Employee representation @ CCMA

[CharlvH]

I have a bit of basic knowledge of labour law and processes, however, when my wife recently referred a matter to the ccma, I was not allowed to represent her. She doesn't belong to a union either. As a result she was steamrollered by the employer rep in a case that she should have won the award easily. My question is; how do employees get representation if they're not union members? I'm sure there are thousands who won't even refer a case since it is so daunting & intimidating if you don't have knowledge or experience. In my wife's case the commission didn't take these facts into consideration & the emp rep & commissioner were on first name basis.

[Dave A]

There is a part of me that says - If you can't argue to the Commissioner the basis that the employee/your wife is entitled to your assistance, you failed the test to qualify to do so.

Sorry, that probably sounds harsh, but it isn't meant to be. Just a reality check...

If the Commissioner was soft on the employer as you suggest, you would probably have had to quote rules and precedents to turn the tide anyway. How well equipped are you to do that?