed to be in the public interest, i e if the „public interest override‟ provision applies. It is suggested that the principles underlying PAIA are to be taken into account when dealing with disclosure of information in the CCMA and the various other courts, when appropriate, and subject to any changes required by the specific circumstances of a matter.

3.2.2

Public interest override provision The „public interest override‟ provision finds application if the following two conditions are satisfied. Firstly, if such

Section 16(1) of the LRA reads as follows: „(1) For the purposes of this section, “representative trade union” means a registered trade union or two or more registered trade unions acting jointly, that have as members the majority of the employees employed by the employer in a workplace.‟ Act 108 of 1996

602

RULE 29 disclosure would either reveal evidence of a substantial contravention of, or failure to comply with, the law or, secondly, if such disclosure would reveal evidence of imminent and serious public safety or environmental risk. The first condition may hence be satisfied in either of the two ways stated. The second condition applies if the public interest, in the disclosure of the record, clearly outweighs the harm contemplated in the provision in question. Both conditions must be satisfied for the „public interest override‟ provision to apply. „Public safety and environmental risk‟ is defined to mean harm or risk to the environment or the public (including individuals in their workplace) associated with a publicly available product or service, a substance released into the environment (including the workplace) or intended for human or animal consumption, a means of public transport or an installation or manufacturing process or substance used in that installation or process. Such risk must also be imminent and serious. It will not automatically follow that if the first condition has been satisfied, the second condition would necessarily also be satisfied. This provision contemplates dual inquiries. It may thus be possible that a public interest in the disclosure of a record, that reveals evidence of an imminent and serious public safety or environmental risk, may not clearly outweigh the harm contemplated. 3.2.3

Ground for refusal of access to records Access can or may be refused in respect on the following grounds: (1)

mandatory protection of the privacy of third persons;

(2)

mandatory protection of commercial information of a third party;

(3)

mandatory protection of certain confidential information of a third party under a non-disclosure agreement;

(4)

mandatory protection of safety of individuals and protection of property;

RULE 29

603

(5)

mandatory protection of records privileged from production in legal proceedings;

(6)

protection of commercial information of the business; and

(7)

mandatory protection of research information of a third party and protection of research information of the business.

These specific grounds of refusal are provided for in PAIA in the following manner: (1)

Privacy of third persons25 In terms of this ground for refusal, access to a record must be refused if disclosure would result in the unreasonable disclosure of personal information about a third party, including a deceased individual. This is a mandatory provision and the head of the private body must refuse disclosure if the criteria are met. Personal information is broadly defined in PAJA to mean: â&#x20AC;&#x17E;information about an identifiable including but not limited to â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

individual,

(a) information relating to the race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, national, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental health, well-being, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth of the individual; (b) information relating to the education or the medical, criminal or employment history of the individual or information relating to the financial transactions in which the individual has been involved; (c) any identifying number, symbol or other particulars assigned to the individual; (d) the address, fingerprints or blood type of the individual; 25

Section 63 of PAIA

604

RULE 29 (e) the personal opinions, views or preferences of the individual, except where they are about another individual or about a proposal for a grant, award or a prize to be made to another individual; (f)

correspondence sent by the individual that is implicitly or explicitly of a private or confidential nature or further correspondence that would reveal the contents of the original correspondence;

(g) the views or opinions of another individual about the individual; (h) the views or opinions of another individual about a proposal for a grant, an award or a prize to be made to the individual, but excluding the name of the other individual where it appears with the views or opinions of the other individual; and (i)

the name of the individual where it appears with other personal information relating to the individual or where the disclosure of the name itself would reveal information about the individual.â&#x20AC;&#x;

Personal information excludes information about an individual who has been dead for more than 20 years. Furthermore, access to a record may not be refused if it consists of certain information listed in PAJA.26 These relate to information:

Section 63(2) of PAJA

(a)

about an individual who has consented in writing to its disclosure to the requester concerned;

(b)

already publicly available;

(c)

given to the business by an individual to whom it relates and the individual was informed by or on behalf of the business, before it was given, that the information belongs to the class of

RULE 29

605

information that would or might be made available to the public;

(d)

about an individual‟s physical or mental health, or well-being and if the disclosure thereof will be in the individual‟s best interests. This applies to an individual who is under the care of the requester and who is younger than 18 years or incapable of understanding the nature of the request;

(e)

about a deceased individual and requested by the individual‟s next of kin27 or with their written consent; or

(f)

about an individual who is or was in the employ (permanently or temporarily and full-time or part-time) of the private body, including the head of the private body in his or her capacity as such, or a member of the private body, in his or her capacity as such. The information must thus relate to the position or functions of the individual, including, but not limited to: (i)

the fact that the individual is or was so employed, the head or a member of the business, i e an official of the private body;

(ii)

the title, work address, work phone number and other similar particulars of the individual;

(iii)

the classification, salary scale, remuneration and responsibilities of the position held or services performed by the individual; and

„Next of kin‟ is defined in PAIA to mean: „(a) an individual to whom the individual was married immediately before the individual‟s death; (b) an individual with whom the individual lived as if they were married immediately before the individual‟s death; (c) a parent, child, brother or sister of the individual; or (d) if there is no next of kin as defined, or the requester concerned took all reasonable steps to locate such next of kin, but was unsuccessful, an individual who is related to the individual in the second degree of affinity or consanguinity.‟

606

RULE 29 (iv)

(2)

the name of the individual on a record prepared by the individual in the course of employment.

Commercial information of a third party28 This ground of refusal protects from disclosure, access to trade secrets or confidential information29 about another person, including a business, other than the requester. The ground of refusal contains a mandatory refusal of a request for access to a record of the business if the record contains: (a)

trade secrets of a third party;

(b)

financial, commercial, scientific or technical information, other than trade secrets, of a third party if the disclosure thereof would likely cause harm to the commercial or financial interests of that third party; or

(c)

information supplied in confidence by a third party and if the disclosure thereof could reasonably be expected to put that third party at a disadvantage in contractual or other negotiations, or to prejudice that third party in commercial competition.

Disclosure may, however, not be refused if the third party has consented thereto in writing or if the â&#x20AC;&#x17E;public interest overrideâ&#x20AC;&#x; provision finds application. Disclosure may also not be refused if the record consists of information meeting two requirements, namely: firstly, the information must be about the results of any product or environmental testing or other investigation supplied by a third party, and secondly, its disclosure would reveal a serious public safety or environmental 28 29

Section 64 of PAIA In Walter McNaughtan (Pty) Ltd and Others v Schwartz and Others (2004) 25 ILJ 1039 (C), in an application to the high court to interdict the first respondent from continuing to act in breach of an agreement in restraint of trade, the court held that whether information constitutes a trade secret is a factual question (Mossgas (Pty) Ltd v Sasol Technology (Pty) Ltd [1999] 3 All SA 321 (W) at 333f ) and for information to be confidential, it must (a) be capable of application in trade or industry, that is, it must be useful; not be public knowledge and property; (b) it must be known only to a restricted number of people or a closed circle; and (c) be of economic value to the person seeking to protect it (Townsend Productions (Pty) Ltd v Leech and Others 2001 (4) SA 33 (C) at 53J-54B)

RULE 29

607

risk as defined. These results do not include the results of preliminary testing or other investigation conducted for the purpose of developing methods of testing or other investigation. PAJA contemplates dual inquiries and both requirements must be met for the exemption to apply. (3)

Confidential information of a third party30 In terms of the ground of refusal, it is mandatory to refuse access to a record if disclosure would breach the duty of confidentiality in an agreement. Thus, access to information under a non-disclosure agreement entered into between the business and a third party (another person or business) must be refused. Disclosure may only be given if the third party consents thereto in writing, unless the „public interest override‟ provision applies, in which case disclosure is peremptory.

(4)

Safety of individuals and the protection of property31 Subject to the „public interest protection‟ provision, this ground of refusal provides for a mandatory right of refusal on grounds of endangerment of life or physical safety of an individual and refusal may, furthermore, be based on the grounds of security or protection of buildings, security systems and the like. The head of a private body has no discretion and must refuse disclosure of a record if such disclosure could reasonably be expected to endanger the life or physical safety of an individual. Disclosure of a record may be refused if such disclosure would be likely to prejudice or impair the security of a building, structure or system, including, but not limited to, a computer or communication system or the security of a means of transport or any other property. Likewise, disclosure may be refused if the disclosure of the record would be likely to impair or prejudice methods, systems, plans or procedures for the protection of an individual in accordance with a witness protection scheme, the safety of the public, or any part of the public or the security of a building, structure or system, including, but not limited

30 31

Section 65 of PAIA Section 66 of PAIA

608

RULE 29 to, a computer or communication system or the security of a means of transport or any other property. (5)

Records privileged proceedings32

from

production

legal

This mandatory ground of refusal provides that a request for access to a record privileged from production in legal proceedings must be refused, unless there has been a waiver of privilege by the person entitled thereto. Although this ground of refusal is subject to the public interest override provision, the privilege in legal proceedings exemption appears to cover material covered by privilege, whether or not the legal proceedings have commenced. It, hence, goes beyond the coverage of s7 of PAIA (the pending criminal or civil proceedings blanket exemption). The phrase â&#x20AC;&#x17E;privileged from the production in legal proceedingsâ&#x20AC;&#x; is not defined in PAIA or the LRA. It is therefore necessary to look at the common law and the law of evidence to give effect to this ground of refusal. In terms of the law of evidence, statements, which are made expressly or impliedly without prejudice in the course of bona fide negotiations for the settlement of a dispute, are privileged and can only be disclosed with the consent of both the maker and recipient thereof. The rationale for the rule is public policy, in that parties to disputes should be encouraged to avoid litigation by resolving their differences amicably in full and frank discussions without the fear that should the negotiations fail, admissions made by them during such discussions will be used against them in ensuing litigation.33 The applicable privilege will also apply to legal professional privilege. This privilege protects from disclosure communications between the business and its legal adviser which are made in confidence for the purpose of enabling the business to obtain legal advice. If the advice is required in connection with contemplated litigation, the privilege will also extend to statements 32 33

Section 67 of PAIA Kapeller v Rondalia Versekeringskorporasie van SA Bpk 1964 (4) SA 722 (T); Naidoo v Marine and Trade Insurance Co Ltd 1978 (3) SA 666 (A) at 67; Tshabalala v President Versekeringsmaatskappy Bpk 1987 (4) SA 72 (T) at 75F

RULE 29

609

which the business or legal adviser has obtained from third parties for the same purpose. However, records will only be privileged if the dominant or primary purpose for which they were made, was for submission to the business‟s legal adviser as material upon which to enable such legal adviser to advise. If the record was made for submission to the legal adviser, if necessary, privilege cannot be claimed.34 Records of communications between the business and a non-professional agent or third party will only be privileged, if made for the purpose of litigation, existing or contemplated, and in answer to inquiries made by the business, as the agent for or at the request or suggestion of its legal adviser, and for the purpose of being laid before the legal adviser for the purpose of obtaining legal advice or to enable the legal adviser to conduct a legal action.35 Unless these requirements are fulfilled, records of communications will not be privileged between a head office and a branch office;36 or from an assessor to his principals;37 or from an architect to his client;38 or between an agent and his principal,39 such as between an employer and undercover agents who have been contracted by the employer to obtain evidence to dismiss employees for the removal of items from the employer‟s premises;40 or in respect of a document addressed by an employee to Legalwise, an insurance company providing insurance cover against costs of litigation to members.41 Professional privilege is thus confined to legal advisers. A doctor cannot

34 35

38 39 40 41

General Accident, Fire and Life Assurance Corp Ltd v Goldberg 1912 TPD 494 United Tobacco Companies (South) Ltd v International Tobacco Co of SA Ltd 1953 (1) SA 66 (T), where a plaintiff in an action for defamation and injurious falsehood, applied for the disclosure of certain reports which the defendant company had obtained from its agents concerning their activities; Potter v South British Insurance Co Ltd 1963 (3) SA 5 (W); A Sweden and King (Pty) Ltd v Zim Israel Navigation Co Ltd 1986 (1) SA 515 (D) Rainsford v African Banking Corp Ltd 1912 CPD 729; Caldwell v Western Assurance Co 1916 WLD 11 General Accident, Fire and Life Assurance Corp Ltd v Goldberg 1912 TPD 494, where an insurance company claimed privilege for the report of the fire assessor who had investigated a claim Moffat v SA Breweries Ltd 1912 WLD 104 United Tobacco Companies (South) Ltd v International Tobacco Co of SA Ltd 1953 (1) SA 66 (T) SA Typographical Union and Others v Republican Press (Pty) Ltd (supra) Ntshanga v SA Breweries Ltd (2003) 24 ILJ 1404 (LC), where the court held that the document was not submitted to obtain legal advice but to enable Legalwise to assess the employee‟s request for assistance

610

RULE 29 claim privilege for confidential communications from his patients,42 nor can an accountant.43 (6)

Commercial information of the entity in respect of which access to records is requested44 Subject to the „public interest override‟ provision, this discretionary ground of refusal offers protection against the disclosure of records of the business in four instances. Firstly, the ground of refusal protects disclosure of records which contain trade secrets of the business. Secondly, records that contain financial, commercial, scientific or technical information of the business may be refused if such disclosure would be likely to cause harm to the commercial or financial interests of the business. Thirdly, disclosure of records can also be refused if it contains information and the disclosure thereof could reasonably be expected to put the business at a disadvantage in contractual or other negotiations, or be prejudicial to the business in commercial competition. Lastly, disclosure of a computer program45 owned by the business can also be refused. This will however not apply to the extent that the business is required to give access to a record to which access is granted in terms of PAIA. As is the case in the other provisions dealing with grounds for refusal, the exemption will not apply if disclosure would reveal a serious public safety or environmental risk as defined. This will apply to disclosure of a record consisting of information about the results of any product or environmental testing or other investigation supplied to the business. It however does not relate to results of preliminary testing or other investigation conducted, for the purpose of developing methods of testing or other investigation.

