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Rights of Labour Broker Workers in Eastern Cape

Many workers in Eastern Cape are employed through temporary employment service (TES) providers (labour brokers). The Labour Relations Act was amended to give TES workers strong protections after three months of employment — including the right to be treated like permanent employees of the client.

The Law That Protects You

Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 — Section 198A
A temporary employee earning below the BCEA threshold is deemed to be the employee of the client after three months. The client becomes jointly and severally liable.
Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997 — Section 83A
A temporary employment service and a client who make use of its services are jointly and severally liable for any failure to comply with the BCEA.

What To Do — Step by Step

  1. Track your start date. After three months with the same client, you are deemed a permanent employee of the client for purposes of the LRA.

  2. Demand equal treatment — your terms and conditions of employment must be no less favourable than permanent employees doing the same or similar work.

  3. Refer to the CCMA if dismissed through the labour broker to avoid giving you permanent status. This is an automatically unfair dismissal.

  4. Hold both the TES and client jointly liable for any BCEA or LRA violations — you do not need to choose one to claim against.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a labour broker fire me to prevent me getting permanent status in Eastern Cape?
No. Dismissing a worker to avoid the s198A protections triggering is an automatically unfair dismissal under s187 LRA. Refer to the CCMA within 30 days.
Am I entitled to benefits (pension, medical aid) as a TES worker in Eastern Cape?
After three months, you are entitled to equal treatment with permanent employees — which includes benefits. The client is jointly liable for providing equal terms.
Can a labour broker make me work on a zero-hours contract in Eastern Cape?
The LRA and BCEA minimums apply regardless. If you work more than 24 hours per month, you are entitled to basic BCEA protections including paid leave, notice, etc.

Legal Resources in Eastern Cape

📋 CCMA: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) CCMA (041 506 5000) or East London CCMA (043 721 3600)

⚖️ Legal Aid SA: Legal Aid South Africa — Gqeberha (041 506 5200) or East London (043 721 3600)

🏛️ High Court: Eastern Cape Division of the High Court — Gqeberha (041 408 5111) and Makhanda (046 603 8000)

🏢 Magistrates' Courts: Gqeberha, East London, Makhanda, Mthatha, Aliwal North, and other magistrates' courts

🏠 Rental Housing Tribunal: Eastern Cape Rental Housing Tribunal (040 609 5150)

The Eastern Cape has significant rural land rights issues, high ESTA dispute rates, and widespread challenges with government service delivery. Rural access to courts is a key concern.