South African Labour Law Specialists

Calculated Moves.Balanced Results.

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.

  • Free, confidential first consultation
  • Urgent? Call 071 582 1325
  • CCMA & Bargaining CouncilQualified Representation
  • LRA & BCEA AlignedFully Compliant Advisory
  • National CoverageOperating Across South Africa
  • Rapid ResponseUrgent Matters Prioritised

Where are you right now?

What’s happening in your workplace?

Pick the situation closest to yours. You’ll see what matters most and how we help.

Time-sensitive

A CCMA referral has landed on your desk

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

  • Review the referral and your records
  • Prepare your case, documents and witnesses
  • Represent you at conciliation and arbitration
  • Negotiate a settlement where it makes sense

What We Do

Our Core Services

Comprehensive labour law and HR advisory across every dimension of South African workforce management.

  • Disciplinary & Employee Relations

    End-to-end management of workplace discipline, from charge drafting to chairing hearings.

    • Disciplinary charge drafting
    • Independent chairperson services
    • Incapacity & grievance hearings
    • Performance management advisory
    Enquire about this service
  • CCMA & Bargaining Council

    Experienced representation at the CCMA and Bargaining Councils with strategic dispute preparation.

    • CCMA representation
    • Bargaining Council matters
    • Conciliation & arbitration prep
    • Settlement negotiations
    Enquire about this service
  • Retrenchment & Restructuring

    Full support through Section 189 and 189A processes with procedural and substantive fairness.

    • S189 / 189A consultation
    • S189 notice drafting
    • Operational requirements advisory
    • Restructuring implementation
    Enquire about this service
  • HR Compliance

    Gap analysis and risk mitigation to keep your organisation protected and compliant.

    • Employment contract review
    • Compliance gap analysis
    • Workplace governance reviews
    • Risk mitigation strategies
    Enquire about this service
  • Policy & Governance Frameworks

    Professionally drafted policies that protect your business and guide your people.

    • Disciplinary codes & procedures
    • Grievance & leave policies
    • Code of conduct & ethics
    • Harassment policies
    Enquire about this service
  • Union & Collective Engagement

    Strategic management of union relationships and collective bargaining processes.

    • Trade union engagement
    • Union correspondence drafting
    • Collective bargaining advisory
    • Industrial relations support
    Enquire about this service
  • Payroll Services

    BCEA-aligned payroll processing, administration and statutory compliance integrated with your HR function.

    • Payroll processing & administration
    • Payslip generation & reporting
    • Statutory deductions management
    • Leave management & records
    • BCEA compliance integration
    Enquire about payroll

How It Works

Three steps to a clear plan

No jargon and no surprises. You always know what happens next and what it will cost.

  1. Tell us what’s happening

    Call, WhatsApp or send the form. A short description is enough to start.

  2. Free initial consultation

    We talk through the facts, the risks and your options — confidentially — and agree fees in writing before any work starts.

  3. We act, and stay with you

    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 consultation

Why Scales of Strategy

Strategic Partners, Not Reactive Consultants

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.

  • Commercially Grounded

    Every recommendation balances legal obligations with operational realities — practical advice you can actually implement.

  • Proactive, Not Reactive

    We identify vulnerabilities early and implement systems that prevent costly disputes before they arise.

  • Proven Representation

    Experienced and effective representation at CCMA and Bargaining Councils — delivering defensible, balanced outcomes.

  • Fully Compliant

    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.”
— Proverbs 11:1
Scales of Strategy Labour Consulting logo

100%LRA Aligned

About Us

Strategic Labour Advisory Built on Balance

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.

  • Strategic Advisory
  • Proactive Risk Management
  • CCMA Representation
  • Full Compliance Assurance

Vision

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.

Mission

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

  • Employment Dispute Resolution
  • Disciplinary & Incapacity Processes
  • Retrenchment & Restructuring Advisory
  • HR Governance & Compliance Recommendations

We combine legal knowledge with practical business understanding to deliver clear, defensible, and strategically aligned outcomes.

Legal Framework

Our Compliance Foundation

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

Practical guidance & legal resources

Free guide for employers

CCMA Referral: What to Do in the First 48 Hours

A practical, plain-English checklist for business owners who have just received a CCMA referral — or want to be ready for one.

  • The 48-hour action checklist
  • Common mistakes that weaken your case
  • What happens at conciliation and arbitration
  • The documents you’ll need to gather

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South African labour legislation

Official South African legislation and codes relevant to our services — download directly from government sources.

  • Labour Relations Act

    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.

    • Disciplinary
    • CCMA
    • Retrenchment
    • Union
    Open PDF
  • Basic Conditions of Employment Act

    Act 75 of 1997 (as amended)

    Sets minimum employment standards including working hours, leave entitlements, notice periods and payroll obligations. Applies across all services.

    • HR Compliance
    • Payroll
    • Policy
    Open PDF
  • Code of Good Practice: Dismissal

    General 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.

    • Disciplinary
    • CCMA
    • Retrenchment
    Open PDF
  • Employment Equity Act

    Act 55 of 1998 (as amended)

    Promotes equal opportunity and fair treatment. Prohibits unfair discrimination and requires designated employers to implement affirmative action measures.

    • HR Compliance
    • Policy
    Open PDF
  • Code of Good Practice: Harassment

    Government 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.

    • Policy
    • HR Compliance
    • Disciplinary
    Open PDF
  • National Minimum Wage Act

    Act 9 of 2018

    Establishes the national minimum wage floor applicable to all workers. Critical for payroll compliance and employment contract review.

    • Payroll
    • HR Compliance
    Open PDF
  • Occupational Health & Safety Act

    Act 85 of 1993 (as amended)

    Mandates safe and healthy working environments. Employer obligations, hazard identification and workplace safety governance frameworks.

    • HR Compliance
    • Policy
    Open PDF
  • Skills Development Levies Act

    Act 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.

    • Payroll
    • HR Compliance
    Open PDF
  • COIDA

    Compensation 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.

    • HR Compliance
    • Payroll
    Open PDF

Note: 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often from prospective clients.

Do you work with small businesses or only large corporates?

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.

How quickly can you respond to an urgent dismissal or CCMA referral?

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.

How much does it cost?

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.

What areas of South Africa do you service?

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.

Can you represent us at the CCMA?

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.

Are you attorneys?

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.

Do you offer retainer arrangements?

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.

Is what I tell you kept confidential?

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.

What is the difference between the CCMA and a Bargaining Council?

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

Let’s Make Calculated Moves

Ready to navigate South Africa’s labour landscape with confidence? Book a free 15-minute consultation today.

What happens next

  1. Stacey reads your message personally.
  2. We aim to reply within one business day — urgent CCMA matters are prioritised.
  3. We book your free consultation and talk through your options.

Send Us a Message

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Confidential · handled in line with POPIA

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