BUSA/CCMA Web Tool. Programme Description In a recent (2015/2016) study conducted by Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), simplification of hiring and employment practices was identified as a key constraint for formalising businesses. CCMA information suggests that approximately 80% of their cases come from SMMEs. The overall objective of this initiative is for BUSA together with the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), to develop a self-service, web- based tool for SMMEs with the purpose of improving employer and worker understanding and compliance, reducing red-tape and the associated costs and contributing to workplace stability and certainty in SMME workplaces. The Web Tool will guide SMMEs on labour relations best practice. Interventions Phase One (almost complete): Survey SMMEs to determine needs and interests; Develop materials; Web enabling the material with provision for indexing, on-line registration, communication and updating; Creating links to both CCMA and BUSA websites; and Launching the tool through CCMA, BUSA and other employer and worker forums, and social media platforms. Phase Two: The CCMA embedding the tool into call centres and investigating further enhancements on early detection and building in the pre-conciliation phase; and Supplementation of material with Productivity SA material. Factors critical to enable success The long-term institutionalisation of the project will be with the CCMA. Maintenance and monitoring of the tool will be required on an on-going basis in order to sustain the impact and benefits of the project. After implementation, there will be an on-going requirement for the CCMA to maintain infrastructure; update material in accordance with changes in the legislation and case law; and to monitor the take-up of the tool. Based on the success of the project, future phases can be explored that will deal with topics such as fundamental labour rights, health and safety, employment equity, unemployment insurance and preparing for CCMA processes and the like.
