ML LABOUR CONSULTANTS

Avoid Grading Disasters That Could Cripple Your Business

One wrong classification. One misgraded position. One lost arbitration. That's all it takes to bankrupt your company with wage bill obligations.

We've won 80%+ of grading disputes. With 40+ years of real-world experience, we know exactly how to protect you.

✓ Trusted by SA's largest manufacturers | 40+ years proven results

If You're A South African Manufacturer Or Industrial Company… You're One Grading Dispute Away From A Financial Disaster

Here's what keeps most employers awake at night:

  • A BCEA/Main Agreement classification changes and suddenly your wage bill doubles
  • The bargaining council decides your "service centre" is actually "manufacturing" — costing you R200k+ in backdated wages
  • Your position gradings are challenged and you're forced into a costly arbitration
  • You lose a jurisdiction dispute and now you're liable for years of unpaid wages and benefits
  • You don't even know you're wrong until a union or employee drags you to CCMA or the bargaining council

And the worst part? By the time you realize the mistake, it's already costing you thousands per day.

Real Cases. Real Results. This Is What We Do.

Landmark Demarcation Case

Steel Trading (Pty) Ltd vs MEIBC & NUMSA

The Problem: Steel Trading, a contractor providing underground mining infrastructure services at Sibanye Platinum, was ordered by MEIBC to register as a metal engineering employer. If forced to register, they'd be subject to MEIBC wages, agreements, and compliance — even though their work is 100% underground mining work governed by the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA).

What We Did: Our principal, Marius Landman, appeared before the CCMA as an expert witness. Drawing on 40+ years of experience in labour law and bargaining councils, he distinguished between mining work (MHSA-governed) and engineering work (MEIBC-governed). He cited landmark cases (Sylco Plant Hire, Jindal Mining) and argued that jurisdiction depends on the core purpose of the business, not the tools used.

✓ Result (Award: NWRB2975-24, Sept 2025): The CCMA ruled in our client's favor. Steel Trading was excluded from MEIBC registration for jurisdictional reasons because their primary activities are underground mining under MHSA. This landmark award now protects hundreds of mining contractors from costly misclassification.

That's Why Employers Across South Africa Trust ML Labour Consultants

40+ Years Of Real Experience

We don't teach theory. We've been in CCMA arbitrations, bargaining council hearings, and wage disputes for four decades. We know what works.

80%+ Win Rate On Gradings

When it comes to grading and classification disputes, we win. Consistently. Because we understand the law and we know how to argue it.

Proactive Protection

We don't just fight cases. We help you avoid them. Proper documentation. Correct classifications. Compliant processes. Prevention is cheaper than litigation.

You don't hope you're protected. You know you are.

Here's Exactly What You Get When You Work With Us

  • Grading & Classification Defence: We review your current classifications, identify risks, and defend you if challenged
  • CCMA & Bargaining Council Representation: When you're dragged into arbitration, we represent you aggressively
  • Jurisdiction Dispute Expertise: We handle the complex disputes that most labour advisors fear
  • Chair Disciplinary Hearings On-Site: We come to your facility and chair disciplinary hearings fairly and professionally
  • Disciplinary & Appeal Hearings: We guide you through fair procedures so you never face unfair dismissal claims
  • Job Descriptions & Employment Contracts: We draft compliant documents at our hourly rate
  • Main Agreement & BCEA Compliance: We ensure you're paying the right wages under the right classification
  • 24/7 Access To Expert Advice: When a crisis hits, you have someone who knows exactly what to do

Why SA's Biggest Manufacturers Trust Us

40+
Years In The Industry
80%+
Grading Cases Won
100+
Major Manufacturers Protected

Essential

R 820/mo

1–50 Employees

Lower volume = lower cost

  • Email & phone support
  • Disciplinary hearings
  • CCMA representation
  • Grading reviews
  • All at R1,124/hr

Defence

R 1,150/mo

51–100 Employees

Medium workload = medium cost

  • Everything in Essential
  • Priority representation
  • Monthly audits
  • Arbitration attendance
  • Job descriptions included

Enterprise

R 1,420/mo

101–150 Employees

High volume = premium support

  • Everything in Defence
  • 24/7 priority access
  • Full litigation support
  • Quarterly training
  • Direct Marius access

Not sure which plan is right for you? Contact us. We'll recommend the right level of protection.

Expensive Lawyers vs Us

Service
Lawyers
ML Labour
Consultation
R5,000+
Included
Job Descriptions
R45-90k
R1,124/hr
Disciplinary Hearings
R2,240+/hr
R1,124/hr
Monthly Cost
Variable
R820-1,420
Emergency Access
❌
✓
Grading Expertise
❌ Lacks knowledge
✓ 80%+ wins

Transparency: All monthly retainer fees and hourly rates increase by 10% annually on January 1st. This is clearly outlined in your agreement upfront — no surprises.

We Stand Behind Our Work

If we don't add immediate value in your first 30 days…

You can cancel. No drama. No interrogation. No hidden fees.

That's how confident we are that you'll see the difference.

Common Questions

Do you represent employers at CCMA and bargaining council hearings? +
Yes. Full representation. We appear on your behalf, argue your case, and fight for you. We've done this hundreds of times.
How fast do you respond to emergencies? +
Within hours. When your business is at risk, you need answers today, not next week. Our retainer clients get priority access.
Do you work nationwide? +
Yes. We serve clients across South Africa — from Gauteng to the Eastern Cape to the Western Cape. Location is no barrier.
What if I already have a case pending? +
We can take over immediately. We'll review everything, assess your position, and take over representation. Many of our best clients came to us mid-case.
How do you handle grading disputes specifically? +
With 40+ years of experience and an 80%+ win rate. We know the law, we know the precedents, and we know how to win these cases. It's what we do best.
Can you help us conduct disciplinary hearings fairly? +
Absolutely. We guide you through the entire process — from investigation to hearing to appeal. When done right, you're protected. We make sure it's done right.
Do you handle union disputes and strikes? +
Yes. Whether it's negotiation, litigation, or representation, we handle union disputes and strike-related issues. We understand the dynamics.
What happens if I want to cancel? +
You can cancel anytime. But most clients don't want to — because once you've been protected, you never want to be without it. One crisis alone justifies the cost.

Stop Gambling With Your Company's Future

One grading dispute. One lost case. That's all it takes.

📞 082 920 1803

Available 24/7 for emergencies

Get Protected Now

Thank you! We'll review your inquiry and contact you within 24 hours.