42 43 44 45

Parkes v Parkes 1916 CPD 702 Chantrey Martin v Martin [1953] 2 QB 286 (CA), [1952] 2 All ER 691 Section 68 of PAIA The meaning of „computer program‟ is the meaning of such term as defined in s1 of the Copyright Act 98 of 1978, namely: „a set of instructions fixed or stored in any manner and which, when used directly or indirectly in a computer, directs its operation to bring about a result‟

RULE 29 (7)

611

Research information46 Subject to the â&#x20AC;&#x17E;public interest overrideâ&#x20AC;&#x; provision, this mandatory provision offers protection against the disclosure of records if the records contain information about research being, or to be carried out by or on behalf of a third party, and if disclosure would likely be to the serious disadvantage of the third party, a person that is or will be carrying out the research on behalf of the third party or the subject matter of the research. If a request relating to the above is received, all reasonable steps must be taken to inform such third party of the request. The third party can consent or object to disclosure of the records. If the records contain similar information and the research is being, or is to be carried out by or on behalf of the business, the business has a discretion whether to refuse or allow disclosure of the record. The purpose of the protection and the serious disadvantage guarded against is presumably to protect researchers from the harm of losing the opportunity to publish their research and derive the benefits from it.

Issues not dealt with

4.1

Consequences of failure to disclose documents A party may fail to comply with the obligation to disclose in terms of rule 29(2) of the CCMA rules. Likewise, a party may agree to disclosure in terms of rule 29(4) of the CCMA rules and, thereafter, fail to comply with such agreement. In both these instances, the commissioner may, in terms of rule 29(3) of the CCMA rules, deal with such failure on his or her own account or on application in terms of rule 31 of the CCMA rules. The rule, however, does not regulate the consequences of failure to comply with such an order or the consequences of an aggrieved partyâ&#x20AC;&#x;s failure to apply for such an order or, alternatively, the commissioner on his or her own account not making such order. The rule in the high court dealing with discovery is permissive in that a party is not obliged to compel his or her opponent to give discovery.

Section 69 of PAIA

612

RULE 29 However, as discovery is a procedure designed for the benefit of the parties, failure to take advantage of the procedure may result in a disorderly presentation of the case at the hearing and the court may show its disapproval of a party‟s failure to apply for discovery by an adverse order as to costs.47 The rules of the labour and civil courts expressly provide that a party that has failed to make discovery of a document, may not, except with the leave of the court granted on whatever terms the court deems fit, use such document for any purpose at the hearing. In these circumstances, the document may, however, be used by a person other than the person who was obliged to disclose it.48 It may be prudent for a party seeking an order for disclosure, to request the commissioner to make a specific order setting out the consequences of failure to comply with the order along these lines and that a time-frame be provided within which disclosure is to be made. Furthermore, in the civil courts, failure to discover may result in an order compelling discovery and, failing compliance with such order, dismissal of the claim or striking out of a defence.49 There is, however, no provision for such a drastic measure in the labour court rules and the CCMA rules.

REFERENCE TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS APPLICABLE IN COURTS OF LAW Labour court Rule 6(9)(b) of the labour court rules provides for the discovery of documents in a similar way as in rule 29 of the CCMA rules, applicable from 1 April 2015 to 31 December 2018, i e by agreement or, failing such agreement, by order of court including an order as to costs.50 Discovery

47 48

Pelidis v Ndhlamuti 1969 (3) SA 563 (R) Rule 35(4) of the uniform rules of court reads as follows: „A document or tape recording not disclosed as aforesaid may not, save with the leave of the court granted on such terms as to it may seem meet, be used for any purpose at the trial by the party who was obliged but failed to disclose it, provided that any other party may use such document or tape recording.‟ Rule 35(7) of the uniform rules of court reads as follows: „If any party fails to give discovery as aforesaid or, having been served with a notice under subrule (6), omits to give notice of a time for inspection as aforesaid or fails to give inspection as required by that subrule, the party desiring the discovery or inspection may apply to a court, which may order compliance with this rule and, failing such compliance, may dismiss the claim or strike out the defence.‟ Rule 6(9)(b) of the labour court rules reads as follows:

RULE 29

613

relates to documents and tape recordings and a tape recording includes a soundtrack, film, magnetic tape, record or other materials on which visual images, sound or other information can be recorded.51 In terms of rule 6(9)(a) of the labour court rules, a failure to disclose any document or recording may result in a party not being permitted to use same during the hearing, unless the court grants leave for such use.52 It is to be noted that rule 29 of the CCMA rules relates to the discovery of relevant documents, material or evidence, whereas the aforesaid rule of the labour court is restricted to documents and a „tape recording‟ as defined in rule 6(9)(c) of the labour court rules. High court Discovery procedures are provided for in rule 35 of the uniform rules of court. Unlike the provisions in the CCMA and the labour court rules, a party in an action may require the opposite party to state in the form of an affidavit what documents or tape recordings relating to any matter in question in the action (whether such matter is one arising between the party requiring discovery and the party required to make discovery or not) are or have, at any time, been in the possession or under control of such party.53 The discovery affidavit must specify:

51 52

53 54

(a)

the documents or tape recordings in the possession of the party or his or her agent;

(b)

the documents or tape recordings which he or she, or his or her agent, had but no longer has in his or her possession at the date of the affidavit; and

(c)

such documents or tape recordings in respect of which he or she has a valid objection to produce, such as statements of witnesses taken for the purpose of proceedings, communications between attorney and client and between attorney and advocate.54

„If the parties cannot reach an agreement regarding the discovery of documents and tape recordings, either party may apply to the court for an appropriate order, including an order as to costs.‟ Rule 6(9)(c) of the labour court rules Rule 6(9)(a) of the labour court rules reads as follows: „A document or tape recording not disclosed may not, except with the leave of the court granted on whatever terms the court deems fit, be used for any purpose at the hearing by the person who was obliged to disclose it, except that the document or tape recording may be used by a person other than the person who was obliged to disclose it.‟ Rule 35(1) of the uniform rules of court Rule 35(2) of the uniform rules of court

614

RULE 29 Although rule 35(1) of the uniform rules of court requires a party to make discovery „of all documents and tape recordings relating to any matter in question in such action‟, this phrase has been interpreted by the courts to mean that documents which tend to advance only the case of the party making discovery, need not be disclosed, provided that such a party does not intend using the documents at the trial. Similar to the content of rule 6(9)(a) of the labour court rules, a party is not entitled to use a document or tape recording at trial, unless it has been discovered or the court has granted leave for same to be used. The opposite party is also entitled to inspect documents and tape recordings discovered and to make copies thereof. If on receipt of the discovery affidavit, the party that requested discovery believes that there are additional documents or tape recordings to be discovered, he or she may call on the opposite party to make same available or to state by affidavit the whereabouts of such documents or tape recordings, if they are not in the possession of the party.55 If a document is in the possession of a third party, the third party cannot be compelled to disclose the document but can only be required, by subpoena duces tecum, to bring the document to the trial. Failure to discover may result in an order compelling discovery and, failing compliance with such order, dismissal of the claim or striking out of the defence. Magistrate‟s court Rule 23 of the magistrates‟ courts rules contains similar provisions regarding discovery as provided for in the uniform rules of court.

CASE LAW 1.

Requirements to obtain disclosure of relevant documents In SA Typographical Union and Others v Republican Press (Pty) Ltd,56 in circumstances where the respondent employer had relied exclusively on the evidence of two undercover agents given in camera at disciplinary enquiries to dismiss the applicant employees for the removal of items from the employer‟s premises, the applicants sought an order compelling the employer to discover the following documents: (a) memoranda concerning the operations undertaken by the undercover agents; (b) a copy of any writing embodying any contractual arrangements between the

55 56

Rule 35(3) of the uniform rules of court (1999) 20 ILJ 1602 (LC)

RULE 29

615

undercover agents and the employer; and (c) copies of the records of all other disciplinary proceedings in which any of the undercover witnesses gave evidence. The employer resisted the application on the premise that discovery would reveal the identity of the agents and therefore render nugatory an intended application for leave to lead their evidence in camera at trial. Principles laid down or confirmed In dealing with the matter, the labour court adopted the following approach: (a)

the approach to discovery in the labour court should be similar to that in the high court;

(b)

the prevailing principle governing discovery in the high court is that documents are not discoverable if (i) they form part of the evidence supporting the case of the party objecting to discovery; (ii) they do not support or tend to support the case of the party objecting to discovery; and (iii) they contain nothing impeaching the case of the party objecting to discovery;

(c)

the employerâ&#x20AC;&#x;s main objection to the discovery of the documents was that they were either privileged or not discoverable;

(d)

a court will not readily compel a party to discover privileged documents. However, a party claiming privilege must set out in sufficient details the grounds on which privilege is claimed;

(e)

the court found that the memoranda concerning the operation undertaken by the undercover agents were communications between principal and agent. The general rule is that these communications are not privileged, unless they are made when litigation is pending or anticipated and they relate to evidence likely to be produced at the trial by the principal. Since the communications between the employer and the undercover agents were not made when litigation was pending or in contemplation of litigation, they were not privileged;

616

RULE 29 (f)

the court was also not persuaded that these documents were not otherwise discoverable. It was clear that the documents were relevant and that their discovery would lead to a train of enquiry which might, ultimately, serve to advance the applicants‟ case or to impeach the employer‟s case;

(g)

regarding the disclosure of writings embodying any contractual arrangements between the employer and the agents, the court found that such documents could not be regarded as communications between those parties, that they were documents regulating the parties‟ relationship and that the party seeking disclosure had to satisfy the court of the documents‟ relevance. The applicants had failed to do this and these documents were, accordingly, not discoverable;

(h)

regarding the disclosure of documents relating to the evidence of the agents at other disciplinary enquiries, the court found that the relevance of these documents related to the modus operandi of the agents and questions of their credibility and reliability. The employer was thus not justified in refusing to discover these documents;

(i)

the court, accordingly, found that two of the three categories of documents had to be disclosed by the employer; and

(j)

the court, however, ordered that discovery be held in abeyance pending the outcome of the employer‟s application to lead the evidence of the undercover agents in camera.

SECTION TWO

________________________________________________________________

PRESCRIBED FORMS

813

SECTION TWO: PRESCRIBED FORMS RELEVANT TO CCMA RULES

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.

LRA Form 4.2A – Referring a dispute arising from negotiations concerning a minimum service agreement for determination ........................................................................................ 816

LRA Form 4.6 – Subpoena by essential service committee ................. 818

LRA Form 4.7A – Interested party‟s request for essential services investigation (including a s71(9) variation) ............................ 819

LRA Form 4.8 – Request for ratification of a minimum service agreement ................................................................................. 821

LRA Form 4.9 – Application to vary/cancel a maintenance service designation................................................................................ 823

LRA Form 7.1 – Application by council for accreditation/renewal of accreditation .................................................. 825

LRA Form 7.11 – Referring a dispute to the CCMA for conciliation (including con-arb)............................................................ 828

Annexure „A‟ to LRA Form 7.11 – information relevant for the determination of picketing rules ..................................................... 833

LRA Form 7.12 – Certificate of outcome of dispute referred to conciliation ...................................................................................... 835

10.

LRA Form 7.13 – Request for arbitration ............................................. 836

11.

LRA Form 7.14 – Notice of objection to arbitration by same commissioner ........................................................................................ 838

12.

LRA Form 7.15 – Application to appoint senior commissioner to arbitrate...................................................................... 839

13.

LRA Form 7.16 – Subpoena ................................................................. 840

14.

LRA Form 7.18 – Application to certify CCMA award ....................... 841

814

PRESCRIBED FORMS

815

15.

LRA Form 7.18A – Application to certify bargaining council award..................................................................................................... 844

16.

LRA Form 7.19 – Request for inquiry by arbitration ........................... 847

17.

LRA Form 7.20 – Request for s189A operational requirements facilitation ....................................................................... 850

18.

LRA Form 7.21 – Request for advisory award on whether a person is an employee ........................................................................... 854

19.

LRA Form 7.22 – Acceptance/rejection of advisory arbitration award, request for extension or for the panel to reconvene .............................................................................................. 857

20.

LRA Form 7.23 – Application for extension of the conciliation period ................................................................................ 859

21.

LRA Form 7.25 - Conciliation outcome report (attachment to certificate of outcome) ...................................................................... 861

22.

BCEA Form 9 – Written undertaking ................................................... 863

23.

BCEA Form 12 – Compliance order..................................................... 864

24.

BCEA Form 14A – Certificate of appointment in terms of s63 of the BCEA ................................................................................... 865

25.

BCEA Form 14B – Appointment as labour inspector .......................... 866

26.

BCEA Form 15 – Application for a written undertaking/compliance order to be made an arbitration award..................................................................................................... 867

SECTION THREE

________________________________________________________________

REGULATIONS MADE BY THE CCMA, GUIDELINES ISSUED AND REGULATIONS PUBLISHED BY THE MINISTER OF LABOUR AND THE CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE: COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, INDUSTRIAL ACTION AND PICKETING

869

SECTION THREE: REGULATIONS MADE BY THE CCMA, GUIDELINES ISSUED AND REGULATIONS PUBLISHED BY THE MINISTER OF LABOUR AND THE CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE: COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, INDUSTRIAL ACTION AND PICKETING

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.

