South African Labour Law Specialists
Trusted Partner in Labour Compliance, Dispute Resolution & Strategic Workforce Management
We partner with South African organisations to manage employment risk, ensure statutory compliance, and navigate the complexities of labour law — with strategic precision and balanced outcomes.
Where are you right now?
Pick the situation closest to yours. You’ll see what matters most and how we help.
Time-sensitive
The clock is already running. Conciliation is normally scheduled within 30 days of the referral, so preparation needs to start now — not the week before.
How we help
Get the process right
A dismissal must be for a fair reason and follow a fair procedure. Getting the process right now is far cheaper than defending it later.
How we help
Section 189
Section 189 of the Labour Relations Act sets out a consultation process that must be followed before retrenching. Larger-scale retrenchments can fall under the stricter section 189A.
How we help
Prevention
Clear contracts and policies prevent most disputes before they start. Written particulars of employment are a BCEA requirement, and a harassment policy is expected under the 2022 Code of Good Practice.
How we help
Collective engagement
Union engagement goes better with a consistent message, careful written communication and a plan for every meeting.
How we help
Every month, on time
Payroll touches the BCEA, the National Minimum Wage Act and statutory deductions every single month. We take it off your plate.
How we help
What We Do
Comprehensive labour law and HR advisory across every dimension of South African workforce management.
End-to-end management of workplace discipline, from charge drafting to chairing hearings.
Experienced representation at the CCMA and Bargaining Councils with strategic dispute preparation.
Full support through Section 189 and 189A processes with procedural and substantive fairness.
Gap analysis and risk mitigation to keep your organisation protected and compliant.
Professionally drafted policies that protect your business and guide your people.
Strategic management of union relationships and collective bargaining processes.
BCEA-aligned payroll processing, administration and statutory compliance integrated with your HR function.
How It Works
No jargon and no surprises. You always know what happens next and what it will cost.
Call, WhatsApp or send the form. A short description is enough to start.
We talk through the facts, the risks and your options — confidentially — and agree fees in writing before any work starts.
From drafting and hearings to CCMA representation, we manage the matter through to a balanced, defensible outcome.
Transparent fees. Defined matters are quoted upfront. Ongoing support is available on a monthly retainer. CCMA and Bargaining Council matters are quoted separately.
Book a free consultationWhy Scales of Strategy
Clients choose Scales of Strategy Labour Consulting (Pty) Ltd because we deliver strategic labour advisory that balances legal compliance with operational realities. Our advisory services align with key legislation including the Labour Relations Act and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
We focus on proactive risk management by identifying vulnerabilities early and implementing systems that prevent costly labour disputes. Through experienced representation before the CCMA and bargaining councils, and carefully considered guidance, we ensure balanced and defensible outcomes for our clients.
We act as strategic partners rather than reactive consultants — safeguarding organisations while enabling sustainable growth.
Every recommendation balances legal obligations with operational realities — practical advice you can actually implement.
We identify vulnerabilities early and implement systems that prevent costly disputes before they arise.
Experienced and effective representation at CCMA and Bargaining Councils — delivering defensible, balanced outcomes.
All policies, procedures and representations align with current legislation and evolving case law — no surprises.
“A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight.”
100%LRA Aligned
About Us
Scales of Strategy Labour Consulting (Pty) Ltd is a specialist South African labour law and HR advisory firm delivering strategic, legally compliant, and commercially practical workforce solutions. Operating nationally, we partner with organisations to manage employment risk, ensure statutory compliance, and promote structured, fair, and productive workplace practices.
We act as strategic partners — not reactive consultants — safeguarding your organisation while enabling sustainable, compliant growth through calculated guidance and proactive solutions.
To be a trusted national leader in labour consulting, recognised for delivering strategic labour solutions through calculated decision-making and balanced outcomes that strengthen organisations and workplace governance.
To provide employers with strategic labour and HR advisory services that combine legal expertise with practical business insight, enabling calculated workplace decisions that produce fair, compliant, and balanced results.
“We act as strategic partners rather than reactive consultants — safeguarding your organisation while enabling sustainable growth through calculated, balanced decisions.”
Stacey Kruger · Founder & Labour Law Consultant
We combine legal knowledge with practical business understanding to deliver clear, defensible, and strategically aligned outcomes.
Legal Framework
Every advisory service, policy and representation is grounded in South Africa’s primary labour legislation and evolving case law.
Labour Relations Act
Governs collective bargaining, trade unions, industrial action and the CCMA — cornerstone of SA labour law.
Basic Conditions of Employment Act
Sets minimum employment standards — working hours, leave entitlements and payroll obligations.
