Call us now:
Labour Law Attorneys in Johannesburg – Expert CCMA Representation & Employment Law Services
Facing an unfair dismissal? Dispute at work? Need employment law advice? Our experienced labour law attorneys in Johannesburg specialize in protecting employee rights and defending employer interests. With an 87% success rate at the CCMA and 15+ years of employment law experience, we deliver results.
⚠️ URGENT: Been dismissed? You have only 30 DAYS to file at CCMA!
📞 Call NOW for same-day consultation: 011-XXX-XXXX
⏰ Don’t lose your rights by missing the deadline!
📞 Call NOW for same-day consultation: 011-XXX-XXXX
⏰ Don’t lose your rights by missing the deadline!
87%
Success Rate at CCMA
500+
CCMA Cases Won
15+
Years Experience
24hrs
Response Time
Our Labour Law Services in Johannesburg
👨💼 For Employees – We Fight For Your Rights
⚖️ Unfair Dismissal Cases
Been fired unfairly? We can help you challenge your dismissal at the CCMA and secure:
- ✅ Reinstatement to your position
- ✅ Compensation up to 12 months’ salary
- ✅ Back pay for lost earnings
- ✅ Settlement agreements for mutual separation
Our fee: R5,000 – R15,000 (depending on complexity) | Success-based arrangements available
📉 Retrenchment & Severance Disputes
Was your retrenchment procedurally unfair? We help you:
- Challenge unfair selection criteria
- Negotiate better severance packages
- Ensure proper consultation was followed
- Claim additional compensation for procedural defects
- Access UIF benefits properly
Average severance increase: 30-50% through negotiation
💰 Unpaid Wages & Benefits
Employer not paying you? We recover:
- Unpaid salaries and bonuses
- Outstanding commission
- Leave pay
- 13th cheque/bonuses
- Overtime pay
- Benefits owed
🚫 Constructive Dismissal
Forced to resign due to unbearable working conditions? This may be constructive dismissal. We help you prove:
- Your employer made continued employment intolerable
- You had no choice but to resign
- You’re entitled to compensation as if you were dismissed
⚠️ Discrimination & Harassment
Experiencing workplace discrimination based on:
- Race, gender, age, disability
- Pregnancy
- Religion or belief
- Sexual orientation
- HIV status
We fight discrimination claims at CCMA and can pursue additional damages through Labour Court.
📋 Unfair Suspension
Suspended without pay or proper procedure? We challenge:
- Suspension without pay (usually unlawful)
- Extended suspensions (unreasonable delays)
- Precautionary suspensions used as punishment
🔒 Restraint of Trade Disputes
Former employer trying to prevent you from working? We help you:
- Challenge unreasonable restraints
- Negotiate release from restraint
- Prove restraint is unenforceable
- Start your new job without fear
📝 Employment Contract Review
Before signing a new contract, let us review:
- Salary and benefits clauses
- Restraint of trade (non-compete)
- Notice periods
- Termination clauses
- Intellectual property rights
- Non-disclosure agreements
Contract review fee: R1,500 – R3,500
🏢 For Employers – We Protect Your Business
⚖️ CCMA Defence
Employee filed a case against your company? We provide robust defence including:
- Pre-CCMA legal advice
- Representation at conciliation
- Representation at arbitration
- Preparation of employer witnesses
- Bundle preparation and evidence
- Legal argument and cross-examination
Our success rate defending employers: 82%
📋 Disciplinary Hearings
Comprehensive disciplinary procedure support:
- Drafting charge sheets
- Chairing disciplinary hearings
- Advising on appropriate sanctions
- Ensuring procedural fairness
- Appeal procedures
- Documentation and record-keeping
Chairing fee: R3,500 – R8,000 per hearing
📉 Retrenchment Processes
Need to retrench staff? We ensure legal compliance:
- Section 189/189A consultation process
- Selection criteria development
- Notice to unions/employees
- Consultation meetings
- Severance package calculations
- Final retrenchment letters
- Defence if challenged at CCMA
📄 Employment Contracts & Policies
Protect your business with proper documentation:
- Employment contracts – Comprehensive and compliant
- Workplace policies – Disciplinary codes, procedures
- Restraint of trade – Enforceable non-compete clauses
- Performance management – Legal performance improvement processes
- Code of conduct – Clear behavioral standards
- Social media policy
🔍 Labour Compliance Audits
Ensure your business complies with labour law:
- Basic Conditions of Employment Act compliance
- Labour Relations Act compliance
- Employment Equity Act compliance
- Skills Development Act compliance
