If you are an employee in dispute with your employer, or vice versa, over a matter such as:

• dismissal
• wages and working conditions
• workplace changes, or
• discrimination

you can ask the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to conciliate or even arbitrate your dispute. A union or employer's organisation may also initiate this action. You do not need the other party's consent before taking a matter to the CCMA.

The following disputes cannot be referred to the CCMA:

• where an independent contractor is involved.
• where the case does not deal with an issue in the Labour Relations Act or Employment Equity Act (EEA). Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) issues may be linked to unfair dismissal disputes and unfair retrenchment disputes at the CCMA.
• where a bargaining council or statutory council exists for that sector.
• where a private agreement exists for resolving disputes, such as private arbitration.

Find out more about referring a dispute to the CCMA or contact the CCMA.