MEMBERSHIP OF THE GUARDIAN EMPLOYERS' ORGANISATION (GEO)

The Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 establishes clear guidelines regarding representation at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). Employers are not permitted to be represented by a legal practitioner or consultant in mediation or arbitration proceedings. The Act allows employers to appear on their own, or to be represented by an employee (Manager), or by an Official of an Employers' Organisation.

The GEO is an employers' organisation registered in terms of the Labour Relations Act.

The GEO provides its members with a full labour law service that includes representation at the CCMA, Labour Court (LC) and Labour Appeal Court (LAC).

The GEO provides legal cover in the event the employer is faced with litigation under the auspices of the Labour Relations Act.

The GEO has recently expanded its services to also provide its clients with a comprehensive Human Resources Generalist function, to assist mainly with all aspects of employment equity implementation and ensure that the employer complies with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997. This includes review of policies and procedures, compiling of job descriptions, implementation of performance appraisal systems, and other human resource requirements of a generalist nature.

Various categories of membership to the GEO range from full legal cover to partial legal cover are available to employers.