Workplace Union and Bargaining Support

Fostering Equitable Solutions for SMME Labour Relations

Trade unions are an inevitable aspect of workplace relations in most SMME’s found in South Africa.

As such, navigating the complexities of this relationship can be tricky and employers often find themselves at their wits end during these processes.

At Gente we believe in a pragmatic approach to trade unions and collective bargaining.

Our approach is centered upon together with your management team, engaging with the trade unions in a workplace dispute and setting in order to find the most amicable and equitable solution for your business and operational needs.

Our aim is not to subvert your operations but to augment them with reliable and sturdy processes which are equitable to both staff and management.

Navigating trade union issues can pose significant challenges for small to mediumsized enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa.

At Gente, we specialize in supporting employers in the SMME sector, offering comprehensive industrialrelations (IR) and human resources(HR) expertise designed for your context.

With labour laws rooted in the Labour Relations Act (LRA) and shaped by vibrant tradeunion landscapes, your business needs agile support—and that’s where we step in.

Image represents a Union Strike meeting
Image represents Trade Union Building

Comprehensive Union and Labour Relations Services

Empowering SMMEs with Strategic Compliance and Conflict Resolution

1. Union Recognition & Collective Bargaining

  • Drafting and negotiating recognition agreements, agencyshop terms, and shopsteward arrangements ensuring legal clarity and workplace stability.
  • Expert facilitation of wage negotiations and collective agreement discussions, with creative winwin approaches that protect your business interests.

2. Industrial Action & Strike Management

  • Monitoring union ballots, advising on lawful strike notices, picketing rules, and ultimatum procedures to prevent unprotected action.
  • Assisting in impact minimisation strategies during wildcat or unprotected strikes—ensuring your business remains operational and compliant

3. Training, Workshops & Managerial Capacity Building

  • Onsite training for managers and supervisors in negotiation techniques, disciplinary process best practices, and collective bargaining frameworks.
  • Equip your team with the skills to pre-empt conflicts and engage positively with unions and workers.

4. Labour Audits, Policies & Compliance

  • Comprehensive labourlaw compliance checks, covering the various pieces of labour legislation.
  • Drafting clear contracts, policy handbooks, grievance and disciplinary codes aligned with collective agreements.

5. Retrenchment, Restructuring & Change Management

Specialist guidance through section 189 retrenchment procedures, avoiding legal pitfalls by managing consultation and implementation effectively

Coordinated support in restructuring and organisational change to maintain compliance and reduce litigation risk.

How You Benefit:

  • Operational resilience: By handling complex union issues for you, we free up valuable time and resources to focus on delivering your core business value.
  • Reduced legal exposure: Properly managed negotiations, hearings, and policies through our interventions can significantly lower the risk of unfair labour practice claims and related disputes.

HR SERVICES

What We Can Do For You

Our expert and experienced team will manage all your necessary trade union relations and negotiations as well as handle strike action in the event that it cannot be peacefully avoided.

We will make all the necessary transactions with trade unions on your behalf, so that you can remain assured that you are being supported in the most informed way without having to become party to time-consuming negotiations yourself.

We will handle all negotiations, the establishment of picketing rules and issuing ultimatums as well as aim to dissipate the negative consequences resulting from strike action in order to return your business to normal economic functioning as quickly as possible.

  • TRADE UNION NEGOTIATOR
  • STRIKE ACTION CONSULTANT
  • PREVENT EXPLOITATION
  • COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
  • MEDIATOR/ARBITRATOR
  • LABOUR RELATIONSHIP POLICIES
  • CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
  • TRADE UNION RELATIONS
  • LABOUR RELATIONS
  • NEGOTATION STRATEGIES
HR-Outsourcing
HR-Outsourcing

EXPERIENCE

HOW HAVE WE HELPED OUR CLIENTS?

21+Years of Combined Experience
2391Clients Helped
389Satisfied Customers

FREQUENTLY ASKED  QUESTIONS

Our goal is to help businesses navigate complex labor relations, collective bargaining, and union management with ease. Here, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about our services, offering insights into how we can support your organization with effective conflict resolution, workplace advocacy, and compliance with labor laws.

What do Trade Union Consultants do?

Trade Union Consultants help organizations manage labor relations by offering expertise in collective bargaining, union organizing, and employee representation. They act as intermediaries to ensure fair negotiations and protect worker rights while promoting productive union management.

How can Gente's strike negotiation services benefit my company?

Gente’s strike negotiation services use effective negotiation strategies to resolve conflicts before they escalate to strikes. By focusing on conflict resolution, we help maintain a positive work environment and ensure compliance with labor laws, protecting both your organization and employees.

What is collective bargaining, and why is it important?

Collective bargaining is the process through which employers and trade unions negotiate work conditions, wages, and benefits. It is vital for promoting fair labor practices, protecting worker rights, and ensuring smooth labor relations within the company.

How does union organizing impact my business?

Union organizing can lead to stronger employee representation, but it may also introduce challenges. Our consultants guide businesses through the process, helping you navigate unionization efforts, ensure compliance with labor laws, and maintain a balanced approach to workplace advocacy.

What role does employee representation play in labor relations?

Employee representation ensures that workers have a voice in workplace decisions. It fosters a collaborative environment, reduces disputes, and strengthens the relationship between employees and management, making it easier to handle issues like compensation and workplace conditions.

How can Gente help with workplace advocacy?

Gente’s consultants are skilled in workplace advocacy, helping employers and unions build a strong, fair foundation for all parties. We focus on fair negotiations, legal compliance, and strategies that foster trust, reducing conflicts and improving labor relations.