How to prepare for conciliation?

Asked by: Dr. Emmitt Hyatt MD  |  Last update: June 16, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (37 votes)

These 10 top tips can help you prepare for and get the most out of the conciliation process.
  1. Think about what you want. ...
  2. Work out how you will negotiate. ...
  3. Tell your side of the story. ...
  4. Listen to the other person. ...
  5. Focus on the issues, not the emotions. ...
  6. Start negotiating. ...
  7. Only agree to what you think is acceptable.

How do I prepare for a conciliation meeting?

Before the day
  1. Find out what happens in conciliation.
  2. Gather relevant documents and information. Gather any relevant material you may need, including: ...
  3. Write down the main issues. Make notes about the issues that are most important to you, and why. ...
  4. Think about the outcome you want or will accept. ...
  5. Prepare your device.

What to expect at conciliation?

Generally, the complainant and respondent will then meet together with the conciliator. The conciliator will give both sides the opportunity to talk about the complaint and how they see things. After this meeting, the conciliator will help you talk about ways the complaint may be resolved.

What to bring to a conciliation?

You will need copies of:
  • your application.
  • the employer's response.
  • your notes and/or completed Worksheet - Preparing for conciliation.
  • your most recent pay slips.
  • any letters or emails from your employer to you about your work performance and/or dismissal.
  • any performance reviews.

How do I prepare for CCMA conciliation?

How to Prepare for a CCMA Hearing
  1. Understand the CCMA Rules and Procedures. Familiarize yourself with the rules and procedures of the CCMA. ...
  2. Gather and Organize Evidence. To strengthen your case, you must gather all relevant evidence. ...
  3. Prepare Your Case Argument. ...
  4. Understand Your Rights as an Employee. ...
  5. Seek Legal Advice.

[L113] HOW TO PREPARE FOR A CON/ARB HEARING AT CCMA – FROM SOUTH AFRICAN EMPLOYMENT ATTORNEY

41 related questions found

What happens if conciliation fails?

In case of failure of conciliation (FOC) a report is sent to Government (IR Desks in Ministry of Labour). The Ministry of Labour after considering the FOC Report exercises the powers available to it under Section 10 of the Industrial Disputes Act and either refers the dispute for adjudication or refuses to do so.

How to win a CCMA case as an employee?

To win at the CCMA, you need evidence. Without credible evidence, your claims are not strong enough and the employer can use that against you. So make a list of any witnesses that can testify on your behalf. If you need to subpoena these witnesses to come and testify – contact us 081 013 7338 – as we can help you.

What do you wear to conciliation?

Wear Comfortable Clothing

Make sure your clothes are comfortable and fit well. Mediation can be a stressful process, and if your clothes are uncomfortable, you're probably going to look uncomfortable.

What is the success rate of conciliation?

). Two outcomes are possible at a conciliation. If it is successful, the parties reach an agreement. This happens in about 75% of cases.

What are the disadvantages of conciliation?

The disadvantages of conciliation are:
  • It relies on both parties to accept the conciliator's decision.
  • It could be considered as too informal and not taken seriously.
  • The conciliation process isn't legally binding.

How long does conciliation take?

Deadlines for early conciliation

If you start early conciliation before the deadline, you'll have at least 1 month after it ends to make your claim to a tribunal. Sometimes, you'll have more than 1 month because starting early conciliation extends the deadline for making a claim. Early conciliation lasts up to 6 weeks.

What are the rules of conciliation?

(1) Conciliation proceedings are private and confidential and are conducted on a without prejudice basis. No person may refer to anything said at conciliation proceedings during any subsequent proceedings, unless the parties agree in writing or as ordered otherwise by a court of law.

What happens during EEOC conciliation?

During conciliation, your investigator will work with you and the Charging Party to develop an appropriate remedy for the discrimination. We encourage you to take advantage of this final opportunity to resolve the charge prior to EEOC considering the matter for litigation.

Who attends conciliation?

A conciliation hearing may only be attended by the parties to a dispute, their representatives referred to in S135(4) of the Act, and such other persons who, in the discretion of the Commission, are allowed to attend.

What to say during mediation?

You are trying to persuade the other party and not the mediator, therefore speak directly to him or her. Describe particular behaviour rather than making generalizations. Avoid using words like “always” and “never.” Give concrete examples to illustrate your point of view.

What is the timeline for conciliation?

The conciliation officer has a 60 day mandate, but the parties may, if they both agree, request an extension of the time for conciliation. At the end of the conciliation period, a 21-day cooling off period begins.

What happens after conciliation fails?

Should the dispute not be resolved by conciliation, the applicant party will be required to apply for arbitration if they still want to pursue that dispute. An application for arbitration is not required if the matter was scheduled for con-arb, but the arbitration part was adjourned by the commissioner.

What are 2 advantages of conciliation?

Benefits of conciliation
  • Lower costs. Settling your dispute through conciliation will generally be less costly as it takes less time. ...
  • More control over the outcome. You and the other party are in control of whether to settle the dispute and the details of your settlement. ...
  • Confidential discussions.

What happens after conciliation?

After conciliation, if you and your employer can't come to an agreement, the Commission must issue you with a certificate. The certificate is proof that you went to the mediation or conciliation conference and confirms that you were not able to settle the case.

What to expect at a conciliation hearing?

Conciliation hearings may take place in person, telephonically or through an online digital platform. A commissioner may, depending on the nature of the dispute and sensitivities or tensions between the parties, begin by meeting jointly with the parties to obtain and ensure sharing of information about the dispute.

What is the best color to wear to mediation?

Clients dressed in dark navy blue will exude confidence, trustworthiness and intelligence. A self-confident client will make a good impression on the mediator. The brown color is friendly and approachable, faithful and trustworthy.

How formal is conciliation?

The Scheme is a quick, non-legalistic, less formal and more cost effective alternative to a tribunal hearing. Arbitrators have the authority to make legally binding awards in the same way as a tribunal. For more details ask your Conciliation Officer or refer to the booklet on the Arbitration Scheme.

What are the three cases that the CCMA cannot solve?

The following disputes cannot be referred to the CCMA:
  • where an independent contractor is involved.
  • where the case does not deal with an issue in the Labour Relations Act or Employment Equity Act (EEA). ...
  • where a bargaining council or statutory council exists for that sector.

What are the five fair reasons for dismissal?

What are the 5 fair reasons for dismissal?
  • Conduct/misconduct. Minor issues of conduct/misconduct such as poor timekeeping can usually be handled by speaking informally to the employee. ...
  • Capability/performance. ...
  • Redundancy. ...
  • Statutory illegality or breach of a statutory restriction. ...
  • Some other substantial reason (SOSR)

How to win a case against your employer?

5 Types of Proof to Win an Employment Law Case
  1. Emails Showing Labor Law Violations. ...
  2. Calls and Texts from Your Employer. ...
  3. Witness Statements from Other Employees. ...
  4. A Record of Formal Complaints. ...
  5. Photo & Video Evidence of Labor Law Violations.