Picketing regulations issued in terms of s208 of the LRA, per Government Gazette number 42121 of 19 December 2018 .................. 871

Guidelines on balloting for strikes or lockouts issued in terms of s95(9) of the LRA, per Government Gazette number 42121 of 19 December 2018............................................................................ 885

Regulations to the NMWA, published in terms of s16 of such Act per Government Gazette number 42124 of 19 December 2018 ...................................................................................................... 890

Code of Good Practice: Collective Bargaining, Industrial Action and Picketing, per Government Gazette number 42121 of 19 December 2018............................................................................ 906

870

906

CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE

CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE: COLLECTIVE INDUSTRIAL ACTION AND PICKETING1

BARGAINING,

CONTENTS PART A: INTRODUCTION ........................................................................ 908 1.

Intention and interpretation .................................................................. 908

Context ................................................................................................. 908

Purpose ................................................................................................ 909

PART B: COLLECTIVE BARGAINING ................................................. 909 4.

Collective bargaining and disputes of mutual interest .......................... 909

Fundamental commitments .................................................................. 911

Promotion of collective bargaining ...................................................... 912

Principles of good faith bargaining ...................................................... 913

Development and support for negotiators ............................................ 915

Preparing for negotiations .................................................................... 915

10.

Submission of demands and responses ................................................ 917

11.

Commencement of negotiations .......................................................... 918

12.

Use of facilitators ................................................................................. 918

13.

Disclosure of information .................................................................... 919

PART C: WORKPLACE DEMOCRACY AND DIALOGUE ................ 920 14.

Object ................................................................................................... 920

15.

Measures to promote employee participation and dialogue in the workplace ....................................................................................... 920

PART D: INDUSTRIAL ACTION: STRIKES AND LOCKOUTS ........ 922 16.

Constitutional context .......................................................................... 922

17.

Disputes in respect of which industrial action may be exercised ......... 923 Disputes of right, mutual interest and those involving socioeconomic interests ............................................................................... 923 What disputes may form the subject matter of a strike or lockout .................................................................................................. 925

18.

Conciliation of mutual interest disputes .............................................. 925

19.

Ballot of members ................................................................................ 926

Issued by the National Economic Development and Labour Council („NEDLAC‟) in terms of s203(1) of the LRA in Government Gazette No 42121 of 19 December 2018

CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE

907

20.

Notice of the commencement of the strike or lockout ......................... 927

21.

Who may strike .................................................................................... 928

22.

Strikes or lockouts in respect of employees residing on employer premises ............................................................................... 928

23.

Peace and stability and communication during a strike or a lockout ................................................................................................. 930

PART E: PICKETING ................................................................................. 931 24.

Introduction .......................................................................................... 931

25.

Authorisation ....................................................................................... 932

26.

Purpose of the picket ............................................................................ 932

27.

No picketing unless rules agreed or determined .................................. 933

28.

Agreed picketing rules ......................................................................... 933

29.

Default picketing rules ......................................................................... 934

30.

Pickets on employer premises or in other designated areas ................. 934

31.

Dissemination of picketing rules .......................................................... 935

32.

Conduct in the picket ........................................................................... 935

33.

Peace obligation and the role of police ................................................ 936

34.

Peace obligation and role of private security officers .......................... 938

35.

General rights, obligations and immunity ............................................ 939

ANNEXURE A – GOOD FAITH DECLARATION ......................................940 ANNEXURE B – DEFAULT PICKETING RULES ..................................... 942 ANNEXURE 1 - DESCRIPTION OF PLACE OR PLACES FOR THE PICKET ................................................................................................. 949 ANNEXURE 2 - NAMES AND DETAILS OF PARTICIPANTS .............. 950

PRACTICE MANUAL OF THE LABOUR COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA

This directive comes into effect from 2 April 2013. INDEX 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 10.9 10.10 10.11 11. 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6 11.7 11.8 12. 13. 14. 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 15. 16.

Introduction ......................................................................................... 1018 Application of Practice Manual .......................................................... 1018 Definitions .......................................................................................... 1019 Compliance with the Practice Manual ................................................ 1019 Court term and recess ......................................................................... 1019 Dress code ........................................................................................... 1019 Mode of address and introduction ...................................................... 1020 Court sittings ...................................................................................... 1021 Format of legal process ...................................................................... 1021 Referrals in terms of Rule 6 and trial procedures .............................. 1021 Default judgment ........................................................................... 1021 Case management .......................................................................... 1022 Interlocutory applications .............................................................. 1023 Pre-trial conferences and set downs .............................................. 1023 Pagination, index, binding and general preparation ...................... 1026 Bundles of documents prepared for trial ....................................... 1027 Practice note for trials .................................................................... 1028 Roll-call ......................................................................................... 1029 Continuous roll .............................................................................. 1029 Part-heard matters ......................................................................... 1030 Settlement agreements and draft orders ........................................ 1030 Motion proceedings (excluding urgent matters) ................................. 1031 Case management .......................................................................... 1031 Application to review awards and rulings ...................................... 1032 Winding up of Trade Unions or Employersâ&#x20AC;&#x; Organisations .......... 1033 Filing of answering and replying affidavits ................................... 1034 Index, pagination, binding and general preparation ...................... 1035 Heads of argument ........................................................................ 1036 Postponements ............................................................................... 1037 Practice note in motion proceedings .............................................. 1037 Urgent matters .................................................................................... 1038 Contempt of Court .............................................................................. 1040 General provisions .............................................................................. 1042 Service ........................................................................................... 1042 Settlement ...................................................................................... 1043 Noting judgment ............................................................................ 1043 Striking matters off the roll ............................................................ 1044 Ex tempore judgments ................................................................... 1044 Application for leave to appeal ........................................................... 1044 Archiving files .................................................................................... 1044 1016

PRACTICE MANUAL OF THE LABOUR COURT 17. 18.

1017

Pro bono exemption ............................................................................1045 Pro-Forma documents .........................................................................1046

SECTION SIX

________________________________________________________________

RULES OF THE LABOUR APPEAL COURT

1050

SECTION SIX: RULES OF THE LABOUR APPEAL COURT

[These rules were first published in GN 1666 of 14 October 1996, amended by GN R962 of 11 July 1997, by GN 1101 of 4 September 1998 and by GN 264 of 5 March 1999] TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 5 5A 6 7 8 9 10

Definitions ......................................................................................... 1052 Sittings of the court ............................................................................ 1052 Registrarâ&#x20AC;&#x;s office hours ....................................................................... 1053 Petitions for leave to appeal ............................................................... 1053 Procedure on appeal ........................................................................... 1054 Appeal from the industrial court ......................................................... 1057 Powers of attorney ............................................................................. 1058 Submissions by an amicus curiae ...................................................... 1058 Date of hearing ................................................................................... 1060 Heads of argument .............................................................................. 1060 Labour Appeal Court sitting as a court of first instance in terms of section 175 of the Act .................................................................... 1061 11 Failure to appear at an appeal hearing ................................................ 1061 12 General ............................................................................................... 1061 12A Appeal from Defence Special Tribunal .............................................. 1062 13 Costs and fees .................................................................................... 1062 14 Commencement of rules .................................................................... 1062

1051

TABLE OF CASES

A A Hardrodt SA (Pty) Ltd v Behardien and Another (2002) 23 ILJ 1229 (LAC) .......................................................................................................... 191 A Sweden and King (Pty) Ltd v Zim Israel Navigation Co Ltd 1986 (1) SA 515 (D) .................................................................................................. 609 AA Ball (Pty) Ltd v Kolisi and the CCMA (Western Cape) (1998) 19 ILJ 795 (LC); (1997) 8 (8) SALLR 73 (LC) ................................................. 506 Aarons v University of Stellenbosch (2003) 24 ILJ 1123 (LC)........................ 410 ABC Telesales v Pasmans (2001) 22 ILJ 624 (LAC); [2001] 4 BLLR 385 (LAC) ............................................................................................. 70, 216 Abdool Latieb and Co v Jones 1918 TPD 190..........................221, 229, 486, 748 Abrahamse and Sons v SA Railway and Harbours 1933 CPD 626 ................. 525 ABSA Makelaars (Edms) Bpk v Santam Versekeringsmaatskappy Bpk and Another (2003) 24 ILJ 1484 (T) ........................................................... 252 Adams and M and R Aluminium Castings MEPE 123 (BCA) ......................... 299 Adams v National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry and Others C700/16, 7/09/2018....................................... 64 Adrian Simmers v Campbell Scientific Africa (Pty) Ltd, Joseph Wilson Thee NO and the CCMA (2014) 35 ILJ 2866 (LC); [2014] 8 BLLR 815 (LC); (2014) 25 SALLR 399 (LC)......................................................... 459 Aeroquip SA (Pty) Ltd v Gross and Others [2009] 3 All SA 264 (GNP) .......................................................................................................... 651 African Farms and Townships v CT Municipality 1963 (2) SA 555 (AD) ............................................................................................................ 782 Afrox Ltd v Laka and Others (1999) 20 ILJ 1732 (LC); [1999] 5 BLLR 467 (LC) ..................................................................... 95, 546, 548, 550 AHI Employersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Organisation obo Members v CCMA and Others [2012] ZALCJHB 111 ................................................................................... 72 Algoa Bus Co v SATAWU and Others [2010] 2 BLLR 149 (LC) .................... 194 Allround Tooling (Pty) Ltd v NUMSA [1998] 8 BLLR 847 (LAC) ......... 192, 396 Alluvial Creak, Limited 1929 CPD 523 ........................................................... 780 Alternative Finance Ltd v Adair NO and Others [1998] 10 BLLR 1011 (LC) ............................................................................................ 191, 317 Amalgamated Engineering Union v Minister of Labour 1949 (3) SA 637 (A) ................................................................................................ 565, 570 Amalgamated Pharmaceuticals Ltd v Grobler NO and Others (2004) 25 ILJ 523 (LC) ........................................................................................... 313 AMCU v Chamber of Mines acting in its own name and obo Harmony Gold Mining Co (Pty) Ltd and Others (2017) 38 ILJ 831 (CC); (2017) 28 SALLR 1 (CC) ..................................................................... 120, 259 Amod v SA Newveld Fire and General Insurance Co Ltd 1971 (2) SA 611 (N) ........................................................................................................ 671 1063

Anderson Transport (Pty) Ltd v Maqhina and Others (2003) 24 ILJ 522 (LC) .......................................................................................................512 Anglo Platinum Ltd v M Mapitsa amd Others [2011] 11 BLLR 1048 (LC) ..............................................................................................................195 Anisminic Ltd v Foreign Compensation Commission [1969] 2 AC 147 (HL) ......................................................................................................251, 497 Annandale Building Materials (Pty) Ltd t/a Altocrete Brickworks and Another v National Union of Mineworkers (2003) 24 ILJ 528 (LC) ............265 Apollo Tyres South Africa (Pty) Ltd v CCMA [2013] 5 BLLR 434 (LAC); (2013) 24 SALLR 27 (LAC)..................................... 283, 327, 499, 501 Aramugam Johannesburg City Council 1979 (1) SA 972 (W) ........................580 Arderne and Co v Egan and Power (1899) 16 SC 226 ....................................121 Armato Foods (Pty) Ltd v Tucker NO and Others (1999) 4 LLD 686 (LC) ..............................................................................................................781 Armscor v Murphy NO 1999 (4) SA 755 (C) ...................................................290 Arnott v Kunene Solutions and Services (Pty) Ltd (2002) 23 ILJ 1367 (LC); [2002] 8 BLLR 722 (LC) ................................................... 192, 194, 195 Asara Wine Estate v Van Rooyen (2012) 33 ILJ 363 (LC) ............... 280, 281, 327 Astral Operations Ltd v Parry (2008) 29 ILJ 2668 (LAC).................................34 Attorney-General, Transvaal v Moores (SA) (Pty) Ltd 1957 (1) SA 190 (AD) ......................................................................................................273 Avbob Mutual Assurance Society v Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, Bloemfontein and Others (2003) 24 ILJ 535 (LC) .......................................................................................................251 Avgold - Target Division v CCMA and Others (2010) ILJ 294 (LC); [2010] 2 BLLR 149 (LC) .............................................................................191 Avroy Shlain Cosmetics (Pty) Ltd v Kok and the CCMA (1998) 19 ILJ 336 (LC); (1997) 8 (6) SALLR 67 (LC) ........................................ 250, 496, 654 AWAWU obo Lotter v SAFCOL [2002] 5 BALR 470 (CCMA) .......................502 B Baard v Estate Board 1928 CPD 505 ...............................................................571 Babili and Denel Training Academy and Aero Manpower Group MEGA 3426 (BCA) .....................................................................................289 Baloyi v Department of Communications, Minister of Communications and Office of the Director-General (2010) 21 (7) SALLR 1 (LC) ...............................................................................................285 Barclays Bank International Ltd v African Diamond Exporters (Pty) Ltd (2) 1976 (1) SA 100 (W) ................................................................168, 172 Barclays Bank International v African Diamond Exporters (Pty) Ltd (1) 1976 (1) SA 93 (W) ................................................................................671 Barnard and Telkom SA Ltd WES997-02 (CCMA) .........................................273 Bato Star Fishing (Pty) Ltd v Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and Others 2004 (4) SA 490 (CC) .........................................315, 325 Bauer Research CC v CCMA and Others (2014) 35 ILJ 1528 (LC) ................331 Bayat and Others v Hansa and Another 1955 (3) SA 547 (N) .........................651 Bayete Security Holdings v Mokgadi and Others (1999) 20 ILJ 1117 1064

