Resources
Client Resources & Guides
Access templates, guides, and educational articles to help you understand your legal rights.
Templates & Documents
Employment Contract Template
Customizable employment contract for use in South Africa.
CCMA Claim Form Guide
Step-by-step guide to completing your CCMA referral form.
Divorce Settlement Checklist
Essential checklist for divorce proceedings and property division.
Protection Order Application Form
Guidance document for protection order applications.
Educational Articles
Understanding Unfair Dismissal Laws in SA
Comprehensive overview of South African unfair dismissal legislation and your rights.
Your Guide to CCMA Proceedings
Everything you need to know about the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.
Maintenance Rights: Spouse and Child
Legal guide to spousal and child maintenance obligations and claims.
Protection Orders: When and How to Apply
Information about protection orders and the application process.
Workplace Harassment - Know Your Rights
Guide to recognizing workplace harassment and your legal remedies.
Retrenchment in South Africa: Employee Protections
Understanding your rights during retrenchment and restructuring.
Prepare for Your Consultation
Key takeaways from the Labour Relations Act and Basic Conditions of Employment Act to help you understand your rights before meeting with our attorneys.
Your Rights Under the LRA
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Protection Against Unfair Dismissal
An employer must have a fair reason (misconduct, incapacity, or operational needs) and follow a fair procedure before dismissing you.
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Right to Refer to the CCMA
You have 30 days from the date of dismissal to refer an unfair dismissal dispute to the CCMA or relevant Bargaining Council.
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Retrenchment Protections (Section 189)
Employers must consult with affected employees or their representatives and consider alternatives before proceeding with retrenchments.
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Right to Fair Labour Practices
Every employee is entitled to fair treatment, including protection against unfair discrimination and unfair labour practices.
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Freedom of Association
You have the right to join or form a trade union and participate in collective bargaining without employer interference.
Your Rights Under the BCEA
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Working Hours
Ordinary working hours are limited to 45 hours per week (9 hours/day if working 5 days, 8 hours/day if working 6 days). Overtime must be agreed upon and paid at 1.5x your normal rate.
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Annual Leave
Employees are entitled to 21 consecutive days of paid annual leave (equivalent to 15 working days) per annual leave cycle.
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Sick Leave
You are entitled to paid sick leave equal to the number of days you would normally work in a 6-week period, accumulated over a 3-year cycle.
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Written Particulars of Employment
Your employer must provide you with a written contract detailing your job title, remuneration, working hours, and leave entitlements.
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Severance Pay on Retrenchment
If retrenched, you are entitled to at least one week's remuneration for each completed year of service, in addition to notice pay and leave pay.
Tip: Bring any relevant documents — employment contracts, warning letters, payslips, or CCMA referrals — to your consultation so our attorneys can give you the most accurate advice.