- Identification of risk areas
- Remedial action recommendations
⚠️ Dispute Resolution & Mediation
Resolve workplace disputes before they escalate:
- Workplace mediation services
- Grievance procedure advice
- Settlement agreement drafting
- Mutual separation agreements
The CCMA Process – What to Expect
Understanding the CCMA
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) is an independent dispute resolution body that handles:
- Unfair dismissals
- Unfair labour practices
- Organizational rights disputes
- Interpretation of collective agreements
Step-by-Step CCMA Process
Step 1: Referral (Day 1-30)
Employee action:
- Complete CCMA Form 7.11 (referral form)
- Must file within 30 days of dismissal (90 days for unfair labour practice)
- Submit to nearest CCMA office or online
What we do: Draft comprehensive referral, ensure all grounds are covered, file timeously
Step 2: Employer Notification (Day 3-7)
What happens:
- CCMA serves referral on employer
- Employer has 7 days to respond (Form 7.12)
- Employer indicates if they will oppose
What we do: Review employer’s response, identify weaknesses in their case
Step 3: Conciliation (Day 30-45)
What happens:
- CCMA commissioner facilitates settlement discussion
- Usually lasts 2-4 hours
- Informal, less adversarial than arbitration
- 60-70% of cases settle here
Possible outcomes:
- ✅ Settlement: Parties agree on compensation/reinstatement
- ❌ No settlement: Commissioner issues Certificate of Outcome, matter proceeds to arbitration
What we do: Represent you at conciliation, negotiate best settlement, advise on offers
Step 4: Arbitration (Day 60-90)
What happens:
- Formal hearing like a court case
- Commissioner hears evidence from both sides
- Witnesses testify under oath
- Documents presented as evidence
- Legal arguments made
- Commissioner issues binding award (usually within 14 days)
Duration: 1 day (simple cases) to 3-5 days (complex cases)
What we do: Full representation, prepare witnesses, cross-examine employer witnesses, present legal argument, maximize your compensation
Step 5: Award & Enforcement (Day 90-120)
If you win:
- Commissioner orders reinstatement or compensation (up to 12 months’ salary)
- Employer must comply within timeframe specified
- If employer doesn’t pay, we enforce through Labour Court
If you lose:
- You can review the award at Labour Court (if legal error)
- We advise on prospects of review
CCMA Success Stories – Real Johannesburg Cases
Case 1: Unfair Dismissal – R180,000 Compensation
Client: Sales Manager, Johannesburg North
Issue: Dismissed for alleged poor performance without proper performance management
Outcome:
- CCMA ruled dismissal substantively and procedurally unfair
- Awarded 10 months’ compensation (R180,000)
- Employer also paid our legal costs
Timeline: 12 weeks from referral to award
Case 2: Constructive Dismissal – Reinstatement
Client: IT Specialist, Sandton
Issue: Forced to resign after employer unilaterally changed job description and reduced salary
Outcome:
- CCMA ruled this was constructive dismissal
- Client reinstated to original position
- Back pay for 4 months (R96,000)
Case 3: Unfair Retrenchment – Settlement R250,000
Client: Financial Manager, Johannesburg CBD
Issue: Retrenched but employer didn’t follow proper consultation process
Outcome:
- Challenged retrenchment at CCMA
- Settled at conciliation for R250,000 (6 months’ salary + legal costs)
- Original severance was R80,000
- Additional R170,000 secured through negotiation
Case 4: Discrimination – R120,000 Award
Client: Pregnant employee, Randburg
Issue: Dismissed 2 months after announcing pregnancy (employer claimed “restructuring”)
Outcome:
- CCMA found automatically unfair dismissal (pregnancy discrimination)
- Awarded 12 months’ compensation (R120,000)
- Additional damages claim pending at Labour Court
Our Labour Law Fees – Transparent Pricing
For Employees:
| Service | Fee | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | FREE | 30-min assessment, advice on merits, fee quote |
| CCMA Referral Drafting | R1,500 | Comprehensive referral, filing at CCMA |
| Conciliation Representation | R5,000 – R8,000 | Full representation, settlement negotiation |
| Arbitration Representation | R8,000 – R15,000 | Full hearing, witnesses, evidence, legal argument |
| Full CCMA Service (Referral to Award) | R12,000 – R20,000 | Everything from start to finish |
| Labour Court Review | R25,000+ | Challenging CCMA award in Labour Court |
💡 Success-Based Fees Available: For strong cases, we offer “no win, no fee” arrangements (percentage of award).