(LC); [2000] 9 BLLR 1020 (LC) ......................................................... 685, 699 BDO Spencer Stewart Jhb Inc v Otto [2002] 9 BLLR 831 (LC) ..................... 668 Beetge v Konrad Adenauer Stiftung /Foundation (1997) 8 (6) SALLR 24 (CCMA).................................................................................................. 516 Beets v Vessel Inspection Services [2002] 9 BLLR 837 (LC) ......................... 413 Beira v Beira 1990 (3) SA 802 (W)................................................................. 417 Benicon Earthworks and Mining Services (Pty) Ltd v Dreyer NO and Another (1999) 20 ILJ 118 (LC).................................................................. 689 Benjamin and 12 Others v Plessey Tellumat SA Ltd (1998) 19 ILJ 595 (LC); (1997) 8 (11) SALLR 43 (LC) ............................................................ 567 Bennetts v Sasol Synthetic Fuel [1999] 1 BALR 1 (CCMA)........................... 278 Benson and Simpson v Robinson 1917 ELD 126 ............................................ 417 Bezer v Cruises International (2003) 24 ILJ 1372 (LC).................................. 252 Bezuidenhout v Johnston NO and Others [2006] 12 BLLR 1131 (LC)... 334, 674 BHT Water Treatment (A Division of Afchem (Pty) Ltd incorporating PWTSA) v Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration and Others (2002) 23 ILJ 141 (LC); [2002] 2 BLLR 173 (LC) ......... 251, 257, 496, 499 BHT Water Treatment (Pty) Ltd v Maritz NO, SA Chemical Workers Union and Individual Respondents (1993) 4 (4) SALLR 121 (LAC); (2) (1993) 14 ILJ 676 (LAC) ....................................................................... 689 Billiton Aluminium SA Ltd t/a Hillside Aluminium v Khanyile and Others [2010] 5 BLLR 465 (CC) ................................................................ 187 Bisonboard Ltd v Braun Woodworking Machinery (Pty) Ltd 1991 (1) SA 482 (A) .................................................................................................. 118 Black v Jackson’s (SA) Enterprises 1952 (2) SA 184 (W) ..... 179, 183, 222, 488, 599, 641, 692, 709 Blue Marine (Pty) Ltd v CCMA and Others [2003] 9 BLLR 853 (LC) ... 334, 674 Boale v National Prosecuting Authority of SA and Others (2003) 24 ILJ 1666 (LC) .............................................................................................. 732 Board of Executors Ltd v McCafferty (1997) 18 ILJ 949 (LC) ....................... 566 Bombardier Transportation (Pty) Ltd v Lungile Mtiya NO and Others [2010] 8 BLLR 840 (LC) .................................................................... 291, 636 Borcherds v C W Pearce and J Sheward t/a Lubrite Distributors (1993) 14 ILJ 1262 (LAC) .......................................................................... 255 Botha v Minister of Foreign Affairs and Another (2000) 21 ILJ 2636 (LC) ..................................................................................................... 410, 421 Bowman NO v De Souza Roldao 1988 (4) SA 326 (T).................................... 425 Bowman v Avraamides 1991 (1) SA 92 (W) ................................................... 791 Bracks NO and Another v Rand Water and Another [2010] 8 BLLR 795 (LC) ...................................................................................................... 266 Bramley v Wilde t/a Ellis Alan Engineering and Another (2003) 24 ILJ 157 (LC) ................................................................................................ 304 Broodryk v Smuts 1942 TPD 47 ...................................................................... 276 Brümmer v Brümmer 1962 (3) SA 101 (O) ............................................. 142, 170 BTR Industries SA (Pty) Ltd v MAWU (1992) 13 ILJ 803 (A) ........................ 291 Buda and Department of Health GP PSHS13331 PHWSBC .......................... 273 1065

Building Bargaining Council (Southern and Eastern Cape) v Melmons Cabinets CC and Le Roux (2000) 11 (2) SALLR 65 (LC); (2001) 22 ILJ 120 (LC) ................................................................................255 Bushbuck Ridge Border Committee v Government of the Northern Province 1999 (2) BCLR 193 (T) ................................................................236 Business Partners v World Focus 2015 (5) SA 525 (KZD) .............................651 C Cadema Industries (Pty) Ltd v Bulbring NO and Others (2005) 26 ILJ 1049 (LC) .............................................................................................261, 496 Caji and Africa Personnel Services (Pty) Ltd WE14081-03 (CCMA) .............456 Caldwell v Western Assurance Co 1916 WLD 11............................................609 Callguard Security Services (Pty) Ltd v TGWU and Others (1997) 18 ILJ 380 (LC); [1997] 4 BLLR 392 (LC); (1996) 7 (1) SALLR 130 (LC) ..............................................................................................................786 Caracasanis v African Consolidated Agencies (Pty) Ltd (1994) 5 (8) SALLR 184 (IC); [1994] 10 BLLR 58 (IC) ..........................................563, 574 Caravan Cinemas (Pty) Ltd v London Film Productions 1951 (3) SA 671 (W) ........................................................................................................597 Carephone (Pty) Ltd v Marcus NO and Others 1999 (3) SA 304 (LAC); (1998) 19 ILJ 1425 (LAC); (1998) 9 (3) SALLR 90 (LAC) ...318, 324, 325, 516 Carpede v Choene NO 1986 (3) SA 455 (O)....................................................597 Carter v Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration and Others (2010) 31 ILJ 2876 (LC) ..................................................................194 Cash Paymaster Services (Pty) Ltd v Mogwe and Others (1999) 20 ILJ 610 (LC) ......................................................... 562, 584, 593, 655, 686, 696 Casual Workers Advice Office v CCMA and Others J645/16 ..........................544 Caxton Ltd v Reeva Forman (Pty) Ltd 1990 (3) SA 547 (A) ...........................670 CCMA and Another v Inzuzu IT Consulting (Pty) Ltd and Another [2012] 11 BLLR 1081 (LAC) ......................................................................384 CCMA and Others v Law Society of the Northern Provinces (Incorporated as the Law Society of Transvaal) (2013) 34 ILJ 2779 (SCA); [2013] 11 BLLR 1057 (SCA); (2013) 24 SALLR 3 (SCA) ..............546 Centirugo AG v Firestone SA (Ltd) 1969 (3) SA 318 (T) ................................515 CEPPWAWU and Others v Metal Box t/a MB Glass [2004] 11 BLLR 1089 (LC) .....................................................................................................195 CEPPWAWU obo Gumede v Republican Press (Pty) Ltd [2006] 6 BLLR 537 (LC) ............................................................................................578 CEPPWAWU obo Qhelile and First National Batteries [2002] 12 BALR 1275 (CCMA) ...................................................................................273 Ceramic Industries Ltd v CCMA and Another [2005] 12 BLLR 1235 (LC) .............................................................................................. 373, 374, 375 Chabalala v Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council and Others (2014) 35 ILJ 1546 (LC); [2014] 3 BLLR 237 (LC) .........311, 331 Chadi v K O Interior Design (1999) 20 ILJ 2326 (LC) ....................................698 1066

TABLE OF RULES OF THE VARIOUS COURTS CCMA RULES 1 ..........................................................................................................................33 1(2) .....................................................................................................................39 2(3) ...................................................................................................................130 3 .................................................................... 59, 60, 222, 485, 486, 488, 661, 748 3(1)(a) ....................................................................................... 465, 692, 748, 754 3(1)(b)............................................................................................... 223, 465, 665 3(2) ................................................................................... 487, 665, 692, 748, 754 4 ................................................................................................................246, 538 5 .......................... 67, 108, 127, 129, 374, 404, 464, 520, 637, 653, 664, 665, 755 5(1) ...........................................................................................................127, 128 5(1)(a)(i) ...................................................................................................107, 108 5(1)(a)(ii) ..................................................................................................107, 109 5(1)(a)(iii) ......................................................................................... 108, 109, 123 5(1)(a)(iv) ......................................................................................... 108, 111, 128 5(1)(b)...............................................................................................................640 5(1)(b)(i) ...........................................................................................................108 5(1)(b)(ii) ..........................................................................................................108 5(1)(c) .......................................................................................................108, 640 5(1)(d).......................................................................................................108, 640 5(2) ................................................................................................... 108, 111, 128 5(2)(a) .......................................................................................................115, 116 5(2)(b)...............................................................................................................147 5(2)(c) ...............................................................................................................120 5(2)(d).......................................................................................................122, 140 5(2)(e) ...............................................................................................................122 5(2)(f) ...............................................................................................................123 5(2)(g)...............................................................................................................141 5(3) ................................................................................... 108, 111, 115, 116, 128 5(4) ...........................................................................................................108, 636 6 ................................................................................ 126, 376, 404, 661, 664, 665 6(1)(a) ...............................................................................................................164 6(1)(b)...............................................................................................................164 6(1)(c) ...............................................................................................................164 6(1)(d)(i) ...........................................................................................................164 6(2) ...........................................................................................................166, 182 7 ........................................................................................ 376, 404, 465, 664, 708 7(1) .......................................................................................................53, 54, 176 7(1)(c) .........................................................................................................54, 176 7(2) ...........................................................................................................176, 641 7(2)(a) ...............................................................................................................177 7(2)(b).......................................................................................................176, 177 7(2)(c) ...............................................................................................................177 7(2)(d)...............................................................................................................176 1098

7(3) .................................................................................................................. 178 8 ........................................................................ 177, 182, 184, 222, 376, 489, 620 9 ....................................................................................................... 187, 199, 377 9(2) .......................................................................................................... 189, 190 9(3) .................................................................................................................. 396 9(3)(e) .............................................................................................................. 197 9(4) .................................................................................................................. 199 10 ..................................................................................................................... 203 10(2) ................................................................................................ 215, 216, 217 10(3) ................................................................................................................ 215 11 ........................................................................ 60, 220, 222, 224, 375, 485, 489 11(1)(a) ............................................................................................................ 222 11(1)(b) ............................................................................................ 223, 436, 599 12 ..............................................................................................231, 232, 234, 527 13 ............................................................................................................. 225, 245 13(1) .........................................................................................245, 246, 383, 618 13(2) ................................................................................................ 245, 247, 618 13(4) ................................................................................................................ 245 14 ...................................................................... 290, 291, 295, 497, 505, 507, 636 14A .................................................................................................................. 295 14A(1).............................................................................................................. 295 14A(2).............................................................................................................. 295 14A(3)(a)(ii) .................................................................................................... 297 14A(4).............................................................................................................. 295 15 ............................................................................................................. 346, 349 15(6) ................................................................................................................ 793 16 ..................................................................................................... 362, 363, 735 16(2) ................................................................................................................ 365 17 ......................................................................................374, 375, 401, 489, 636 17(1) ................................................................................................ 374, 382, 384 17(2) .................................................................................375, 376, 377, 382, 618 17(3) .........................................................................................375, 376, 382, 618 17(3)(a) ............................................................................................................ 377 17(4) ................................................................................................................ 382 17(4)(a) ............................................................................................ 383, 387, 618 17(4)(b) ............................................................................................................ 382 17(4)(c) .................................................................................................... 382, 618 17(5) .........................................................................382, 384, 543, 618, 619, 636 17(6) ................................................................................................ 383, 384, 401 17(7) ................................................................................................................ 382 17(8) ................................................................................................................ 385 18 ............................................................................................................. 392, 497 18(3) ........................................................................................................ 396, 397 18(4) ........................................................................................................ 384, 401 19(1) ................................................................................................................ 403 19(2) ........................................................................................................ 404, 407 19(2)(b) ............................................................................................................ 404 1099

19(3) .................................................................................................................407 19(6) .................................................................................................................645 20 ...................................................................................... 436, 437, 439, 440, 467 20(1) .........................................................................................................439, 467 20(1)(a) ............................................................................................. 433, 436, 440 20(1)(b).....................................................................................................435, 436 20(1)(c) ..................................................................................... 433, 436, 437, 438 20(2) .................................................................................................................438 20(2)(j)..............................................................................................................461 20(3) ......................................................................................... 435, 440, 464, 467 20(3)(a) .............................................................................................................464 20(3)(b).............................................................................................................441 20(3)(c) .............................................................................................................441 20(3)(d).............................................................................................................442 20(3)(e) .............................................................................................................444 20(3)(f) .............................................................................................................448 20(3)(g).............................................................................................................448 20(3)(h).............................................................................................................450 20(3)(i)..............................................................................................................459 20(3)(k).............................................................................................................461 20(3)(l)..............................................................................................................462 20(3)(m)............................................................................................................462 20(3)(n).............................................................................................................462 20(3)(o).............................................................................................................463 20(3)(p).............................................................................................................463 20(3)(q).....................................................................................................463, 467 20(3)(r) .............................................................................................................464 20(4) ................................................................................................. 439, 467, 468 20(5) ................................................................................................. 439, 465, 467 20(6) .........................................................................................................438, 439 20(7) ................................................................................. 437, 439, 440, 465, 466 20(8) ................................................................................. 437, 439, 440, 466, 467 21 ...................................................................................................... 384, 401, 489 22 ..............................................................................................................504, 636 23 ...................................................................................................... 511, 512, 636 23(1)(a) ............................................................................................. 511, 519, 648 23(1)(b).............................................................................................................511 23(2) .........................................................................................................511, 519 23(2)(b).............................................................................................................648 23(3) ................................................................................................. 519, 520, 636 23(4) .................................................................................................................521 24 ......................................................................................................................524 24(1) ................................................................................................. 524, 525, 526 24(2) .........................................................................................................524, 527 25 ................................................ 69, 385, 538, 543, 546, 553, 554, 721, 722, 727 25(1)(a) ..................................................................................... 366, 370, 545, 788 25(1)(a)(ii) ........................................................................................ 538, 539, 541 1100

