Labour Relations South Africa

📘 Employee Rights Guide Your Step‑by‑Step Companion for Workplace Hearings, Grievances, Leave, and CCMA 1. Disciplinary Hearings What you need to know: You must get at least 48 hours written notice before the hearing. You can bring a union representative or fellow employee to assist you. You have the right to see all evidence before the hearing. The hearing must be run by someone neutral (not directly involved). You must receive a written outcome after the hearing. Checklist for preparation: Read the charge sheet carefully. Collect documents or emails that support your case. Write down questions you want to ask. Ask witnesses if they are willing to attend. 2. Charge Sheet – What It Should Look Like Clear description of the incident. Date, time, and place of the alleged misconduct. The company rule or policy you are accused of breaking. Avoid vague wording like “bad behaviour.” Example: “On 10 May 2026, you failed to follow safety protocol as per Policy XYZ.” 3. Grievance Proce...

  Understanding Sick Certificates and Sick Leave in South African Labour Law Navigating sick leave and the requirements for sick certificates can be tricky for both employees and employers in South Africa. What’s acceptable, what’s not, and how does it impact your leave? Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand your rights and obligations under South African labour law. 1. What Is a Sick Certificate? A sick certificate , also known as a medical certificate , is a document issued by a registered medical practitioner to verify that an employee was ill and unable to work. In South Africa, sick certificates play a crucial role in validating sick leave and preventing misuse of leave benefits. For a sick certificate to be valid: It must be issued by a registered doctor (this includes general practitioners, specialists, dentists, or other healthcare professionals like chiropractors). It should clearly state the period of absence and the nature of the illness , although the detai...