The latest CCMA Directive of 30 July 2020 has been published by the Director of the CCMA. It applies with effect from 1 August 2020.
The following are among the main modifications introduced by the new directive:
- Parties are not permitted to visit the CCMA offices for any administrative matters, and all such matters must be handled online. All referrals must be made online using the CCMA online referral platform.
- All conciliation proceedings are to be conducted telephonically or electronically, and applications are to be determined through written submissions or argued on electronic platforms, except where face to face proceedings are unavoidable.
- With regard to arbitrations, parties may be directed to hold pre-arbitration conferences at which they must attempt to reach consensus on whether the arbitration can be held through videoconferencing facilities or an alternative method.
- The CCMA may also require the exchange of pleadings (a statement of case and answering statement), and the possibility of dealing with evidence through statement or affidavit is also provided for.
- Where cases require physical attendance, provision is made for strict health and safety protocols to be applied, and for compulsory screenings to take place on all attendees.
- There are also specified protocols that apply to how parties should conduct themselves during hearings held through videoconference facilities.
The latest CCMA Directive of 30 July 2020 was issued following the Closure of CCMA Vaal, Witbank, Bloemfontein and Durban offices due to incidents in which CCMA staff members contracted Covid-19.
A complete copy of the directive is included below.
The latest CCMA Directive of 30 July 2020
