What does MEIBC mean in COUNCIL

The Metal Engineering Industries Bargaining Council (MEIBC) is a statutory body established by the Labour Relations Act, 1995 to provide an effective bargaining council for employers and employees in the engineering, metal, manufacturing and related industries.

Any employer or trade union that falls within the scope of its jurisdiction has the right to become a member of the MEIBC. This includes any employer who sells products or services that fall within one of the categories listed in Schedule 5 of the Act. Employees have no say in whether their employer should be a member of MEIBC or not.

By becoming a member of MEIBC, employers benefit from collective bargaining provisions that set out minimum requirements for employment and working conditions. These include wages, leave entitlements, health and safety standards, dispute resolution procedures and other important aspects of industrial relations. Joining MEIBC also allows employers to benefit from access to dispute resolution mechanisms such as wage determination services and binding arbitration agreements. Becoming a member also helps promote good industrial relations and provides access to representation in collective bargaining proceedings.

The MEIBC provides several services to members including dispute resolution services, collective bargaining facilitation services, training programmes on labour legislation compliance and other topics related to industrial relations as well as assistance with setting up workplace committees. The Bargaining Council also offers research and analytical support for members wishing to assess local industry trends or stay abreast of national labour-related developments.

The MEIBC handles disputes between employers and employees regarding issues such as unfair dismissal, discrimination, retrenchment compensation, breach of contract and other matters covered by existing collective agreements or sectoral determinations made by it under legislation. If necessary, it can refer disputes on these issues to a commissioner appointed by it for conciliation or arbitration with binding results.

Yes – membership contributions are required from all full members as part payment for services rendered by the council including those related to collective bargaining facilitation activities but also dispute resolution mechanisms such as wage determination services available through its offices across South Africa.

Exemptions may be granted from paying some contributions if certain criteria are met e.g., if an employer employs less than five employees in total (inclusive of temporary staff etc.). This should be discussed with an official at the relevant office when making enquiries about becoming a member.

Yes – you can terminate your membership with 90 days’ notice given either in writing to head office or provided verbally during meetings with representatives at regional offices across South Africa (with proof thereof). Upon termination period expiry your contributions remain due until then.