Legal Q&A

CCMA Form LRA 7.11 — How to Download, Fill In, and Submit

Download CCMA form LRA 7.11 free from ccma.org.za. Step-by-step guide to filling in every section correctly — unfair dismissal, unpaid wages, discrimination. You have 30 days.

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Form LRA 7.11 is the official CCMA referral form for all workplace disputes — unfair dismissal, unpaid wages, discrimination, and unfair labour practices. Download it free from ccma.org.za, pick it up at any CCMA office, or refer online at the same address. There is no filing fee. For unfair dismissal, you must submit within 30 days of the date of dismissal.

What the Law Says

Your Legal Foundation

Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995

Section 191(1)(b)

“An employee may refer a dispute about a dismissal to the Commission if the employee reasonably believes that the reason for dismissal was unfair — within 30 days of the date of dismissal or, if it is a later date, within 30 days of the employer making a final decision to dismiss.”

Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995

Section 135

“The Commission must attempt to resolve a dispute referred to it through conciliation. The commissioner must attempt to resolve the dispute within 30 days of receipt of the referral.”

Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995

Section 191(11)

“If the Commission has not resolved a dispute within 30 days, any party to the dispute may request that the dispute be resolved through arbitration.”

What to Do

Step-by-Step Guide

1Download or collect the form. Get form LRA 7.11 at ccma.org.za (under "Forms"), from any CCMA office in person, or by calling the CCMA helpline at 0861 16 2616 and requesting it by email.
2Section A — Your details (the referring party). Enter your full name as it appears on your ID, your ID number, home address, cell number, and email address. This must be accurate — the CCMA uses this to contact you and serve documents.
3Section B — Employer details (the respondent). Enter your employer's registered name (not just a trade name), the physical address of the business, the name of a contact person (HR manager or owner), and their phone number. If you don't know the registered name, use the name on your payslip.
4Section C — Nature of the dispute. Tick the correct box. The most common are: Unfair dismissal (fired without a valid reason or fair procedure), Unfair labour practice (suspension, demotion, unfair disciplinary action, failure to promote), or Unfair discrimination. You can tick more than one if applicable.
5Section D — Date of dismissal or dispute. For unfair dismissal, enter the date your employer told you that you were dismissed. This date starts your 30-day clock. If you received written notice, use the date on the letter. If you were told verbally, use the date you were told.
6Section E — Brief description of the dispute. Write 3–5 sentences describing what happened: what you were accused of, whether a hearing was held, whether you were given a chance to respond, and why you believe the dismissal was unfair. Be factual and specific. Avoid emotional language — state the facts.
7Section F — Relief sought. State what you want: Reinstatement (your job back, as if you were never dismissed), Re-employment (a different position at the same company), or Compensation (up to 12 months' remuneration for unfair dismissal; up to 24 months for automatically unfair dismissal). You can request reinstatement as a primary remedy and compensation as an alternative.
8Section G — Representative details. If a union representative, attorney, or advice office will assist you, enter their details here. If you are representing yourself (which is allowed at CCMA), leave this blank or write "Self".
9Sign and submit. Sign and date the form. Submit it by: (1) email to the nearest CCMA office — find addresses at ccma.org.za/contact-us; (2) fax to the nearest office; (3) hand it in at the CCMA reception; or (4) refer online via the CCMA online referral portal. The CCMA will serve a copy on your employer — you do not need to deliver it yourself.

What to Say

Exact Words to Use

“"I am referring a dispute of unfair dismissal to the CCMA in terms of Section 191 of the Labour Relations Act. The dismissal occurred on [date]. I am seeking reinstatement, alternatively compensation equivalent to [X] months' remuneration."”

Tone: Written — use this language in Section E and F of the form

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill in the LRA 7.11 form online without downloading it?

Yes. The CCMA has an online referral portal at ccma.org.za where you can complete and submit the referral digitally without downloading or printing anything. You will receive a reference number by email. This is the fastest method if you are close to your 30-day deadline.

What happens if I missed the 30-day deadline for unfair dismissal?

You must apply for condonation — an extension of the time limit. Fill in form LRA 7.11 as normal and attach a separate written explanation (a condonation application) explaining: how late you are, why you were late, whether your employer will be prejudiced by the late referral, and the merits of your case. The CCMA commissioner will decide at the start of your conciliation hearing. The stronger your reasons and the shorter the delay, the better your chances.

Do I need a lawyer to complete the LRA 7.11 form?

No. The form is designed to be completed by employees without legal assistance. Legal Aid SA (0800 110 110) can help you fill it in if needed — this service is free. Many Community Advice Offices also assist with CCMA form completion at no charge. You are also permitted to represent yourself at both conciliation and arbitration.

What is the difference between conciliation and arbitration at the CCMA?

Conciliation is a facilitated negotiation — a commissioner tries to help both sides reach a settlement. There is no winner or loser and no binding decision. Arbitration is a mini-trial — you present evidence, the employer presents evidence, and the commissioner makes a binding award. Most cases settle at conciliation. If yours does not, you have 90 days from the certificate of non-resolution to request arbitration.

Can I refer my dispute to the CCMA via WhatsApp?

No. The CCMA does not accept referrals via WhatsApp. Valid submission methods are: the CCMA online portal (ccma.org.za), email to the nearest CCMA office, fax, or hand delivery. Using an invalid method may mean your referral is not recorded and you could lose your case on a time-limit basis.

My employer fired me without giving me a reason. What do I write in Section E?

Write: "I was summoned to a meeting on [date] and told by [name/title] that my services were no longer required / that I was dismissed with immediate effect. No reason was given for the dismissal and no disciplinary hearing was held. The dismissal is both substantively unfair (no valid reason) and procedurally unfair (no hearing). I am seeking reinstatement, alternatively compensation." This covers both grounds of unfairness.

Get Help Now

Resources & Helplines

CCMA Online Referral Portal

ccma.org.za

Submit your LRA 7.11 referral online. Fastest method — no printing required.
CCMA Helpline

0861 16 2616

Get the form emailed to you, find your nearest office, or get help completing the referral.
Legal Aid SA

0800 110 110

Free help completing your CCMA referral form if you cannot afford a lawyer.
Community Advice Offices

naccrao.org.za

Find a free advice office near you — many assist with CCMA form completion.

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