As part of the Division of Human Resources and Equity, the Employee and Labour Relations section provides advice, support, guidance and direction to operating units, employees and management encompassing inter alia, labour and employee relations, alternate dispute resolution, training on ADR, grievance and discipline procedures.

The Section also manages labour litigation in the CCMA and the Courts of South Africa. The Section facilitates the operation of the University’s Joint Bargaining Forum, by assisting with negotiations on conditions of service and annual salary increases, and consultation on matters of employer-employee mutual interest.

UNITS WITHIN EMPLOYEE & LABOUR RELATIONS

The Employee and Labour Relations Section has three units or centres of excellence that provide the following services, namely:

1. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). The ADR Unit is responsible for planning, researching, analysing and implementing effective alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, programmes, policies at UKZN. The aim of this unit is to:
   
   
   
   • is to improve and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the dispute resolution process,
   • preserve and enhance the collegial tradition of the University through education and training on dispute and conflict resolution techniques,
   • promote better relations between staff and management and within teams, to ensure a productive and happy work environment
   • change the institutional culture towards effective and non adversarial resolution of conflict and disputes
   • reduce the instances of formal grievance and misconduct procedures and litigation.
   
   
   
   
2. Employee Relations. This Unit provides services including, the managing of formal employee relations processes, such as employee grievances in terms of the formal grievance procedure, employee incapacity investigations, disciplinary hearings, related counselling sessions and operational terminations
   
   This function is managed by Mr Tony Singarum (Senior Manager Employee Relations) and, is assisted by Mr Stanley Mpembe (Employee Relations Officer).
   
   
3. Labour Litigation. This Unit manages all labour litigation and also provides a labour law advisory service.
   
   This Unit is managed by a Litigation Consultant, Advocate Pushpa Naidu.