25(1)(a)(iii) .............................................................................................. 246, 539 25(1)(a)(iv) ...................................................................................... 109, 246, 539 25(1)(b) .............................................................................................. 71, 545, 551 25(1)(b)(i) ................................................................................................ 542, 551 25(1)(b)(ii) ....................................................................................................... 551 25(1)(b)(iii) ...................................................................................................... 542 25(1)(c) .................................................................................................... 545, 546 25(1)(c)(i) ................................................................................................ 543, 546 25(1)(c)(ii) ....................................................................................... 544, 548, 549 25(1)(d) .............................................................................................................. 77 25(1)(e) ............................................................................................................ 543 25(1)(f) .................................................................................................... 544, 551 25(2) .................................................................................................. 87, 551, 554 25(2)(a) ............................................................................................................ 117 25(3) .................................................................................................. 87, 552, 554 25(4) ............................................................................................ 87, 93, 552, 554 25(5) .......................................................................................................... 92, 553 25(5)(a) ............................................................................................................ 552 25(5)(b) ............................................................................................................ 552 25(6) ................................................................................................................ 246 25(6) ................................................................................................................ 544 26 ......................................................................................557, 560, 561, 574, 579 26(1) ................................................................................................ 570, 572, 575 26(1)(a) .................................................................................................... 560, 561 26(1)(b) .................................................................................................... 560, 565 26(1)(c) .................................................................................................... 560, 592 26(2) ................................................................................................................ 570 26(2)(a) .................................................................................................... 564, 572 26(2)(c) ............................................................................................................ 570 26(3) ................................................................................................ 564, 572, 574 26(4) ........................................................................................................ 565, 572 26(4)(b) ............................................................................................................ 575 26(5) ................................................................................................ 560, 565, 573 26(6) ................................................................................................ 564, 574, 578 26(7) .........................................................................................565, 572, 575, 578 27 ......................................................................................583, 584, 585, 589, 637 28 ..................................................................................................... 591, 593, 637 28(1) ................................................................................................................ 592 28(2) ................................................................................................................ 592 28(2)(a) ............................................................................................................ 592 28(2)(b) ............................................................................................................ 592 29 ......................................................................................595, 601, 612, 613, 637 29(1) ........................................................................................................ 598, 599 29(2) ................................................................................................ 598, 599, 611 29(3) .........................................................................................598, 599, 600, 611 29(4) ................................................................................................ 598, 599, 611 1101

30 .............................................................................................. 245, 439, 466, 619 30(1) .................................................................................................................618 30(1)(a) ............................................................................................. 439, 491, 619 30(1)(b).....................................................................................................491, 622 30(2) .................................................................................................................622 30(3) .................................................................................................................622 30(4) .................................................................................................................642 31 .............................................. 376, 377, 511, 519, 544, 593, 611, 637, 653, 707 31(1) .................................................................................................................635 31(1)(b).............................................................................................................507 31(2) ......................................................................................... 507, 637, 638, 639 31(3)(a) .............................................................................................................639 31(3)(b).............................................................................................................639 31(3)(c) .............................................................................................................639 31(3)(d).............................................................................................................638 31(3)(e) .............................................................................................................640 31(3)(f) .............................................................................................................640 31(3)(g).............................................................................................................641 31(4) ................................................................................................. 645, 647, 649 31(4)(a) .............................................................................................................645 31(4)(b).............................................................................................................645 31(4)(c) .............................................................................................................646 31(4)(d).............................................................................................................647 31(4)(e) .....................................................................................................189, 647 31(6)(a) .............................................................................................................648 31(6)(b).............................................................................................................650 31(7) .................................................................................................................645 31(8) ......................................................................................... 189, 639, 640, 647 31(8)(a) .............................................................................................................651 31(8)(b).............................................................................................................651 31(9) .................................................................................................................572 31(9)(a) .............................................................................................................652 31(9)(b).............................................................................................................652 31(9)(c) .....................................................................................................572, 653 31(10) .......................................................................................................572, 653 31A ...........................................................................................................625, 655 31A(2) ..............................................................................................................661 31A(3) ..............................................................................................................661 31A(4) ..............................................................................................................661 31B ...........................................................................................................625, 661 31B(1)...............................................................................................................663 31B(2)...............................................................................................................663 31B(3)...............................................................................................................664 31B(4)...............................................................................................................664 31B(5)...............................................................................................................665 31B(6)...............................................................................................................665 31B(7)...............................................................................................................665 1102

31B(8) .............................................................................................................. 665 31B(9) .............................................................................................................. 666 31B(10) ............................................................................................................ 666 31B(10)(b) ....................................................................................................... 666 32 ......................................................................................635, 637, 692, 695, 696 32(1)(b) ............................................................................................................ 693 32(2) ................................................................................................................ 692 33 ............................................................................................................. 637, 707 33(1) ................................................................................................................ 708 33(1)(a) ............................................................................................................ 708 33(2) ................................................................................................................ 707 33(4) ................................................................................................................ 709 34 ..................................................................................................................... 721 34(1) ................................................................................................................ 718 34(3) ................................................................................................................ 720 34(4) ................................................................................................................ 721 34(6) ................................................................................................................ 721 35 ..................................................................................................... 187, 224, 747 35(1) ................................................................................................................ 520 35(2) ........................................................................................................ 520, 726 35(3) ........................................................................................................ 187, 727 36(1) ................................................................................................................ 734 36(1)(a) ............................................................................................................ 735 36(2) ................................................................................................................ 734 36(3) ................................................................................................................ 735 36(4) ................................................................................................................ 735 36(5) ................................................................................................................ 735 37 ..............................................................................................127, 461, 598, 760 37(1) ........................................................................................................ 746, 747 37(2) ........................................................................................................ 746, 750 37(3) ................................................................................................................ 747 37(4)(a) ............................................................................................................ 748 37(4)(b) .................................................................................................... 748, 761 37(4)(c) ............................................................................................ 745, 748, 749 37(5) ........................................................................................................ 747, 750 37(5)(b) .................................................................................................... 749, 750 37(7) ........................................................................................................ 749, 750 37A .......................................................................................................... 463, 754 38(3) ................................................................................................................ 765 39 ............................................................................................................. 790, 812 39(1) ................................................................................................................ 784 39(1)(a) ............................................................................................................ 784 39(1)(b) ............................................................................................................ 784 39(1)(c) .................................................................................................... 784, 785 39(1)(d) ............................................................................................................ 785 39(1)(e) ............................................................................................................ 785 39(1)(f) ............................................................................................................ 785 1103

39(1)(g).............................................................................................................785 39(1)(h).............................................................................................................785 39(2) .................................................................................................................788 39(3) .........................................................................................................790, 792 39(4) .................................................................................................................790 39(5) ................................................................................................. 790, 792, 793 39(6) .........................................................................................................784, 793 39(7) .................................................................................................................793 40(1) .................................................................................................................806 40(2)(a) .............................................................................................................807 40(2)(b).............................................................................................................807 40A ...................................................................................................................808 40A(1) ..............................................................................................................809 40A(1)(a) ..........................................................................................................809 40A(1)(b) ..........................................................................................................809 40A(1)(c) ..........................................................................................................809 41 ......................................... 88, 92, 119, 121, 175, 246, 372, 376, 377, 433, 565, .......................................................................................... 706, 718, 746, 790, 805 Schedule 1 ........................................................................................................397

LABOUR COURT RULES 1 .................................................. 46, 47, 55, 60, 96, 132, 348, 412, 413, 667, 679 2 ....................................................................................................................47, 48 2(3) .....................................................................................................................54 2(4) .....................................................................................................................53 4 ........................................................................................................ 137, 680, 757 4(1)(a) ...............................................................................................................132 4(1)(a)(i) ...........................................................................................................133 4(1)(a)(iv) .........................................................................................................135 4(1)(a)(v) ..........................................................................................................133 4(1)(a)(vii) ................................................................................................135, 184 4(1)(b)...............................................................................................................133 4(1)(b)(i) ...........................................................................................................134 4(1)(b)(ii) ..........................................................................................................134 4(1)(b)(iii) .........................................................................................................134 4(1)(b)(iv) .........................................................................................................135 4(1)(b)(v) ..........................................................................................................135 4(1)(c) ...............................................................................................................136 4(2) ...........................................................................................................168, 170 4(2)(a) .......................................................................................................165, 168 4(2)(b)............................................................................................... 135, 164, 169 4(2)(c) ...............................................................................................................169 4(2)(d).......................................................................................................136, 169 4(2)(e) ............................................................................................... 135, 164, 169 4(3) ...........................................................................................................135, 136 1104

5 ............................................................................................................... 179, 180 5(2) .................................................................................................................. 180 5(3) .................................................................................................................. 179 6 ......................................................................................................... 96, 298, 408 6(1) .................................................................................................................. 408 6(1)(b)(i) .......................................................................................................... 408 6(1)(b)(ii) ......................................................................................................... 409 6(1)(b)(iii) ........................................................................................................ 411 6(1)(b)(iv) ........................................................................................................ 411 6(1)(c) ...................................................................................................... 412, 667 6(1)(d) .............................................................................................................. 413 6(1)(e) .............................................................................................................. 413 6(10)(a) .................................................................................................... 463, 758 6(10)(b) ............................................................................................................ 758 6(2) .................................................................................................................. 415 6(3) .......................................................................................................... 414, 415 6(3)(a) .............................................................................................................. 415 6(4) .................................................................................................................. 467 6(4)(a) .............................................................................................. 438, 467, 474 6(4)(b) ...................................................................................................... 467, 475 6(4)(c) .............................................................................................................. 468 6(4)(d) .............................................................................................. 464, 468, 474 6(5) .......................................................................................................... 468, 475 6(5)(b) .............................................................................................................. 466 6(6) .......................................................................................................... 468, 475 6(7) .......................................................................................................... 466, 468 6(8) .................................................................................................. 225, 475, 491 6(9) .................................................................................................................. 597 6(9)(a) ...................................................................................................... 613, 614 6(9)(b) .............................................................................................................. 612 6(9)(c) ...................................................................................................... 597, 613 7 ................................................................................169, 332, 666, 667, 678, 729 7(1) .......................................................................................................... 637, 667 7(2) .......................................................................................................... 667, 668 7(2)(b) .............................................................................................................. 667 7(2)(f) .............................................................................................................. 667 7(3) .......................................................................................................... 667, 669 7(3)(a) .............................................................................................................. 669 7(3)(b) .............................................................................................................. 669 7(3)(d) .............................................................................................................. 647 7(4)(a) .............................................................................................................. 669 7(4)(b) .............................................................................................................. 669 7(4)(c) .............................................................................................................. 650 7(5)(a) .............................................................................................................. 669 7(5)(b) .............................................................................................................. 669 7(6)(b) .............................................................................................................. 668 7(7) ...........................................................................................653, 669, 678, 730 1105

7A ............................................................................. 336, 666, 671, 729, 730, 732 7A(1) ........................................................................................................332, 333 7A(2) ........................................................................................................333, 673 7A(2)(a) ............................................................................................................333 7A(2)(b) ............................................................................................................334 7A(2)(c) ....................................................................................................333, 673 7A(3) ........................................................................................................334, 674 7A(4) ................................................................................................................674 7A(5) ........................................................................................................335, 675 7A(6) ........................................................................................................335, 675 7A(7) ........................................................................................................335, 675 7A(8) ................................................................................................................676 7A(8)(a) ............................................................................................................336 7A(8)(b) ....................................................................................................336, 676 7A(9) ........................................................................................................336, 676 7A(10) ......................................................................................................336, 676 8 ................................................................................................................668, 678 8(1) ...................................................................................................................678 8(2) ...................................................................................................................678 8(2)(c) ...............................................................................................................679 8(3) ...................................................................................................................679 8(4) ...................................................................................................................679 8(5) ...................................................................................................................680 8(6) ...................................................................................................................680 8(7) ...................................................................................................................680 8(8) ...................................................................................................................680 8(9) ...................................................................................................................680 8(10) .................................................................................................................680 11 ...................................................................................................... 410, 521, 623 11(1) .................................................................................................................670 11(2) .................................................................................................................670 11(3) ...................................................................................................30, 492, 670 12 ..............................................................................................................199, 408 12(2) .................................................................................................................414 13(3) .................................................................................................................521 15(1) .................................................................................................................623 15(3) .................................................................................................................623 16(1) .................................................................................................................407 16A ...................................................................................................................697 16A(1) ..............................................................................................................687 16A(1)(a) ..................................................................................................696, 697 16A(1)(b) ..................................................................................................687, 697 16A(2)(a) ..................................................................................................696, 697 16A(2)(b) ..........................................................................................................697 20(1) .................................................................................................................409 22 ...................................................................................................... 575, 576, 577 22(1) .........................................................................................................564, 575 1106

22(2) ................................................................................................................ 564 22(2)(a) ............................................................................................................ 575 22(2)(b) ............................................................................................................ 575 22(3) ................................................................................................................ 575 22(4) ........................................................................................................ 577, 585 22(5) ................................................................................................................ 578 22(6) ................................................................................................................ 578 22(7) ................................................................................................................ 578 23 ............................................................................................................. 593, 594 24 ..................................................................................................................... 800 24(3) ................................................................................................................ 794 24(4) ................................................................................................................ 794 25 ..................................................................................................................... 794 25(1) ................................................................................................................ 794 25(6) ................................................................................................................ 797 26 ..................................................................................................................... 810 28(1)(c) ............................................................................................................ 736 28(1)(d) ............................................................................................................ 736 28(2) ................................................................................................................ 736 28(3)(a) ............................................................................................................ 736 28(3)(b) ............................................................................................................ 736 28(3)(c) ............................................................................................................ 735 28(3)(d) ............................................................................................................ 736 28(4) ................................................................................................................ 737 29 ..................................................................................................................... 768 29(1) ................................................................................................................ 768 29(2) ................................................................................................................ 768 31(4) ................................................................................................................ 757 32(1) ................................................................................................................ 757 32(5) ................................................................................................................ 757 32(6) ................................................................................................................ 757 LABOUR APPEAL COURT RULES 1 .................................. 48, 55, 60, 96, 97, 132, 137, 180, 348, 412, 413, 667, 679 5 ..................................................................................................................... 1006 6 ....................................................................................................................... 555 6(1) .................................................................................................................. 555 6(3) .................................................................................................................. 555 8 ....................................................................................................................... 184 8(1) .......................................................................................................... 225, 493 8(2) .................................................................................................................. 225 8(3) .................................................................................................................. 184 12 ..................................................................................................................... 200 12(1) ........................................................................................................ 578, 585 12(2) ................................................................................................ 578, 585, 594 13(1) ................................................................................................................ 797 1107