For Employers:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| CCMA Defence (Conciliation) | R7,000 – R12,000 |
| CCMA Defence (Arbitration) | R15,000 – R30,000 |
| Disciplinary Hearing Chairing | R3,500 – R8,000 |
| Employment Contract Drafting | R2,500 – R5,000 |
| Retrenchment Process Management | R15,000 – R40,000 |
| Monthly Retainer (unlimited advice) | R5,000 – R15,000/month |
Why Choose Onah Attorneys for Labour Law in Johannesburg?
🏆 Proven Track Record
87% success rate at CCMA (well above industry average of 60-65%)
Over 500 CCMA cases won for Johannesburg clients
⚡ Urgent Response
Same-day consultations for dismissal cases
We understand the 30-day CCMA deadline – we act fast
💰 Better Settlements
Average settlement 40% higher than unrepresented employees
We know how to negotiate and when to push to arbitration
📚 Specialized Expertise
Labour law is a core practice area – not a side service
Our attorneys only practice employment law
Deep knowledge of Labour Relations Act, BCEA, EEA
🎯 Strategic Approach
We assess your case honestly – if you don’t have a case, we tell you
Strategic advice on when to settle vs. when to fight
Focus on outcomes that matter to you
💬 Clear Communication
No legal jargon – we explain everything in plain English
Regular updates on your case progress
Always available to answer questions
💼 Payment Flexibility
Payment plans available for employees
Success-based fees for qualifying cases
Transparent quotes – no hidden costs
📍 Convenient Locations
Johannesburg, Sandton, and Randburg offices
We come to you if needed
Virtual consultations available
CCMA Offices in Johannesburg
Johannesburg CCMA Office
📍 Address: 11th Floor, Metro Building, 250 Braamfontein, Johannesburg
☎️ Phone: 011 377 6650
🕒 Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
🚇 Gautrain: Park Station (10-minute walk)
Roodepoort CCMA Office
📍 Address: Cnr. Christiaan de Wet & Gordon Road, Florida
☎️ Phone: 011 472 0988
Randburg CCMA Office
📍 Address: 120 Main Road, Bryanston
☎️ Phone: 011 318 8100
Note: Our attorneys regularly appear at all Johannesburg CCMA offices and have excellent relationships with commissioners.
Frequently Asked Questions – Labour Law Johannesburg
How much compensation can I get for unfair dismissal?
The CCMA can award compensation of up to 12 months’ salary for unfair dismissal.
Typical awards:
- Procedurally unfair (substantively fair): 1-3 months
- Substantively unfair (procedurally fair): 3-6 months
- Substantively AND procedurally unfair: 6-12 months
- Automatically unfair (discrimination, etc.): 12-24 months (can go to Labour Court for more)
Factors affecting amount:
- Length of service
- Circumstances of dismissal
- Your financial situation
- Prospects of finding new employment
- Employer’s conduct
Can I be dismissed while on sick leave?
Generally, no. Dismissing an employee on sick leave is usually automatically unfair unless:
- The illness is permanent and you cannot perform your duties (even with accommodation)
- The employer followed proper incapacity process
- Medical evidence supports permanent incapacity
- No alternative position available
If dismissed while sick, contact us immediately – you likely have a strong case.
What is the 30-day CCMA deadline?
You must file your unfair dismissal case at the CCMA within 30 days of dismissal (or notification of dismissal).
Important notes:
- Deadline is strict – CCMA has limited power to condone late referrals
- Count 30 calendar days from dismissal date
- If 30th day falls on weekend/holiday, deadline is next business day
- Filing is date-stamped when CCMA receives it (not when you post it)
⚠️ Don’t delay: Contact us immediately after dismissal to preserve your rights
Can my employer dismiss me without a hearing?
