Fifteen years and over 1.75m disputes

On 11 November 2011 the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) celebrated 15 years of service to the people of South Africa.

Since its doors first opened in 1996, over 1.75 million disputes have been referred to the CCMA.

The CCMA was established in terms of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA), one of the first pieces of legislation adopted by the new democratically elected South African Parliament in 1995.

The purpose of the LRA is to advance economic development, social justice, labour peace and the democratisation of workplaces in South Africa.

The CCMA as a statutory dispute resolution organisation originating from the LRA has a central role to play in promoting its primary purposes.

Since its formation the CCMA has continuously adapted to its environment and demands being made on it and has now gained wide respect from Organised Business and Labour.

While the CCMA has as its main role the effective resolution of labour disputes, it also by so doing plays a much broader role in advancing the purposes and primary objectives of the LRA.

This includes the CCMA's outreach and capacity building services.

Advancing Constitutional Rights

This includes advancing certain fundamental constitutional rights of workers and employers; supporting the promotion of collective bargaining and associated structures and systems; and employee participation in decision-making in workplaces.

Training Layoff Scheme - "a SA first"

More recently, given the impact of world economic developments on the South African economy, the CCMA was mandated to play a direct and leading role in Government and social partner plans to prevent job losses.

This progam that started out as the Training Layoff Scheme (TLS) has now become a permanent feature of CCMA work in the form of a holistic, job saving strategy to both support businesses and save jobs as the global economic situation continues to impact on South Africa.

Social Justice - "Mediation First"

The promotion of social justice in the world of work is central to the CCMA's mission and features throughout its Strategic Goals and Objectives.

"Delivery on our broader social justice mandate lies at the heart of everything we do in the CCMA" says CCMA Director, Nerine Kahn.

In furthering delivery of its social justice mandate, the CCMA places great value on promoting mediation and conciliation processes as "this more often than not is what leads to a win-win outcome for both workers and employers", says Kahn.

This approach to place "mediation first" is strongly supported by both labour and business as it supports Government's broader efforts to promote social dialogue at every level of our society.

The success of placing "mediation first" can also be seen in the CCMA's settlement rate.

In the first six months of 2011, the settlement rate stood at 73%. Of the 53 419 cases heard by the CCMA, 41 370 cases were settled.

Through the CCMA's outreach work, another key aspect to the CCMA's social justice mandate - making the law and the CCMA accessible to all its users, is delivered.

Treating all users with respect and dignity is also a priority for the CCMA.

A reputation to uphold and build upon

"Given its track record, the CCMA has become a trusted household name.

As a respected organisation with a solid reputation to uphold and build upon, the CCMA will lead the way and remain at the centre of the South African labour market as the premier labour dispute resolution and prevention organisation in South Africa.