13(2) .................................................................................................................800 13(3) .................................................................................................................800 UNIFORM RULES OF COURT 1 ..........................................................................................................................61 3 ..........................................................................................................................55 4 ................................................................................................................137, 138 4(1)(a)(i) ...........................................................................................................138 4(1)(a)(ii) .................................................................................. 133, 138, 140, 157 4(1)(a)(iii) .................................................................................................133, 138 4(1)(a)(v) ..........................................................................................................139 4(1)(a)(vi) .................................................................................................135, 138 4(1)(a)(vii) ................................................................................................140, 184 4(1)(a)(viii) ...............................................................................................122, 123 4(1)(aA) ............................................................................................................138 4(1)(b)...............................................................................................................137 4(1)(c) ...............................................................................................................137 4(2) ...................................................................................................................141 4(3) ...........................................................................................................142, 143 4(3)(a) ...............................................................................................................132 4(3)(a)(i) ...........................................................................................................143 4(3)(a)(iii) .........................................................................................................143 4(3)(a)(iv) .........................................................................................................143 4(3)(b).......................................................................................................132, 143 4(4) ...........................................................................................................132, 144 4(5) ...................................................................................................................132 4(5)(a) ...............................................................................................................144 4(5)(b)...............................................................................................................144 4(5)(c) ...............................................................................................................144 4(6) ...................................................................................................................170 4(7) ...................................................................................................................132 4(10) .................................................................................................................141 5 ................................................................................................................132, 142 6 ................................................................................................................522, 681 6(1) ...................................................................................................................681 6(11) .................................................................................................................682 6(15) .................................................................................................................682 6(4) ...................................................................................................................681 6(5)(a) ...............................................................................................................681 6(5)(b)(i) ...........................................................................................................681 6(5)(d)(ii) ..........................................................................................................681 6(5)(e) ...............................................................................................................681 6(5)(f) ...............................................................................................................681 7 ........................................................................................................................556 7(1) ...................................................................................................................556 10 ......................................................................................................................579 1108

10(1) ................................................................................................................ 578 10(2) ................................................................................................................ 579 10(3) ................................................................................................................ 579 10(4) ................................................................................................................ 579 10(4)(a) ............................................................................................................ 579 10(4)(b)(i) ........................................................................................................ 579 10(4)(b)(ii) ....................................................................................................... 580 10(4)(c) ............................................................................................................ 580 11 ..................................................................................................................... 594 12 ..................................................................................................................... 580 14(2) ................................................................................................................ 420 14(3) ................................................................................................................ 420 15 ..................................................................................................................... 580 17 ..................................................................................................................... 415 17(3)(a) .............................................................................................................. 98 17(3)(b) .............................................................................................................. 98 17(4) ................................................................................................................ 420 18 ............................................................................................................... 98, 416 19 ............................................................................................................... 58, 418 19(1) ............................................................................................................ 59, 61 19(2) ................................................................................................................ 418 22(2) ................................................................................................................ 418 23 ............................................................................................................... 30, 508 27 ..................................................................................................................... 200 28 ..................................................................................................... 585, 682, 683 28(2) ................................................................................................................ 682 28(3) ................................................................................................................ 682 28(4) ........................................................................................................ 585, 682 28(5) ................................................................................................................ 682 28(6) ................................................................................................................ 682 28(7) ................................................................................................................ 682 28(8) ................................................................................................................ 682 28(9) ................................................................................................................ 682 28(10) ...................................................................................................... 584, 683 30 ..............................................................................170, 224, 226, 386, 490, 493 30(1) ................................................................................................ 224, 386, 490 30(2) ................................................................................................................ 171 30(3) ................................................................................................................ 492 30A .......................................................................................................... 226, 494 31(2)(a) ............................................................................................................ 420 35 ..................................................................................................... 448, 597, 613 35(1) ................................................................................................ 449, 613, 614 35(2) ................................................................................................................ 613 35(3) ................................................................................................................ 614 35(4) ................................................................................................................ 612 35(7) ................................................................................................................ 612 35(15) .............................................................................................................. 597 1109

37 ......................................................................................................................438 37(1) .........................................................................................................477, 747 37(2) .................................................................................................................477 37(2)(a) .............................................................................................................477 37(2)(b).............................................................................................................477 37(3)(a) .....................................................................................................438, 478 37(3)(b).............................................................................................................477 37(4) .................................................................................................................478 37(6) .........................................................................................................478, 481 37(6)(h).............................................................................................................478 37(6)(i)..............................................................................................................478 37(6)(j)..............................................................................................................478 37(6)(k).............................................................................................................478 37(7) .................................................................................................................478 37(8) .................................................................................................................479 37(8)(a) ............................................................................................. 466, 478, 479 37(8)(b).............................................................................................................479 37(8)(c) .............................................................................................................479 37(9)(a) .............................................................................................................479 38(1)(a) .............................................................................................................760 38(1)(b).............................................................................................................760 39 ......................................................................................................................623 39(1) .................................................................................................................623 39(3) .................................................................................................................624 41(3) .................................................................................................................522 42 ...................................................................................................... 687, 694, 699 42(1) .........................................................................................................695, 699 42(1)(a) .....................................................................................................688, 697 42(1)(b).............................................................................................................691 43 ......................................................................................................................138 45 ......................................................................................................................810 46 ......................................................................................................................810 48 .............................................................................................. 229, 762, 797, 801 48(1) .................................................................................................................801 48(2) .................................................................................................................801 48(2)(a) .............................................................................................................801 48(2)(b).............................................................................................................802 48(2)(c) .............................................................................................................802 48(2)(d).............................................................................................................802 62(7) .................................................................................................................737 70 ......................................................................................................................801 70(3) .................................................................................................................801 70(3A) ..............................................................................................................801 70(5)(a) .............................................................................................................801 94(3) .........................................................................................................228, 761

1110

MAGISTRATES' COURTS RULES 2 ....................................................................................................................... 180 2(1) .................................................................................................................... 98 2(2) .............................................................................................................. 56, 61 3(12) .................................................................................................................. 56 5(1) .................................................................................................................. 420 5(1)(a) .............................................................................................................. 420 5(1)(b) .............................................................................................................. 420 5(3)(a)(i) ............................................................................................................ 99 5(3)(a)(ii) ........................................................................................................... 99 5(4) .................................................................................................................. 421 5(9) .................................................................................................................. 421 6(1) .................................................................................................................... 99 7(1) .................................................................................................................. 586 7(2) .................................................................................................................. 586 7(3)(b) .............................................................................................................. 586 8 ....................................................................................................................... 171 9 ....................................................................................................................... 144 9(3) .................................................................................................................. 146 9(3)(c) .............................................................................................................. 147 9(3)(f) .............................................................................................................. 149 9(5) .................................................................................................................. 147 9(8) .................................................................................................................. 145 9(9)(a) ...................................................................................................... 145, 150 9(9)(b) .............................................................................................................. 150 9(9)(c)(i) .......................................................................................................... 184 9(9)(c)(ii) ......................................................................................................... 151 9(10) ................................................................................................................ 145 9(11) ................................................................................................................ 228 9(12) ................................................................................................ 228, 485, 495 9(12)(b) ............................................................................................................ 495 9(13) ................................................................................................................ 149 9(14) ........................................................................................................ 171, 227 9(15) ................................................................................................................ 171 9(17)(a) ............................................................................................................ 171 9(17)(b) .................................................................................................... 171, 172 12 ..................................................................................................................... 420 19 ..................................................................................................................... 508 22 ..................................................................................................................... 227 22(1) ................................................................................................................ 494 22(3) ................................................................................................ 227, 485, 494 23 ..................................................................................................................... 614 25(1) ................................................................................................................ 479 25(2) ................................................................................................................ 479 25(4) ................................................................................................................ 582 26 ..................................................................................................................... 760 1111

28 ......................................................................................................................582 28(1) .................................................................................................................582 28(5) .................................................................................................................594 28(5)(c) .............................................................................................................594 30 ......................................................................................................................737 30(1)(c) .............................................................................................................738 30(1)(d).............................................................................................................738 30(2) .................................................................................................................738 30(7)(a) .............................................................................................................738 30(7)(b).............................................................................................................738 30(11) ...............................................................................................................738 31 ......................................................................................................................522 31(1) .................................................................................................................522 31(2) .................................................................................................................522 32 ......................................................................................................................624 32(1) .................................................................................................................624 32(2) .................................................................................................................624 33(16) ...............................................................................................................802 33(22) ...............................................................................................................802 35 ......................................................................................................................802 41 ......................................................................................................................810 42 ......................................................................................................................810 43 ......................................................................................................................810 49 ......................................................................................................................700 49(1) .................................................................................................................700 49(7) .................................................................................................................700 49(8) .................................................................................................................700 52(1) .............................................................................................................98, 99 52(2) .................................................................................................................556 54 ......................................................................................................................421 54(1)(a) .............................................................................................................421 54(4) .................................................................................................................421 54(5) .................................................................................................................421 55 ................................................................................................................99, 683 55(1)(e)(i) .........................................................................................................683 55(1)(k)(i) .........................................................................................................654 55(1)(k)(ii) ........................................................................................................654 55A ...........................................................................................................586, 683 56 ......................................................................................................................683 60(5) .................................................................................................................200 60(6) .................................................................................................................227 60(6)(a) .............................................................................................................223

1112

s193(1)(b) ........................................................................................................ 445 s193(2) ............................................................................................................. 446 s193(2)(b) ........................................................................................................ 281 s193(3) ............................................................................................................. 446 s193(4) ............................................................................................................. 447 s194.................................................................................................................. 444 s194(1) ............................................................................................. 444, 446, 447 s194(2) ............................................................................................................. 695 s194(3) ..................................................................................................... 444, 446 s194(4) ............................................................................................. 301, 444, 447 s195.................................................................................................................. 444 s197...........................................................................................269, 299, 373, 568 s197A........................................................................269, 271, 275, 299, 373, 394 s198............................................................................................ 89, 207, 212, 256 s198A............................................................................................... 207, 211, 212 s198A(3)(b) ..................................................................................................... 213 s198A(4) .................................................................................................. 207, 213 s198A(5) .......................................................................................................... 207 s198B ........................................................................................207, 211, 212, 213 s198C ............................................................................................... 207, 211, 212 s198D....................................................................................................... 211, 213 s198D(1) .......................................................................................................... 213 s198D(3) .......................................................................................................... 213 s200.................................................................................................................... 78 s200(1) ............................................................................................................. 205 s200(2) ............................................................................................................... 92 s200A............................................................................................................... 253 s200A(1) .................................................................................................... 90, 253 s200A(2) .......................................................................................................... 253 s200A(3) ............................................................................................................ 90 s200A(4) ............................................................................................................ 91 s200B ......................................................................................................... 91, 255 s202(1) ............................................................................................................. 120 s202(2) ............................................................................................................. 124 s203.............................................................................................................. 45, 91 s208............................................................................................................ 94, 656 s210.......................................................................................................... 234, 323 s213...........................................................................82, 88, 92, 94, 121, 540, 542 Schedule 3.......................................................................................................... 44 Schedule 7 Part H ........................................................................................ 66, 68

BASIC CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT ACT 75 of 1997 s6(3) ....................................................................................90, 378, 379, 381, 460 s65(3) ............................................................................................................... 985 s68............................................................................................................ 382, 663 s68(1) ............................................................................................................... 661 1123

s68(1A) .............................................................................................................662 s68(2)(a) ...................................................................................................541, 662 s68(2)(b) ...........................................................................................................662 s68(2)(d) ...........................................................................................................662 s68(3) ........................................................................................................662, 663 s69 ....................................................................................................................382 s69(1) ........................................................................................................380, 662 s69(2) ................................................................................................................662 s69(2)(b) ...................................................................................................380, 662 s69(2)(c) ...........................................................................................................381 s69(3) ................................................................................................................381 s69(5) ................................................ 208, 377, 381, 385, 459, 541, 542, 662, 663 s69(6) ................................................................ 381, 401, 407, 459, 541, 662, 663 s70 ....................................................................................................................662 s70(b) ................................................................................................................381 s70(c) ................................................................................................................382 s70(d) ................................................................................................................382 s73 .................................................................... 381, 385, 400, 459, 541, 551, 662 s73(1) ........................................................................ 400, 401, 447, 459, 663, 985 s73(2) ........................................................................................................400, 459 s73(2)(b) ...........................................................................................................542 s73A ......................................................................... 207, 377, 378, 379, 385, 551 s73A(1) ..................................................................................... 400, 401, 448, 460 s73A(5) ............................................................................. 400, 401, 448, 460, 542 s76A .........................................................................................................381, 662 s77 ....................................................................................................................379 s77(3) ................................................................................................ 378, 379, 979 s80 ....................................................................................................................207 s80(4) ................................................................................................................985

CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, ACT 108 OF 1996 s14 ....................................................................................................................454 s32(1) ................................................................................................................601 s33 .................................................................................................... 233, 234, 322 s35(5) ................................................................................................................455 s36 ....................................................................................................................454 s39(2) ................................................................................................................321 s165 ....................................................................................................................38 s166 ....................................................................................................................38 s167(6)(a) .........................................................................................................240 s239 ..................................................................................................................237 Chapter 2 ..........................................................................................................302

