Basic Guides

Plain English summaries of key topics within labour legislation

• Basic Guide to Agency Shop Agreements

  The Labour Relations Act allows for an agreement requiring the deduction of fees from non-union workers

• Basic Guide to Bargaining Councils

  Under the Labour Relations Act, bargaining councils conclude agreements, resolve labour disputes, make proposals on labour policies, etc.

• Basic Guide to Closed Shop Agreements

  The Labour Relations Act allows for an agreement requiring non-union workers to join the union

• Basic Guide to Collective Agreements

  The Labour Relations Act provides for agreements that alter conditions of employment

• Basic Guide to Employers’ Organisations

  Under the Labour Relations Act, employers may form or join groups that represent employers in collective bargaining

• Basic Guide to Maintenance Service Workers

  The Labour Relations Act does not allow maintenance service workers to strike

• Basic Guide to Retrenchment

  Employers must follow certain procedures when retrenching workers.

• Basic Guide to Severance Pay

  Disputes regarding severance pay may be referred to the CCMA.

• Basic Guide to Statutory Councils

  Statutory councils may be formed by registered trade unions and employers' organizations to manage labour disputes.

• Basic Guide to Strikes, Lockouts and Picketing

  Workers have the right to strike and employers have the right to lock out workers under certain conditions.