Back to: Introduction to the Labour Relations Act (LRA)
7.4 Labour Courts
The Labour Relations Act establishes the Labour Court and the Labour Appeal Court as the primary judicial bodies for resolving labour disputes. These courts have exclusive jurisdiction over matters arising from the Act, ensuring that disputes are handled by judges with expertise in labour law.
The Labour Court hears cases at first instance, including applications for the review of arbitration awards, disputes about unfair dismissals, and cases involving breaches of the Labour Relations Act. The court has the power to grant various remedies, including reinstatement, compensation, and interdicts.
The Labour Appeal Court hears appeals from the Labour Court and reviews decisions of the Labour Court to ensure that they are consistent with the law and principles of justice. The Labour Appeal Court’s decisions are binding on the Labour Court and provide important precedents for the interpretation and application of the Labour Relations Act.
Proceedings in the Labour Court and the Labour Appeal Court are conducted in an open and transparent manner, with the right to legal representation and the presentation of evidence. These courts play a crucial role in ensuring that labour disputes are resolved fairly and that the rights of all parties are protected.
Key Takeaways:
- The CCMA provides conciliation, mediation, and arbitration services to resolve labour disputes efficiently and fairly.
- Accreditation and subsidy procedures ensure that councils and private agencies meet the standards set by the CCMA and can provide effective dispute resolution services.
- Specific procedures are outlined for resolving disputes under the CCMA, including conciliation, arbitration, and the review of arbitration awards by the Labour Court.
- The Labour Court and the Labour Appeal Court have exclusive jurisdiction over labour disputes and play a crucial role in ensuring fair and just resolution of these disputes.
This concludes Module 7. In the next module, we will explore the provisions of the Labour Relations Act related to unfair dismissal. Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you.