How to refer your case to the CCMA

Refer Your Case the Right Way. From Day One to Arbitration.

Want to take your employer to the CCMA, but don't know how?

Referring a dispute to the CCMA is not complicated, but it is strict. The wrong form, a missed deadline or a referral that was never served on your employer can delay your case or end it before it even starts.

The How to Refer Your Case Workbook guides you step by step through the whole referral process. It covers identifying your dispute, completing your LRA Form 7.11, receiving your certificate of outcome and requesting arbitration. Each step has a plain-language explanation and a worksheet for your own details.

Inside This Workbook

✅ 10-step roadmap from referral to arbitration
✅ Dispute type table: time limits and where your case goes after conciliation
✅ Deadline worksheet for the 30-day, 90-day and 6-month time limits
✅ CCMA or bargaining council? How to find the right forum
✅ LRA Form 7.11 explained section by section
✅ Guidance and a draft page for your summary of the facts
✅ How to serve your referral and what proof of service to keep
✅ Lodging your referral and reading your notice of set-down
✅ Conciliation and con-arb preparation
✅ The certificate of outcome: what it means and what to check
✅ Requesting arbitration on LRA Form 7.13, and when the Labour Court applies instead
✅ One-page Referral Tracker and Referral Checklist

Ideal For

• Employees referring their own dispute to the CCMA or a bargaining council
• Unfair dismissal and constructive dismissal disputes
• Unfair labour practice disputes
• Employees who have received a certificate of outcome and need to refer to arbitration
• Anyone who wants to get the process right the first time

Why This Workbook Matters

A strong case starts with a proper referral. This workbook helps you meet every deadline, serve every document and keep proof of everything, so that your case is decided on its merits and not lost on a technicality.

Prefer Some Help?

Not sure how to put your story into words on the form? With a Labour Mike Case Analysis, you answer our simple online questionnaire and we prepare your LRA Form 7.11 with a clear statement of facts, ready for you to sign, serve and file. Start at www.labourmike.net.

Use it together with our CCMA Conciliation Guide, CCMA Arbitration Guide and CCMA Case Preparation Workbook for complete preparation.

Format: Instant digital download. Editable Word document (A4), 15 pages.

This workbook is an educational preparation resource and does not constitute legal advice. Outcomes depend on the facts, the evidence and applicable South African labour law.