Intro
Becoming a Member
As one of South Africa’s oldest and most established employers’ organisations, CATRA has been representing employers since 1936. Our longevity reflects not only experience, but a deep understanding of the realities employers face in an evolving labour environment.
When you join CATRA, you gain a knowledgeable partner who represents your interests, supports compliance, and helps you manage labour relations with confidence.
Joining
Why Become a Member?
CATRA is a registered employers’ organisation committed to supporting and protecting its members. Membership ensures that your business is not navigating labour relations alone.
HOW YOU BENEFIT
Professional representation at negotiating forums and statutory bodies
Advocacy that reflects the specific needs and realities of your business
Guidance on disciplinary hearings, counselling sessions, retrenchments, and restructuring
Access to training workshops covering labour legislation and workplace best practice
Ongoing updates on labour legislation and regulatory changes
Professional representation at negotiating forums and statutory bodies
Advocacy that reflects the specific needs and realities of your business
Access to training workshops covering labour legislation and workplace best practice
Ongoing updates on labour legislation and regulatory changes
Where applicable, CATRA represents members at bargaining councils and ensures you are informed about relevant collective agreements within your scope and sector.
support
Comprehensive Labour Relations Support
CATRA members have access to a team of experienced labour relations practitioners who provide assistance with:
Labour
disputes
Disciplinary hearings
and enquiry policies
Employer
and employee training
Human resources
operational manuals
Human resources policies
and procedures
Representation
at statutory bodies
Our approach is practical, compliant, and focused on protecting your business while promoting fair workplace processes.
Welcome to the CATRA Helpdesk
Helpdesk
CATRA Dispute Resolution Helpdesk
Facing Labour Disputes with Confidence
South Africa’s labour relations landscape has become increasingly complex. Changing legislation and evolving court precedents mean employers must remain vigilant and informed. Poorly managed disputes can be costly — both financially and operationally.
To support members, CATRA has established a dedicated Dispute Resolution Helpdesk, designed to assist employers in dealing with labour matters efficiently and compliantly, allowing you to focus on running your business.
Our Helpdesk provides guidance and support throughout the full dispute process, including:
Hearings
Disputes
Conciliation
Mediation
Arbitration
Hearings
Disputes
Conciliation
Mediation
Arbitration
CATRA’s expert team has developed training programmes, policies, and procedures to help members reduce risk, avoid litigation, and maintain productive employer–employee relationships.
on 011 672 3440 for professional guidance.
Please note: CATRA cannot be held responsible for actions taken without guidance from the Helpdesk.
Helpdesk Benefits for Members
CATRA members who have paid their annual membership fee receive free telephonic guidance from the Helpdesk
Ongoing advice to ensure compliance with current labour legislation
Practical, step-by-step support tailored to your business
CATRA members who have paid their annual membership fee receive free telephonic guidance from the Helpdesk
Ongoing advice to ensure compliance with current labour legislation
Practical, step-by-step support tailored to your business
Support Options
Retainer and Fixed-Fee Support Options
Employers may choose between a fixed-fee or retainer-based service, negotiated according to the number of establishments and employees (reviewable after three months).
Services include:
Review and updating of company policies and procedures (once-off)
Assistance with verbal, written, and final warnings
Guidance on formulating charges and ensuring procedural fairness
Advice on grievances and misconduct (e.g. insubordination, late-coming, insolence)
Guidance on incapacity procedures (ill health and poor performance)
Support with operational requirements and retrenchments
Correspondence with trade unions
Compliance wall charts covering:
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Employment Equity
- Tobacco Regulations
- Basic Conditions of Employment Act
Guidance on:
- Bargaining Council collective agreements
- National Minimum Wage Act
- Sectoral determinations
Review and updating of company policies and procedures (once-off)
Assistance with verbal, written, and final warnings
Guidance on formulating charges and ensuring procedural fairness
Advice on grievances and misconduct (e.g. insubordination, late-coming, insolence)
Guidance on incapacity procedures (ill health and poor performance)
Support with operational requirements and retrenchments
Correspondence with trade unions
Compliance wall charts covering:
Employment Equity
Occupational Health and Safety
Tobacco Regulations
Basic Conditions of Employment Act
Guidance on:
Bargaining Council collective agreements
National Minimum Wage Act
Sectoral determinations
fees
Representation Fees
Representation is charged as follows:
Consultation and/or preparation of documentation
Thereafter R1,050.00 per hour
Chairing disciplinary hearings
R2,160.00 for the first 2 hours
Thereafter R1,050.00 per hour
Attendance at conciliation meetings
R2,160.00 for the first 2 hours
Thereafter R1,050.00 per hour
Attendance at arbitration hearings
R2,875.00 for the first 2 hours
Thereafter R1,095.00 per hour
Condonation and in-limine hearings
R2,875.00 for the first 2 hours
Thereafter R1,095.00 per hour
Rescission and related matters
R2,875.00 for the first 2 hours
Thereafter R1,095.00 per hour
Fees exclude travel and accommodation, which will be charged at AA rates.
Representation at the Labour Court or Civil Courts is not included.