Employment Equity Act
Promotes equal opportunity and fair treatment, prohibiting unfair discrimination in the workplace.
OHS Legislation
Ensures a safe and healthy working environment for all employees across all industries.
Applicable Bargaining Council Agreements
Sector-specific collective agreements incorporated into all advisory services for your industry.
Free Resources
Free guide for employers
A practical, plain-English checklist for business owners who have just received a CCMA referral — or want to be ready for one.
Official South African legislation and codes relevant to our services — download directly from government sources.
Act 66 of 1995 (as amended)
The cornerstone of South African labour law. Governs collective bargaining, trade unions, industrial action, the CCMA and Bargaining Councils. Essential for all employment matters.
Open PDFAct 75 of 1997 (as amended)
Sets minimum employment standards including working hours, leave entitlements, notice periods and payroll obligations. Applies across all services.
Open PDFGeneral Notice 3470 of 4 September 2025 — replaces Schedule 8
The definitive guide to substantively and procedurally fair dismissal. Essential for disciplinary hearings, retrenchments and misconduct management.
Open PDFAct 55 of 1998 (as amended)
Promotes equal opportunity and fair treatment. Prohibits unfair discrimination and requires designated employers to implement affirmative action measures.
Open PDFGovernment Notice R.1890 of 18 March 2022
Updated code covering all forms of workplace harassment including sexual harassment. Required reading for drafting harassment policies and conducting investigations.
Open PDFAct 9 of 2018
Establishes the national minimum wage floor applicable to all workers. Critical for payroll compliance and employment contract review.
Open PDFAct 85 of 1993 (as amended)
Mandates safe and healthy working environments. Employer obligations, hazard identification and workplace safety governance frameworks.
Open PDFAct 9 of 1999
Governs the skills development levy system. Employers above the threshold must pay 1% of payroll as a skills development levy — a key payroll compliance obligation.
Open PDFCompensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act 130 of 1993
Provides compensation for employees who suffer occupational injuries or diseases. Relevant for HR compliance audits and employer liability assessments.
Open PDFNote: All legislation links direct to official South African government sources. Legislation is regularly amended — always ensure you are referencing the latest version. Contact Stacey at 071 582 1325 for guidance on applicable legislation for your specific situation.
Common Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often from prospective clients.
We work with organisations of all sizes — from small owner-managed businesses to large corporates. Our advisory is scaled to your specific needs, industry and risk profile. Smaller organisations benefit from retainer arrangements that give them access to specialist advice without the cost of an in-house labour team.
Urgent matters are prioritised. For CCMA referrals, initial consultation typically happens within 24–48 hours. For time-sensitive matters, call or WhatsApp 071 582 1325 directly — we understand that labour disputes rarely wait for office hours.
Fees are agreed in writing before any work starts. Defined pieces of work — such as chairing a disciplinary hearing or drafting a contract — are quoted upfront, and ongoing support is available on a monthly retainer. CCMA and Bargaining Council matters are quoted separately and are not included in retainer packages.
We operate nationally across South Africa. Advisory and representation services are available at CCMA offices and Bargaining Councils throughout the country. Virtual consultations are standard, with in-person representation at relevant forums.
Yes. We provide qualified representation at conciliation and arbitration proceedings at the CCMA and applicable Bargaining Councils, including full preparation, witness briefing, evidence bundling and settlement negotiation. Our approach prioritises strategic, defensible outcomes.
No. Scales of Strategy is a labour consultancy, not a firm of attorneys. We advise on and manage labour matters and represent employers at the CCMA and Bargaining Councils within the rules of those forums. If a matter needs an attorney — for example, litigation in the Labour Court — we will tell you and recommend that you engage one.
Yes. We offer monthly retainer packages for organisations requiring ongoing labour law and HR advisory support. Retainers typically include defined hours of consultation, policy reviews, first-line dispute advisory and priority response on urgent matters. Get in touch to discuss a package tailored to your needs.
Yes. Information you share with us is treated as confidential and handled in line with POPIA. It is only disclosed where your matter requires it (for example, to the CCMA) or where the law requires it. See our Privacy Policy.
The CCMA handles labour disputes across all sectors not covered by a Bargaining Council. Bargaining Councils are sector-specific bodies (e.g. MEIBC, NBCRFLI, MIBCO) that handle disputes within their registered scope. The applicable forum depends on your industry and main agreement — we help you determine the correct jurisdiction and prepare accordingly.
Get in Touch
Ready to navigate South Africa’s labour landscape with confidence? Book a free 15-minute consultation today.
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