Basic Labour Relations

The programme

Programme overview

This one-day training session runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, giving each of the three sessions the time it genuinely requires — including case studies, role-play simulations, and group discussion. For in-house training, the schedule can be customised to your specific date and time.

This interactive Basic Labour Relations workshop provides an essential understanding of labour relations, highlighting key elements of the Labour Relations Act (LRA) and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA). Designed specifically for new managers, HR professionals, and shop stewards, participants will gain valuable insights into employment law, contract obligations, employee rights, and effective disciplinary processes. Delegates will leave equipped with practical tools and knowledge to manage workplace relations and ensure compliance with relevant labour legislation.

Who should attend

Who is this programme for?

• New Managers
• HR Specialists
• Shop Stewards

Learning outcomes

What you will learn

• Understand the legal framework of labour relations in South Africa, incorporating recent developments such as the 2025 Code of Good Practice: Dismissal and draft Labour Law Amendments
• Be able to apply best practices in disciplinary procedures and dispute resolution, including navigating virtual CCMA hearings
• Effectively manage workplace relations within the legal parameters set by the Labour Relations Act (LRA) and Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA)
• Demonstrate enhanced knowledge of compliance obligations concerning employment contracts, employee rights, and updated legislative frameworks

Interactive Components

• Case Studies and Practical Scenarios
• Role-play simulations (Disciplinary hearings, Negotiations)
• Group Discussions and Q&A Sessions

Explore the programme

Detailed programme outline

Labour Relations Essentials — Training Outline

• Importance of Labour Relations in the workplace
• Roles and responsibilities of management, HR, and employee representatives
• Defining Misconduct
• Handling Probationary Employees
• Incapacity due to Poor Performance
• Incapacity due to Ill Health
• Applying the current Code of Good Practice: Dismissal, which took effect in September 2025 and replaced the previous Schedule 8 framework
• Purpose and implementation
• Procedural fairness and substantive fairness
• Conducting effective disciplinary hearings
• Documentation and record-keeping
• Definition and scope of dismissal
• Types of dismissals (Fair, Unfair, Automatically Unfair)
• Identifying Automatically Unfair Dismissals
• Awareness of the Labour Law Amendment Bill (Government Gazette No. 54220, 26 February 2026) — the most comprehensive review of South Africa's employment legislation in more than a decade, amending the LRA, BCEA, and Employment Equity Act
• Procedures for managing disputes
• Remedies and legal recourse for unfair dismissals
• Compensation limits and considerations
• CCMA and Labour Court procedures
• Principles of collective bargaining
• Organisational Rights (Access, Recognition, and Facilities)
• Union recognition and interaction
• Negotiating and interpreting Collective Agreements
• Earnings Threshold and its implications — currently R269,600.90 per annum (R22,466.74 per month), effective 1 May 2026
• The BCEA's role in employment contracts
• Regulatory compliance obligations for employers
• Standard Working Hours
• Managing Overtime (compliance, consent, and remuneration)
• Rest periods (meal breaks, daily and weekly rest)
• Sunday Work
• Night Work
• Public Holidays
• Managing compliance and remuneration requirements
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave (provisions, certificates, and procedures)
• Maternity, Adoption, Parental, and Surrogacy Leave
• Family Responsibility Leave
• Procedures for termination of employment
• Notice periods and severance pay
• Legal guidelines on deductions from employee pay
• Documentation and communication requirements

Learning approach

How you will learn

Our diverse instructional approaches ensure effective learning:

– Lectures & Presentations: Engage with expert-driven, stimulating content.– Course Material: Access well-crafted supporting resources.– Group Work: Collaborate on discussions and case studies for practical insights.– Workshops & Role-Play: Participate in immersive, scenario-based activities.– Practical Application: Focus on applying theoretical knowledge in real situations.– Post-Training Support: Receive extensive support after training for skill implementation.

Discuss your requirements

Dates, duration & arrangements

Contact Ratomac to confirm dates, duration, delivery format, entry requirements and any applicable assessment or certification before booking.