What to Expect at CCMA Conciliation
You've filed your case at the CCMA and now you have a conciliation date. Don't panic. Conciliation is informal and meant to help both sides reach an agreement. Here's what happens and how to prepare.
Key Takeaways
- Conciliation is informal — it's a meeting, not a court case
- You don't need evidence or witnesses at this stage
- The commissioner cannot force you to accept a deal
- If it fails, you can still go to arbitration
- Dress neatly and be respectful — first impressions matter
What is conciliation?
Conciliation is the first step after you file a case. A CCMA commissioner (like a mediator) sits with you and your employer and tries to help you reach a settlement. It's not a hearing — nobody is judging who is right or wrong yet.
How to prepare
Even though it's informal, you should still prepare. Think about what happened and what outcome you want.
- Write down the key facts: dates, what happened, who was involved
- Decide what you want: your job back? Compensation? How much?
- Bring your employment contract, dismissal letter, and last 3 payslips
- Arrive 15 minutes early — if you're late, your case could be dismissed
What happens in the room
The commissioner will explain the process, then ask each side to explain their version. They may meet with each side separately (called a 'caucus') to explore settlement options. The whole thing usually takes 1-3 hours.
- Stay calm — don't argue or get emotional
- Listen to what the other side says
- The commissioner may suggest a settlement amount — you don't have to accept
- If you reach agreement, it's put in writing and becomes legally binding
If conciliation fails
If you can't reach agreement, the commissioner issues a certificate saying conciliation failed. This is not a bad thing — it just means you move to arbitration where a commissioner will make a binding decision. You have 90 days to request arbitration after this.
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