Overview 

Effective collective bargaining and the legality of industrial action remain central to South Africa’s labour law framework. The right to strike is constitutionally protected, yet it is bound by statutory requirements that determine whether employees, unions, and employers are acting within the law. Understanding this distinction is crucial, as it directly shapes the risks, remedies, and responsibilities of all parties involved in workplace disputes. 

When a strike is protected, employees may exercise their rights without fear of dismissal, while employers are obliged to respond through negotiation rather than coercion. By contrast, unprotected action exposes workers to dismissal, unions to potential liability, and employers to the opportunity to secure interdicts, damages, or other legal relief. This boundary line is what determines whether collective bargaining becomes a structured negotiation or an escalating conflict. 

Join Adv Dwight Synman on 25 September 2025, from 13h00 to 14h30, for an insightful exploration of the legal principles, risks, and practical strategies that define collective bargaining and industrial action in South Africa. 

Learning objectives 

Attending this webinar will equip you with the following skills: 

• Understand the constitutional and statutory framework that governs collective bargaining and the right to strike in South Africa.  

• Learn the legal requirements for a protected strike, the consequences of unprotected action, and why this distinction is critical for both employers and employees.  

• Gain practical knowledge of the dispute resolution process, from conciliation to arbitration, and the strategic options available to both sides during industrial action.  

• Become familiar with recent cases and real-world examples that illustrate how the courts interpret and enforce collective bargaining rights and strike procedures.  

• Leave with a balanced understanding of how lawful collective bargaining can be a constructive tool for employees to assert rights and for employers to manage disputes without escalating risk or liability. 

Content 

The webinar will cover the following topics: 

• Legal Foundations 

  • Section 23 of the Constitution (Labour rights, right to strike) 

  • Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (framework provisions) 

• Collective Bargaining Structures 

  • Bargaining councils and statutory councils 

  • Organisational rights of trade unions (access, stop-orders, shop stewards) 

  • Duty to bargain and recognition agreements (briefly, as context) 

• Industrial Action 

  • Definition and scope (strikes, secondary strikes, protest action, picketing) 

  • Procedural requirements for protected strikes (referral, conciliation, strike notice) 

  • Lock-out as employer counterpart 

• Protected vs Unprotected Strikes  

  • Legal consequences for employees and unions 

  • Employer remedies: interdicts, dismissal, damages 

• Essential Services & Limitations 

  •  Prohibition of strikes in essential services 

  • Alternatives: arbitration and dispute resolution 

• Current Case Law & Practical Considerations  

  • Key judgments shaping strike law 

  • Practical strategies for lawful bargaining and risk management 

About the presenter 

Adv. Dwight Snyman 

Adv. Dwight Snyman is an admitted member of the Johannesburg Society of Advocates and is accredited by the Legal Practitioners Council as an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa. Adv. Snyman completed articles of clerkship, and attorney’s competency exams under the auspices of the Wits Law Clinic. He completed his Advocacy pupillage under the tutelage of the esteemed Adv. Louis Du Bruyn. 

Adv. Snyman has had opportunity and success in litigation, in the High and Magistrates’ Courts of the republic, the CCMA, Disciplinary Hearings and assorted other venues and forums, and has become possessed of practical litigation experience beyond what would normally be expected from a practitioner of his age and seniority. He is the holder of a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) from the University of Cape Town, and postgraduate Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of the Witwatersrand, for which he was accorded the honour of being on the Dean’s list for his academic performance. 

Who should attend? 

The following persons will benefit from attending this webinar: 

• Advocates. 

• Attorneys. 

• Estates administrators. 

• Corporate Legal Professionals. 

• Legal Academic. 

• Candidate attorneys. 

• Law Students. 

• Paralegals. 

Price 

• R 400.00 - Online admission - Individual.  

• Group Price 1 - From R337 per person (up to 5 users)   

• Group Price 2 - From R260 per person (up to 10 users)   

• Group Price 3 - From R224 per person (over 11 users)  

Steps to register for the event:  

If you already have a profile, login and register for the webinar. 

If you don’t have a profile, create a free profile then login and register for the webinar. 

Click here  to create a free profile (There is no charge to create a profile and gain access to our free Monthly Practice Management Series). 

Click here  to find out about the Technical Resource Centre & CPD Subscription options. 

Additional material 

By attending this webinar you will be provided with: 

• A summarised slide presentation. 

• Reference documents and/ or course material where available. 

• You can ask questions during the webinar and you will also have access to the presenter after the webinar. 

About SA Legal Academy 

Welcome to SA Legal Academy (SALA), a provider of courses to help you succeed in your chosen career. We are committed to providing our students with the highest quality training and support, to ensure that your skills and knowledge are up to date and ready to face the challenges of the modern workplace. Our courses are designed to ensure that you reach your professional goals and enhance your career prospects. With our experienced training staff and comprehensive resources, you can be confident that you will receive the highest quality of training from SA Legal Academy. 

SALA is a Level 2 B-BBEE contributor, with 125% procurement recognition. Training spend on certain solutions can be allocated against the Skills Development element of the B-BBEE Scorecard through accredited and nonaccredited training or claimed through SETA grants. In addition, 25% of your Skills Expenditure can be claimed on non-accredited training or courses. 

Corporate Training Solutions 

At SALA, we recognize the evolving needs of businesses in today's dynamic environment. Beyond our standard webinar offerings, we provide tailored corporate training solutions designed to empower your team with the latest in legal and professional skills. Whether you're looking for online sessions or face-to-face training, our programs are crafted to ensure a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. 

Drawing inspiration from modern training methodologies, our corporate solutions are interactive, adaptable, and focused on real-world applications. We prioritize hands-on learning, ensuring your team can immediately apply their newfound knowledge in practical scenarios. 

Interested in a bespoke corporate training experience? Reach out to us at [email protected] or call 012 941 0448. Together, let's design a training program that elevates your team's capabilities and aligns with your organizational goals. 

Contact Us For More Information 

Have any questions or need any assistance? Contact us today!  

• Online chat through our website.  

• Phone: +27 (0) 12 941 0448  

• E-mail: [email protected]