Shop Steward Training

A practical approach to labour legislation in the workplace

Full-day interactive online course 

19 August 2022 (09:00 - 16:00) Interactive Online Course 

Online registration - Click here

Email registration - download booking form for 19 August 2022 Interactive Online Course 

Course content

Module 1: Recognition of a trade union and collective bargaining 

Organizational Rights for registered trade unions

• Sufficient representation
• Majority representation
• Disputes about organisational rights 
• Trade Union access to the Workplace
• Deduction of trade union subscriptions or levies
• Trade Union Representatives
• Leave for Trade Union activities
• Disclosure of Information to Trade Union

The role of the shop steward

• Functions and duties of shop stewards
• Disciplinary action against a shop steward

Collective Agreements

• Legal effect of collective agreement
• Disputes about collective agreements
• Agency Shop Agreements
• Closed shop agreements 

Collective Bargaining

• What is a matter of mutual interest?
• Must the employer negotiate?
• Deadlock in negotiations – the options
• Refusals to bargain (negotiate) disputes

Industrial Action

• What constitutes protected industrial action (protected strike)
• Dismissals based on participation in protected industrial action
• Unprotected industrial action and dismissals
• Picket rules
• The employer’s right to lock out

Module 2: Schedule 8: the Code of Good Practice on dismissal - misconduct           

The disciplinary process in workplaces

• Fair procedure and reason for dismissal
• Automatic unfair dismissals
• Unfair labour practices
• The employer’s disciplinary code and how it is applied
• Progressive discipline (the process of warning employees)
• Fair procedure (suspending and charging an employee)
• External representation at a disciplinary enquiry

The disciplinary enquiry

• The chairperson
• The format of disciplinary enquiries

Module 3: Schedule 8: the Code of Good Practice on dismissal - incapacity           

• How the employer should address poor work performance – the counselling process
• May the shop steward assist the poor work performer?
• Incapacity dismissals (poor work performance, including medical incapacity)

Module 4: Overview of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 

Regulation of Working Time

• Hours of Work and Overtime
• Lunch and tea breaks
• Sunday Work; Night Work
• Public Holidays 

Leave

• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• Proof of Incapacity
• Maternity Leave
• Parental Leave
• Family Responsibility leave
• Absenteeism 

Termination of Employment

• Notice of termination
• Payment instead of Notice
• Payments on Termination
• Certificate of Service 

Purpose of the course: 

To enable shop stewards to understand and effectively apply the principles of labour legislation in the workplace.

Upon completion of the course delegates will be able to: 

• Demonstrate an understanding of the rights and limitations pertaining to the recognition of trade unions in the workplace, collective bargaining and industrial action.
• The purpose and application of the Basic Conditions of Employment.
• Effectively assist employees in the workplace in disciplinary and incapacity matters.
• Effectively and constructively engage employers on workplace related matters

The course will be useful for: 

• Trade union representatives (“Shop Stewards”)
• Employee representatives

Registration Fee

• Price per delegate:  R 2440-00 

The above fee includes course material and if applicable, lunch and refreshments.

Course material will only be made available to paid participants.

Seats are limited. Early booking is essential.

essential.

For further information contact:

• Hanlie or Peraldo at (012) 661 3208 / (012) 661 1411
• Email [email protected] or [email protected]  

Online registration - Click here

Email registration - download booking form for 19 August 2022 Interactive Online Course