138 years in practice
Worcester, Western Cape
66 Church Street, Worcester
+27 (0)23 348 6000
63 years in practice
Worcester, Western Cape
23 Stockenströmstreet, Worcester+27 (0)23 347 0996 Docex: 4
46 years in practice
Worcester, Western Cape
39 Riebeeck Street, Worcester+27 (0)23 347 08073 of the 5 firms in our Worcester directory list labour law as one of their practice areas (60%). By years in practice, the most experienced are Muller Terblanche & Beyers Inc (138 years), Conradie Inc. (63 years) and Schur Marais Du Plessis Attorneys (46 years). All of them have a full profile on our site, with their people, history and the courts they use.
Labour disputes in South Africa are governed mainly by the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. Most dismissal disputes start at the CCMA or a bargaining council, and the time limits are short: an unfair dismissal dispute must generally be referred within 30 days of the dismissal. Labour lawyers act for both employees and employers.
Conciliation and arbitration happen at the CCMA or a bargaining council, and the Labour Court, which hears dismissal disputes that cannot be settled there, sits in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Gqeberha. The nearest CCMA office is in Cape Town, about 100 km away: CCMA Cape Town, CCMA House, 78 Darling Street, Cape Town, 8001. The nearest Legal Aid SA office is in Worcester itself: Legal Aid SA Worcester Local Office, 1st Floor, WC Building, cnr High and Stockenstrom Streets, Worcester, 6850. Legal Aid helps people who pass its means test, mainly in criminal, family and eviction matters.
Generally 30 days from the date of dismissal to the CCMA or bargaining council. Late referrals need a condonation application, so act quickly.
At conciliation, legal representation is usually not allowed. At arbitration it depends on the type of dispute and the commissioner's ruling. A labour lawyer can still prepare you for every stage.
Compare the firms listed above, ask whether they act for employees, employers or both, and check if they offer a first consultation to assess your case.
The closest CCMA office is CCMA Cape Town, about 100 km from Worcester. Phone ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
Legal Aid South Africa helps people who qualify under its means test. The closest office to Worcester is Legal Aid SA Worcester Local Office.
