Section 52 of the Labour Relations Act, No 66 of 1995, (the LRA) as amended, gives the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (the CCMA) the powers to accredit bargaining councils to conduct dispute resolution functions. Accordingly, the Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council (the MEIBC) has been duly accredited to render this service to the parties that operate within the scope of the MEIBC. The Council has seven (7) regional offices and two (2) satellite offices nationally and all these offices have a Centre for Dispute Resolution (the CDR).

One of the primary objects of the CDR is to attempt to conciliate any dispute referred to it in terms of the LRA or any other law and arbitrate it after it remain unresolved by using CCMA accredited commissioners. These commissioners are also used to conciliate and arbitrate enforcement disputes. The Council has adopted the CCMA rules and procedures and a copy of the Rules can be sent to you by fax, email, post and/or downloaded on www.meibc.co.za

 

Who can use the CDR?

The service of CDR is free of charge hence you may want to approach the CDR to conciliate or even arbitrate your dispute. A union or employer's organization may also initiate this action. You do not need the other party's consent before taking a matter to the CDR. Both parties and non-parties to the MEIBC, as long as they fall within the registered scope of the MEIBC can use the CDR. The CDR provides impartial dispute resolution services and attendance by lawyers or labour consultants is not necessary. If you are an employee in dispute with your employer, or vice versa, over a matter such as-

The service of CDR is free of charge hence you may want to approach the CDR to conciliate or even arbitrate your dispute. A union or employer's organization may also initiate this action. You do not need the other party's consent before taking a matter to the CDR. Both parties and non-parties to the MEIBC, as long as they fall within the registered scope of the MEIBC can use the CDR. The CDR provides impartial dispute resolution services and attendance by lawyers or labour consultants is not necessary. If you are an employee in dispute with your employer, or vice versa, over a matter such as- 

1. Alleged unfair dismissal disputes (section 191 of the LRA)
2. Alleged unfair labour practice disputes (section 191 of the LRA)
3. Mutual interest disputes (section 64(1) of the LRA)
4. Interpretation of Collective Agreement disputes (section 24(1) of the LRA)
5. Essential Service disputes (section 74 of the LRA)
6. Inquiry by Arbitrator (section 188A of the LRA)
7. Temporary Employment Service (section 198, 198A, 198B, 198C and 198D of the LRA)
8. Disputes about interpretation or application of the provisions of Chapter II (section 9 of the LRA)

       NB: You are therefore advised that the MEIBC has jurisdiction to hear the above disputes.

 

Where is the CDR?

The MEIBC has seven (7) regional and two (2) satellite offices nationally and all these offices have a Centre for Dispute Resolution (the CDR). Referrals MUST be referred to the Regional Office where the dispute arose. The MEIBC offices open every day from Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, between 08h00 and 16h30 as determined by the Council.