1124

COMPANIES ACT 71 of 2008 s1................................................................................................................ 85, 111 s1(1) ................................................................................................................... 85 s8(2)(b) ............................................................................................................ 114 s8(2)(c) ............................................................................................................ 114 s13.................................................................................................................... 113 s13(5) ............................................................................................................... 112 s13(11) ............................................................................................................. 112 s15.................................................................................................................... 113 s23.................................................................................................................... 114 s23(2) ............................................................................................................... 112 s23(3) ............................................................................................................... 151 s23(3)(b) .......................................................................................................... 114 s66...................................................................................................................... 85 s66(1) ................................................................................................................. 84 s66(2) ................................................................................................................. 85 s66(3) ................................................................................................................. 85 s185.................................................................................................................. 111 s220.................................................................................................................. 114 Schedule 1................................................................................................ 113, 114 Schedule 2........................................................................................ 112, 113, 115 Schedule 3........................................................................................................ 115 MAGISTRATES' COURTS ACT 32 of 1944 s2................................................................................................................ 50, 529 s4(1) ................................................................................................................. 737 s13...................................................................................................................... 50 s15(1)(a) .......................................................................................................... 145 s15(2) ............................................................................................................... 146 s20...................................................................................................................... 98 s26(1) ....................................................................................................... 341, 760 s26(5) ............................................................................................................... 761 s29.................................................................................................................... 341 s36(1) ............................................................................................................... 700 s36(1)(b) .......................................................................................................... 700 s36(1)(d) .......................................................................................................... 700 s41.................................................................................................................... 581 s41(1) ............................................................................................................... 581 s41(3) ............................................................................................................... 581 s54.................................................................................................................... 479 s54(1) ............................................................................................................... 480 s54(4) ............................................................................................................... 480 s81.................................................................................................................... 802 s111(1) ............................................................................................................. 683 s111(3) ............................................................................................................. 586 1125

SUPERIOR COURTS ACT 10 of 2013 s5(1)(b) .............................................................................................................339 s6(1) ..........................................................................................................339, 529 s7(1) ..................................................................................................................529 s21(1) ................................................................................................................340 s34 ....................................................................................................................737 s35 ............................................................................................................756, 759 s36 ............................................................................................................757, 759 s37 .................................................................................................... 769, 772, 773

1126

TABLE OF OTHER STATUTES AND PROVISIONS ________________________________________________________________ Arbitration Act 42 of 1956 .......................................307, 310, 332, 637, 672, 722 Basic Conditions of Employment Amendment Act 20 of 2013 ...................... 209 BCEA Amendment Act 7 of 2018 ............ 377, 379, 380, 382, 447, 459, 503, 541 CCMA Guidelines: Misconduct Arbitrations 2012 ......................................... 783 CCMA Guidelines: Misconduct Arbitrations 2015 ......................................... 787 CCMA Practice Note 1/2005 ........................................................................... 783 Close Corporations Act 69 of 1984 ..............................85, 87, 111, 113, 115, 405 Collective Investment Schemes Control Act 45 of 2002 ................................. 140 Companies Act 61 of 1973 ...................................................................... 111, 425 Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act 130 of 1993 ............................................................................................... 89, 160, 305 Compulsory Motor Vehicle Insurance Act 56 of 1972 .................................... 367 Co-Operatives Act 14 of 2005 ......................................................................... 123 Copyright Act 98 of 1978 ................................................................................ 610 Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 ......................................................... 450, 642 Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002......... 11, 151, 159, 160, 166, 167, 178, 184 Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 ................................163, 207, 213, 214, 287, 289, 299, 307, 500 Evidence Amendment Act 45 of 1988............................................................. 333 Extension of Security of Tenure Act 62 of 1997 ............................................. 290 Friendly Societies Act 25 of 1956 ................................................................... 140 Insolvency Act 24 of 1936..........................................90, 229, 253, 288, 425, 762 Interpretation Act 33 of 1957 ................................................................ 58, 59, 61 Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of Oaths Act 16 of 1963 ................ 642 Labour Relations Amendment Act 12 of 2002 .....64, 97, 399, 774, 778, 781, 784 Labour Relations Amendment Act 6 of 2014 ....................97, 106, 132, 255, 273, 275, 308, 336, 412, 570, 677, 685, 720, 806 Labour Relations Amendment Act 8 of 2018 .................................................. 295 Labour Relations Regulations GNR 1016 published in GG 38317 of 19 December 2014............................................................................... 749, 750 Legal Aid South Africa Act 1013 of 2014......................................................... 42 Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014 ............................................................. 82, 84, 540 Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 ................. 122, 123, 140 Long-Term Insurance Act 52 of 1998 ............................................................. 140 Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996 .......................................... 302, 308, 667 National Credit Act 34 of 2005 ....................................................................... 341 National Minimum Wages Act 9 of 2018 ......... 207, 380, 448, 460, 541, 542, 661 National Prosecuting Authority Act 32 of 1998 .............................................. 541 Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 ............................... 89, 160, 305 Pension Funds Act 24 of 1956 ................................................................. 140, 290 Practice Direction 2 of 1994 ............................................................................ 668 Prescription Act 68 of 1969 ..................................................................... 337, 677 Promotion of Administrative Justice Act 3 of 2000 ........................ 233, 322, 527 1127

Protected Disclosures Act, 26 of 2000 .............................................................258 Public Holidays Act 36 of 1994 .................................................................52, 811 Public Service Act 103 of 1994 ........................................................................199 Reciprocal Service of Civil Process Act 12 of 1990 ........................................144 Regulation 4 Labour Relations Regulations published in Government Gazette 38317 of 19 December 2014 ...........................................................764 Regulation 4(1) of the Labour Relations Regulations ......................................750 Regulation 4(2) of the Labour Relations Regulations published in Government Gazette 38317 of 19 December 2014 ......................................765 Regulation of Gatherings Act 205 of 1993 ....................................... 873, 931, 942 Right of Appearance in Courts Act 62 of 1995 ............................................83, 98 Rules Board for Courts of Law Act 107 of 1985..............................................241 Rules regulating the Practice and Procedure for resolving disputes through Conciliation and Arbitration of 11 March 2000..............................247 s73(2)(b) ...........................................................................................................447 Short-Term Insurance Act 53 of 1998 ..............................................................140 Skills Development Act 97 of 1998 ........................... 89, 160, 207, 288, 305, 308 South African Mutual Life Assurance Society (Private) Act 52 of 1966 ..............................................................................................................140 South African National Life Assurance Company Incorporation (Private) Act 3 of 1954 .................................................................................140 State Attorney Act 56 of 1957 ..........................................................................540 State Trust Board Act 88 of 1979 .....................................................................140 Unemployment Insurance Act 63 of 2001 .................................. 89, 160, 288, 305 Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act 4 of 2002 ............. 89, 161, 305, 380

1128

INDEX

1 January 2019 ................. 33, 51, 53, 54, 72, 73, 74, 75, 77, 81, 84, 94, 104, 127, 129, 159, 175, 178, 182, 186, 204, 208, 218, 244, 248, 249, 290, 351, 352, 359, 362, 371, 376, 377, 382, 385, 392, 403, 431, 433, 439, 464, 466, 467, 484, 486, 489, 510, 524, 525, 526, 534, 539, 541, 543, 544, 546, 551, 559, 564, 569, 590, 592, 595, 598, 599, 625, 629, 637, 655, 660, 704, 725, 727, 741, 750, 776, 784, 788, 790, 792, 793, 794, 804, 807, 808, 890 16 December to 7 January .................................................................. 57, 179, 641 36 months ......................................................................................................... 382 2 days ........................................................................................................ 295, 661 4 days ................................................................................................................ 355 5 days ....................................................... 179, 189, 295, 343, 344, 348, 354, 355, 468, 475, 477, 599, 640, 641, 648, 665, 669, 676, 679, 681, 1026, 1044 7 days ......................................................... 58, 173, 177, 178, 182, 183, 219, 222, 223, 354, 355, 369, 376, 393, 428, 438, 439, 463, 465, 467, 485, 486, 488, 509, 511, 626, 648, 650, 703, 709, 721, 739, 747, 748, 749, 754, 954, 993, 998, 1032, 1036 10 days ...................................................................................... 171, 220, 486, 802 14-day period ............................................................................................ 221, 692 20 days ...................................................................................... 220, 227, 486, 495 30 days ................................................................................................ 57, 188, 477 30-day period ............................................................ 187, 291, 293, 343, 345, 399 90 days ........................................................................................ 57, 188, 212, 346 90-day period .................................................................................... 187, 397, 399 A a court of law ...................................................................................................... 39 a need to retrench .............................................................................................. 472 a person who appears to be at least 16 years old ...................... 100, 102, 109, 123 a plea ................................................................................................. 408, 418, 420 a response ................................. 360, 407, 408, 414, 415, 467, 472, 473, 474, 649 absence of any party ......................................................................................... 505 absent from his or her residence or place of sojourn ........................................ 770 absolution from the instance ..................................................................... 620, 624 acceptable explanation ...................................................... 193, 194, 195, 694, 700 acceptance/rejection of advisory arbitration award .......................................... 815 accompanying affidavit .................................................................................... 335 accomplice ........................................................................................................ 546 accredit bargaining and statutory councils.......................................................... 41 accredited agency ............................................................. 262, 263, 716, 717, 722 accredited bargaining and statutory councils ...................................................... 41 acting director ................................................................................................... 806

1129

address ..................................................... 39, 53, 54, 67, 100, 102, 107, 110, 114, 115, 116, 117, 121, 124, 125, 126, 135, 141, 142, 145, 149, 150, 153, 154, 155, 156, 165, 169, 173, 174, 176, 184, 196, 205, 206, 315, 394, 395, 405, 406, 408, 412, 421, 476, 588, 603, 605, 625, 627, 628, 629, 638,640, 644, 649, 650, 668, 669, 681, 683, 719, 720, 746 addresses of the registrars of the labour court .................................................... 47 adjudication ......................................................... 46, 49, 188, 210, 214, 261, 268, 271, 289, 290, 304, 346, 347, 349, 350, 373, 498, 499, 500, 501, 529, 576, 636, 705, 706, 709, 710 administration of a province ..................................................................... 137, 141 administrative action ............................................... 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 242, 307, 311, 321, 322, 323, 324, 527, 528, 672 administrative agency ................................................................................. 39, 689 administrative body .................................................................................. 233, 322 administrative organ ................................................................................... 38, 620 administrator ......................................................... 85, 87, 141, 238, 239, 240, 241 admissibility and inadmissibility of certain types of evidence ......................... 546 admission/admissions .............................................. 360, 366, 367, 418, 438, 441, 449, 451, 452, 454, 455, 462, 478, 479, 608, 666, 674, 682, 767, 985 advantage ............................................ 93, 283, 284, 422, 502, 513, 517, 612, 765 adverse inference .............................................................................................. 458 advisory arbitration award .......................................................... 90, 231, 368, 806 advisory award on whether a person is an employee ....................................... 815 advocate .................................................. 72, 76, 82, 83, 84, 98, 99, 542, 613, 801 affidavit ..................................... 97, 135, 136, 164, 165, 166, 168, 169, 170, 171, 196, 242, 333, 336, 404, 427, 429, 450, 451, 470, 478, 514, 519, 521, 522, 564, 572, 574, 584, 588, 596, 613, 614, 623, 626, 628, 629, 642, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, 651, 654, 667, 668, 669, 670, 673, 674, 676, 678, 679, 680, 681, 682, 702, 709 affirmation ................................................ 306, 623, 642, 643, 644, 744, 751, 759 affirmative action........................................................................................ 45, 213 affixing .................................... 101, 103, 108, 111, 116, 117, 119, 121, 122, 126, 127, 128, 134, 139, 147, 148, 153, 165 affordability ........................................................................ 74, 456, 537, 545, 897 after.................................. 40, 43, 49, 50, 52, 59, 60, 65, 66, 82, 91, 95, 110, 120, 121, 144, 151, 163, 170, 171, 179, 182, 183, 184, 187, 188, 191, 200, 213, 214, 216, 221, 222, 225, 226, 254, 257, 258, 259, 261, 262, 263, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 284, 289, 291, 293, 294, 299, 301, 306, 307, 308, 333, 335, 336, 340, 344, 345, 346, 350, 351, 373, 375, 376, 387, 391, 392, 393, 394, 397, 399, 407, 414, 428, 430, 454, 456, 461, 464, 468, 481, 487, 488, 491, 493, 494, 500, 505, 508, 515, 517, 521, 522, 531, 534, 542, 548, 553, 554, 556, 571, 572, 581, 582, 585, 586, 594, 595, 599, 622, 626, 628, 635, 640, 641, 648, 666, 672, 673, 676, 677, 680, 682, 683, 686, 689, 691, 692, 697, 700, 705, 706, 709, 711, 716, 731, 738, 744, 751, 760, 767, 798, 801, 802, 806 agency..........................38, 161, 252, 260, 262, 263, 265, 267, 268, 689, 717, 718 agency shop agreement..................................................................... 161, 260, 265 1130

