How do I know which Bargaining Council covers me?

Start with the full employing entity, the employer's main activity, the workplace location and any council name on a contract, payslip, collective agreement or union record. Confirm the likely match in the official register or with the council.

Can I refer to the CCMA if a Bargaining Council covers me?

Some employees covered by a Bargaining Council, statutory council or accredited agency must use that forum. Confirm the current route before filing.

Bargaining Council finder for South African employees

Check the forum before you refer.

Use your employer, industry and workplace details to identify a likely Bargaining Council family. Then confirm the official scope before a deadline is lost.

Check my likely route Open help centre

Practical forum guidance · South Africa only · Not a legal ruling on jurisdiction

Find a likely Bargaining Council route.

Choose the employer’s main industry—not only your job title. The result is a starting point to verify, not a final jurisdiction decision.

The employer’s main activity is closest to

Do not guess the forum

Use the employer’s full name, main business activity, workplace location and any council reference on payslips or contracts to confirm the correct route.

Open the official Bargaining Council publications register Read official CCMA demarcation guidance

Use four facts to confirm the route.

Full employer nameUse the entity on the contract, payslip, hearing notice or dismissal letter—not only the group brand.

Main employer activityWhat the employing business mainly does can matter more than your individual occupation.

Workplace locationSome council scopes and agreements apply only in stated geographic areas.

Council cluesCheck payslip deductions, collective agreements, union records, policies and previous dispute notices for a council name.

Type of disputeRecord whether the matter concerns dismissal, unfair labour practice, wages, conditions or an agreement.

Current official rulesOnce identified, use that council’s current form, filing method, office and rules.

Important: A likely match is not confirmation. If sector or area coverage is disputed, use the formal guidance or obtain professional advice rather than relying on a website result.

Go to the support level for your role.

Select the closest work level

My work level

Compare all four support levels

Not sure? Compare the four work-level options on the main service page.

Compare the CCMA forms and referral route Read unfair-dismissal guidance

Bring the employer and industry details first.

The case assessment included after checkout uses those details to organise the likely support route and what must still be verified with the relevant forum.

Choose my support level

Editorial responsibility: DigiLinx maintains this plain-language finder using official public sources. It is general information, not legal advice, and does not determine Bargaining Council coverage or jurisdiction. Last verified: 16 July 2026.