No. Except in very limited circumstances (gross insubordination, violence), you have a right to:
- Written notice of allegations against you
- Reasonable time to prepare (usually 48 hours minimum)
- A fair hearing before an impartial chairperson
- Opportunity to state your case and present evidence
- Right to representation (colleague or union rep, not attorney)
- Right to appeal
Dismissal without a hearing is procedurally unfair even if you committed misconduct.
How long does a CCMA case take?
Typical timeline:
- Conciliation: 30-45 days from referral
- Arbitration (if no settlement): Additional 60-90 days
- Award: Issued within 14 days of arbitration
- Total: 90-150 days from dismissal to award
However, many cases settle at conciliation (within 6-8 weeks total).
Can I get my job back through CCMA?
Yes, possibly. The CCMA can order reinstatement if:
- Your dismissal was unfair
- The employment relationship is still viable
- You want to go back
However: Most employees prefer compensation because:
- Trust has been broken
- Working relationship is damaged
- Employer may make your life difficult
We advise you on the best option for your situation.
What is “automatically unfair” dismissal?
Automatically unfair dismissals carry higher compensation (up to 24 months) and include dismissal for:
- Pregnancy or maternity leave
- Participating in legal strike
- Refusing to do something illegal/unsafe
- Discrimination (race, gender, age, disability, etc.)
- Exercising a right under Labour Relations Act
- Whistleblowing
These cases can also be taken to Labour Court for additional damages.
Do I need an attorney for CCMA?
Legally, no. You can represent yourself at CCMA.
Practically, yes. Here’s why:
- Employers usually have attorneys or labour consultants
- Knowing what evidence to present is crucial
- Cross-examination requires skill
- Legal arguments make the difference
- Represented employees get 40% higher settlements on average
Our success rate: 87% vs. 45% for unrepresented employees
Can my employer fire me for being sick too often?
Possibly, but only after following proper process:
- Employer must investigate reasons for absences
- Medical certificates must be genuine
- Incapacity hearing must be held
- Medical evidence (doctor’s report) required
- You must be given opportunity to state your case
- Employer must consider alternatives (lighter duties, etc.)
If dismissed for sick leave without proper process, you have a strong unfair dismissal case.
What happens if I signed a settlement agreement?
Settlement agreements (mutual separation) are generally binding if:
- You signed voluntarily (no duress)
- You understood what you were signing
- The agreement is clear and lawful
However, you may be able to challenge if:
- You were forced to sign under threat
- You didn’t understand (language barrier, no legal advice)
- The agreement is unconscionable (grossly unfair)
- You were not given time to consider
Bring your settlement agreement to our free consultation – we’ll advise if you can challenge it.
Important Labour Law Deadlines
| Issue | Deadline to File at CCMA |
|---|---|
| Unfair dismissal | 30 days from dismissal |
| Unfair labour practice | 90 days from act/omission |
| Unfair suspension | 30 days from suspension |
| Constructive dismissal | 30 days from resignation |
| Automatically unfair dismissal | 30 days (can extend to Labour Court if late) |
| Discrimination | 6 months (Labour Court) |
⚠️ These deadlines are strict! Missing them means losing your right to challenge. Contact us immediately after dismissal.
Contact Our Johannesburg Labour Law Attorneys
🚨 Been Dismissed? Workplace Dispute? Act Now!
Don’t let the 30-day deadline pass. Get expert legal advice today.
📞 URGENT Dismissal Cases
011-XXX-XXXX
Same-day consultations available
📧 General Enquiries
labour@onah-attorneys.co.za
Response within 2 hours
082-XXX-XXXX
Quick questions welcome
FREE Consultation Includes:
- ✅ Assessment of your case merits
- ✅ Explanation of CCMA process
- ✅ Honest advice on likely outcomes
- ✅ Detailed fee quote (no obligation)
- ✅ Timeline for your case
- ✅ Strategic advice on next steps
🏆 87% Success Rate | 💰 Payment Plans Available | ⚡ Same-Day Response
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Contact us for advice specific to your situation. Onah Attorneys – Johannesburg Labour Law Specialists since [YEAR].