agreed picketing rules ............................................................................... 907, 933 agreement....................................... 41, 69, 86, 106, 125, 132, 156, 161, 162, 167, 178, 188, 191, 206, 211, 215, 224, 232, 251, 252, 254, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 263, 265, 267, 268, 269, 272, 273, 275, 287, 289, 290, 304, 306, 308, 309, 386, 393, 398, 400, 427, 429, 435, 437, 440, 442, 443, 444, 445, 448, 450, 455, 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 470, 476, 478, 482, 498, 499, 501, 509, 510, 511, 521, 522, 543, 550, 567, 569, 599, 602, 606, 607, 612, 613, 621, 636, 648, 666, 688, 715, 716, 717, 719, 720, 722, 738, 758, 766, 775, 785, 794, 795 alleged dispute .................................................. 246, 250, 251, 294, 348, 636, 654 alternate director ................................................................................................. 85 alternatives to the retrenchment ........................................................................ 472 ambiguity .................................................. 136, 254, 278, 505, 685, 688, 694, 697 amendment....................................... 28, 66, 69, 76, 172, 209, 217, 275, 336, 410, 424, 475, 501, 575, 583, 585, 586, 668, 670, 671, 676, 682, 753, 781, 806 amendments .......................... 68, 97, 209, 399, 434, 479, 670, 671, 677, 738, 782 an award has been improperly obtained ........................................... 307, 318, 672 an exception .............................................................. 168, 172, 426, 492, 508, 525 Annexure â&#x20AC;&#x17E;Aâ&#x20AC;&#x; to LRA Form 7.11 ..................................................................... 814 answering affidavit .................................. 189, 336, 625, 626, 627, 628, 629, 640, 641, 648, 649, 650, 652, 668, 669, 676, 681, 709 answering statement ......................................................... 403, 404, 406, 568, 767 Anton Pillar order ......................................................................................... 46, 50 appeal ....................................... 29, 30, 40, 46, 49, 55, 70, 75, 79, 81, 83, 96, 136, 137, 161, 178, 188, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 200, 205, 211, 212, 216, 228, 229, 234, 254, 257, 272, 277, 282, 283, 286, 292, 293, 294, 296, 299, 300, 302, 305, 309, 313, 315, 316, 318, 325, 327, 328, 333, 335, 337, 338, 339, 345, 347, 350, 351, 384, 389, 397, 398, 399, 400, 482, 493, 501, 512, 514, 516, 529, 538, 553, 554, 555, 566, 571, 576, 577, 637, 641, 668, 675, 688, 689, 691, 693, 697, 700, 714, 731, 732, 736, 737, 758, 761, 772, 795, 797, 798, 799, 800, 802, 810 appeals from the labour appeal court ................................................................ 338 appearance to defend ................................................................ 145, 150, 170, 420 appellate division ................................. 48, 56, 107, 117, 118, 151, 191, 192, 319, 366, 417, 423, 592, 686, 689, 726, 778, 782, 785, 795 applicant .................................... 28, 43, 80, 97, 98, 127, 138, 141, 142, 155, 156, 168, 170, 171, 177, 180, 181, 190, 192, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 226, 231, 233, 246, 252, 253, 254, 292, 298, 300, 305, 306, 309, 313, 323, 329, 330, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 339, 345, 346, 349, 360, 364, 384, 396, 409, 410, 411, 415, 425, 443, 470, 471, 472, 473, 474, 475, 482, 492, 493, 505, 512, 513, 517, 518, 519, 522, 565, 567, 568, 571, 573, 575, 582, 584, 586, 587, 588, 589, 591, 614, 619, 623, 624, 636, 638, 639, 640, 645, 646, 647, 649, 650, 651, 652, 654, 667, 668, 669, 672, 673, 674, 675, 676, 677, 679, 680, 681, 683, 684, 686, 687, 688, 689, 691, 692, 693, 694, 698, 699, 700, 701, 702, 707, 708, 709, 711, 726, 729, 730, 731, 732, 780, 798

1131

application ................................. 29, 39, 46, 55, 58, 59, 63, 66, 75, 82, 92, 96, 97, 99, 117, 127, 130, 132, 136, 138, 141, 142, 144, 147, 149, 150, 152, 153, 155, 156, 161, 162, 165, 166, 168, 169, 170, 171, 183, 185, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 200, 201, 206,211, 212, 216, 219, 224, 226, 227, 228, 229, 232, 233, 241, 242, 246, 260, 264, 266, 268, 269, 272, 279, 286, 288, 289, 298, 299, 301, 302, 304, 307, 309, 318, 323, 329, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 360, 364, 376, 386, 391, 393, 396, 397, 410, 414, 415, 425, 454, 455, 456, 466, 468, 475, 476, 480, 485, 488, 490, 493, 494, 505, 506, 507, 509, 510, 511, 512, 513, 515, 516, 517, 518, 519, 520, 521, 522, 526, 528, 529, 543, 546, 548, 554, 556, 557, 558, 559, 561, 562, 564, 565, 567, 568, 569, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, 575, 577, 578, 580, 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586, 589, 590, 593, 594, 597, 600, 601, 606, 615, 616, 618, 619, 620, 621, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628, 629, 635, 636, 637, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, 650, 651, 652, 653, 654, 655, 666, 667, 668, 669, 670, 671, 672, 673, 676, 677, 678, 679, 680, 681, 682, 683, 684, 685, 687, 688, 689, 691, 692, 693, 694, 695, 696, 697, 698, 699, 700, 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 706, 707, 708, 709, 710, 711, 721, 726, 730, 732, 739, 740, 747, 755, 758, 761, 767, 772, 773, 779, 780, 781, 782, 786, 791, 795, 797, 798, 800, 803, 806 application by council for accreditation/renewal of accreditation .................... 814 application for a written undertaking/compliance order to be made an arbitration award .......................................................................................... 815 application for condonation ..... 185, 189, 190, 192, 197, 198, 203, 215, 216, 319, 377, 391, 396, 397, 408, 555, 625, 638, 654, 693, 726, 1023 application for exemption ......................................................................... 899, 900 application for extension of the conciliation period ......................................... 815 application for postponement ........................... 511, 512, 513, 516, 517, 636, 648 application to certify bargaining council award ............................................... 815 application to certify CCMA award ................................................................. 814 appointment as labour inspector ....................................................................... 815 appointment of senior commissioner to arbitrate ............................................. 814 appropriate remedy ........................................................................... 279, 281, 301 arbitrarily .......................................................................... 234, 239, 319, 778, 786 arbitration .................27, 28, 40, 42, 44, 63, 64, 65, 66, 68, 69, 72, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 87, 91, 94, 95, 103, 106, 129, 162, 175, 188, 189, 190, 191, 195, 199, 204, 210, 213, 214, 215, 219, 224, 232, 233, 234, 245, 247, 249, 251, 257, 260, 261, 263, 264, 265, 266, 268, 270, 271, 272, 273, 286, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 299, 301, 302, 304, 306, 307, 308, 309, 311, 313, 314, 315, 317, 318, 319, 322, 323, 325, 327, 328, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 345, 347, 349, 350, 351, 370, 371, 373, 374, 375, 376, 383, 384, 385, 387, 388, 390, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 407, 414, 415, 427, 428, 429, 430, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 440, 441, 442, 443, 448, 452, 454, 456, 458, 459, 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, 478, 484, 485, 486, 487, 489, 490, 491, 496, 497, 498, 499, 500, 501, 504, 505, 506, 507, 509, 510, 511, 516, 517, 518, 520, 521, 523, 524, 526, 527, 528, 531, 533, 538, 541, 542, 543, 546, 547, 548, 549, 550, 551, 553, 554, 558, 559, 561, 562, 564, 565, 566, 567, 569, 570, 571, 573, 574, 584, 586, 1132

587, 588, 591, 593, 595, 598, 618, 619, 620, 621, 622, 623, 625, 635, 636, 648, 653, 654, 666, 671, 672, 675, 676, 677, 684, 685, 687, 688, 691, 692, 693, 694, 695, 696, 703, 705, 706, 708, 709, 711, 712, 714, 715, 717, 718, 721, 722, 724, 728, 729, 730, 732, 733, 734, 739, 740, 743, 744, 747, 748, 749, 752, 753, 754, 766, 767, 774, 775, 776, 778, 779, 780, 781, 782, 783, 784, 785, 787, 788, 789, 790, 795, 803, 804, 805, 806, 807, 808 arbitration award .............. 162, 268, 304, 308, 310, 317, 318, 322, 332, 334, 440, 505, 506, 671, 672, 684, 687, 692, 694, 695, 696, 729 arbitration award certified......................................................................... 803, 806 arbitration proceedings ............ 27, 39, 75, 79, 190, 204, 307, 308, 317, 318, 329, 331, 433, 491, 517, 567, 574, 584, 591, 618, 622, 672, 729, 774, 780 arbitration referral form ...................................................................................... 79 arbitrator ................ 39, 69, 92, 270, 272, 273, 284, 302, 307, 309, 310, 311, 313, 314, 315, 317, 325, 326, 327, 329, 330, 331, 389, 398, 413, 437, 443, 449, 450, 464, 497, 505, 517, 573, 671, 672, 673, 675, 714, 716, 717, 718, 722, 729, 730, 783, 785, 787 arbitratorâ&#x20AC;&#x;s handwritten notes ........................................................................... 335 area of jurisdiction ....................... 34, 61, 141, 145, 148, 240, 333, 340, 341, 524, 525, 527, 530 area of jurisdiction of the CCMA ....................................................................... 34 arithmetical error .............................................................................................. 690 assistance by the CCMA................................................................................... 199 assistant clerks of the court ................................................................................. 50 assistant court managers ..................................................................................... 50 assistant registrars ............................................................................................... 50 assistant town clerk ........................................................................... 135, 140, 150 association ........... 39, 92, 101, 103, 121, 122, 123, 124, 126, 133, 134, 137, 140, 148, 194, 252, 253, 254, 317, 405, 409, 420, 421, 442, 445, 502, 506, 517, 566, 577, 600, 620, 730, 781, 792 association agreement ....................................................................................... 115 at its registered office.............................. 100, 102, 115, 116, 117, 118, 977, 1034 at least ................ 43, 44, 45, 85, 90, 100, 102, 104, 109, 114, 123, 133, 134, 139, 140, 183, 218, 219, 220, 222, 223, 227, 228, 229, 251, 253, 288, 314, 338, 369, 370, 371, 374, 375, 376, 385, 399, 411, 431, 436, 458, 476, 484, 485, 486, 488, 489, 494, 495, 503, 507, 510, 511, 516, 529, 563, 566, 627, 630, 638, 654, 679, 687, 699, 715, 716, 721, 739, 740, 741, 742, 747, 749, 750, 758, 761, 762, 789, 794, 954, 976, 977, 984, 1021, 1028, 1036, 1037, 1038 at least 21 days prior to the scheduled date ...................................................... 485 at least eight days ...................................................................................... 229, 762 attorney admitted to practise ............................................................................... 83 audi alteram partem ................................................................. 265, 285, 311, 456 audi alteram partem rule ................................................................................... 285 audit triggers ..................................................................................................... 898 auditor-general .................................................................................................. 300 automatically unfair dismissals......................................................... 266, 270, 298

1133

award ....................29, 63, 190, 195, 236, 252, 261, 268, 272, 301, 303, 304, 306, 307, 308, 309, 311, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 325, 329, 330, 331, 333, 336, 337, 338, 434, 442, 444, 445, 446, 447, 458, 499, 505, 506, 571, 573, 587, 588, 604, 636, 671, 672, 676, 677, 684, 685, 686, 687, 688, 689, 691, 692, 693, 694, 695, 696, 706, 711, 714, 717, 722, 728, 730, 732, 734, 751, 774, 775, 776, 778, 780, 781, 782, 783, 788, 789, 790, 795, 803, 804, 806, 807, 808 B bad faith .................................................................................................... 239, 457 bad return.......................................................................................................... 165 balance of convenience............................................................................. 513, 592 ballot ................................................... 45, 658, 885, 886, 887, 888, 889, 914, 926 ballot boxes....................................................................................................... 887 ballot papers ..................................................................................................... 886 ballots ................................................................................................................. 45 bargaining council ..............43, 66, 68, 80, 94, 106, 120, 132, 162, 213, 219, 261, 272, 286, 289, 292, 293, 294, 299, 308, 309, 332, 346, 347, 351, 356, 357, 396, 397, 398, 442, 450, 498, 507, 570, 660, 671, 674, 716, 803, 804, 807, 815, 871, 872, 890, 891, 904, 910, 911, 918, 921, 924, 925 bargaining councils................................................... 161, 264, 269, 272, 298, 574 bargaining councils in the public sector ........................................................... 161 bargaining councils in the public service ......................................................... 162 bargaining or statutory councils ......................................................................... 45 BCEA Form 9 ................................................................................... 163, 541, 815 BCEA Form 12 ......................................................................... 163, 503, 504, 815 BCEA Form 14A ...................................................................... 503, 504, 663, 815 BCEA Form 14B ...................................................................... 503, 504, 663, 815 BCEA Form 15 ................................................................. 163, 633, 663, 664, 815 before ........................27, 32, 33, 39, 40, 43, 51, 52, 56, 57, 60, 63, 64, 69, 76, 77, 81, 93, 94, 96, 97, 100, 103, 106, 107, 112, 113, 129, 158, 169, 173, 182, 185, 189, 191, 197, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 223, 224, 227, 228, 229, 231, 232, 240, 241, 243, 245, 247, 249, 250, 251, 257, 272, 273, 274, 282, 290, 291, 292, 293, 304, 306, 308, 310, 314, 316, 321, 322, 325, 326, 327, 329, 333, 334, 335, 337, 339, 343, 345, 351, 359, 369, 374, 376, 377, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 391, 394, 396, 397, 402, 410, 412, 413, 417, 427, 433, 437, 438, 445, 450, 457, 466, 468, 475, 476, 478, 479, 480, 481, 484, 485, 487, 488, 490, 491, 492, 494, 495, 496, 497, 507, 509, 510, 515, 517, 518, 520, 523, 524, 527, 529, 531, 533, 547, 548, 549, 550, 551, 554, 555, 556, 557, 561, 563, 564, 565, 566, 567, 568, 570, 573, 574, 576, 580, 583, 584, 586, 590, 593, 594, 595, 598, 600, 604, 605, 609, 617, 618, 619, 625, 636, 641, 642, 645, 653, 666, 673, 675, 679, 680, 683, 684, 695, 698, 702, 703, 706, 710, 711, 717, 720, 721, 722, 725, 728, 729, 730, 731, 732, 733, 734, 737, 739, 743, 744, 745, 746, 747, 751, 752, 753, 755, 756, 758, 759, 761, 762, 763, 764, 766, 774, 782, 784, 793, 794, 795, 797, 802, 803, 811 benefits ......................251, 258, 265, 282, 283, 285, 480, 498, 501, 502, 563, 611 1134