Basic Labour Relations Training

Basic Labour Relations

Essential Labour Relations, LRA and BCEA Compliance for New Managers, HR Professionals, and Shop Stewards

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Platform:
Online
In-class
Date Venue Duration
30 September 2026 Live/Online 1 Day
30 November 2026 Live/Online 1 Day

Course Introduction

This one-day training session runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, giving each of the three sessions the time it genuinely requires — including case studies, role-play simulations, and group discussion. For in-house training, the schedule can be customised to your specific date and time. 

 

This interactive Basic Labour Relations workshop provides an essential understanding of labour relations, highlighting key elements of the Labour Relations Act (LRA) and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA). Designed specifically for new managers, HR professionals, and shop stewards, participants will gain valuable insights into employment law, contract obligations, employee rights, and effective disciplinary processes. Delegates will leave equipped with practical tools and knowledge to manage workplace relations and ensure compliance with relevant labour legislation. 

Course Objectives

By the end of this Basic Labour Relations workshop, delegates will:
  • Understand the legal framework of labour relations in South Africa, incorporating recent developments such as the 2025 Code of Good Practice: Dismissal and draft Labour Law Amendments
  • Be able to apply best practices in disciplinary procedures and dispute resolution, including navigating virtual CCMA hearings
  • Effectively manage workplace relations within the legal parameters set by the Labour Relations Act (LRA) and Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA)
  • Demonstrate enhanced knowledge of compliance obligations concerning employment contracts, employee rights, and updated legislative frameworks

Interactive Components

  • Case Studies and Practical Scenarios
  • Role-play simulations (Disciplinary hearings, Negotiations)
  • Group Discussions and Q&A Sessions

Who should attend?

  • New Managers
  • HR Specialists
  • Shop Stewards
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Training Methodology

Our diverse instructional approaches ensure effective learning:

– Lectures & Presentations: Engage with expert-driven, stimulating content.
– Course Material: Access well-crafted supporting resources.
– Group Work: Collaborate on discussions and case studies for practical insights.
– Workshops & Role-Play: Participate in immersive, scenario-based activities.
– Practical Application: Focus on applying theoretical knowledge in real situations.
– Post-Training Support: Receive extensive support after training for skill implementation.

Training Outline

Labour Relations Essentials — Training Outline

Session 1: Introduction to Labour Relations
Labour Relations Framework Overview
  • Importance of Labour Relations in the workplace
  • Roles and responsibilities of management, HR, and employee representatives
Code of Good Practice: Dismissal
  • Defining Misconduct
  • Handling Probationary Employees
  • Incapacity due to Poor Performance
  • Incapacity due to Ill Health
  • Applying the current Code of Good Practice: Dismissal, which took effect in September 2025 and replaced the previous Schedule 8 framework
Disciplinary Code and Procedure
  • Purpose and implementation
  • Procedural fairness and substantive fairness
  • Conducting effective disciplinary hearings
  • Documentation and record-keeping
Session 2: The Labour Relations Act (LRA)
Understanding Dismissal
  • Definition and scope of dismissal
  • Types of dismissals (Fair, Unfair, Automatically Unfair)
  • Identifying Automatically Unfair Dismissals
  • Awareness of the Labour Law Amendment Bill (Government Gazette No. 54220, 26 February 2026) — the most comprehensive review of South Africa's employment legislation in more than a decade, amending the LRA, BCEA, and Employment Equity Act
Unfair Dismissals and Dispute Resolution
  • Procedures for managing disputes
  • Remedies and legal recourse for unfair dismissals
  • Compensation limits and considerations
  • CCMA and Labour Court procedures
Collective Bargaining and Employee Representation
  • Principles of collective bargaining
  • Organisational Rights (Access, Recognition, and Facilities)
  • Union recognition and interaction
  • Negotiating and interpreting Collective Agreements
Session 3: The Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA)
Understanding the BCEA Framework
  • Earnings Threshold and its implications — currently R269,600.90 per annum (R22,466.74 per month), effective 1 May 2026
  • The BCEA's role in employment contracts
  • Regulatory compliance obligations for employers
Regulation of Work Time
  • Standard Working Hours
  • Managing Overtime (compliance, consent, and remuneration)
  • Rest periods (meal breaks, daily and weekly rest)
Special Work Arrangements
  • Sunday Work
  • Night Work
  • Public Holidays
  • Managing compliance and remuneration requirements
Leave Entitlements
  • Annual Leave
  • Sick Leave (provisions, certificates, and procedures)
  • Maternity, Adoption, Parental, and Surrogacy Leave
  • Family Responsibility Leave
Termination and Deductions
  • Procedures for termination of employment
  • Notice periods and severance pay
  • Legal guidelines on deductions from employee pay
  • Documentation and communication requirements

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Success Stories

Discover how our courses enhance professionals’ effectiveness in their workplaces.

ELIDZ

Thrive as an Intern: Managing Anxiety, Building Resilience & Handling Rejection

The training was very insightful, contents shared are relatable, and the facilitator is amazing in such a way that he is able to reference practical examples to make concepts understandable and relatable to all. Listening and interacting with him is easy because he opens the platform for everyone, even when he is speaking, you are able to listen attentively with understanding because he is well informed, passionate, and well prepared. He knows his story. Lastly, the session is very interactive and interesting, you constantly looking forward to hear more and say more as well.

East London IDZ

Managing Anxiety, Building Resilience & Handling Rejection

The training was very insightful, and I learnt a lot about Resilience & Handling Rejection. I am glad I was part of the training

Central Bank of Lesotho

Unlock HR's Strategic Power with Modern HRIS

The programme was fascinating and informative.

FAQs –Basic Labour Relations

Master South African labor legislation principles, basic conditions of employment, workplace discipline protocols, and dispute prevention strategies to maintain compliant, fair, and harmonious employer-employee relations.

What topics are covered in the Basic Labour Relations course?
The course covers foundational South African employment law, including the Labour Relations Act (LRA), Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), managing workplace discipline, handling minor grievances, employment contracts, and employee rights.
Who should attend this Basic Labour Relations training?
This introductory course is ideal for newly appointed supervisors, line managers, team leaders, emerging HR generalists, small business owners, and shop stewards seeking a solid grounding in workplace labor law.
What are the key learning objectives of this foundational training?
Delegates learn to apply key provisions of South African labor legislation, manage daily discipline fairly, handle workplace grievances systematically, and foster positive employee-employer relations.
How long is the Basic Labour Relations course?
The course is structured as an intensive 2-day practical workshop featuring real-world workplace scenarios, guided policy application exercises, and interactive group discussions.
What practical skills will delegates gain from this course?
Participants will gain practical skills in issuing corrective warnings, documenting progressive disciplinary actions, interpreting employment contracts, managing leave/working hours compliance, and handling informal dispute resolution.
Can Prospen Africa deliver this course as customized in-house training?
Yes. Prospen Africa can tailor the training to align directly with your company's internal HR policies, disciplinary code, grievance procedure, and relevant industry bargaining council rules.

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