Review Application | Labour Court

Compulsory Online Filing

The Labour Court now requires ALL filings to be submitted electronically via Court Online (https://courtonline.co.za). Paper filings are no longer accepted. You must register for an account, verify your identity, and file your review application online. We can help you prepare your documents before you upload them.

Service date of the arbitration award

Select a date to see your deadline

Enter date above

What You Need for Court Online

Before you can file, you will need:

Court Online account (register at courtonline.co.za)
Verified identity (ID document upload)
Review application (Form 1) — we draft this below
Founding affidavit — we draft this below
Arbitration award (scanned PDF)
Proof of service of the award (email receipt, registered mail slip)
Filing fee payment (R0 for disputes under R50,000)

Your Full Name *

ID Number *

CCMA Case Number *

Date of Arbitration Award *

Date You Were Served the Award *

Grounds for Review (Check all that apply) *

Arbitrator exceeded powers (LRA s145(2)(a)) Misconduct by arbitrator (LRA s145(2)(b)) Grossly irregular procedure (LRA s145(2)(c)) Evidence improperly handled (LRA s145(2)(d)) Apparent bias (LRA s145(2)(e)) Not sure — help me identify

Describe what happened at arbitration *

Relief Sought *

Do you have the arbitration record?

Visit courtonline.co.za
Click "Register" and select "Individual"
Enter your ID number and personal details
Upload a certified copy of your ID
Verify your email address (click the link sent to you)
Wait for verification (usually 24-48 hours)
Once verified, log in and select "Labour Court"
Click "File New Case" and follow the prompts

Important

Court Online verification can take 24-48 hours. If your 6-week deadline is approaching, register immediately. Do not wait until the last day.

Section 145 of the Labour Relations Act limits review to five specific grounds. The Labour Court cannot simply rehear the case or substitute its own decision based on what it thinks is "fair."

(a) Exceeded powers: The arbitrator decided something they had no authority to decide
(b) Misconduct: The arbitrator behaved improperly (e.g., accepted bribes, was intoxicated)
(c) Gross irregularity: The procedure was so flawed it compromised fairness (e.g., refused to hear evidence, prevented cross-examination)
(d) Evidence error: The arbitrator improperly admitted or excluded critical evidence
(e) Apparent bias: A reasonable observer would think the arbitrator was biased (e.g., personal relationship with a party, pre-judgment comments)

Note

"The arbitrator got the facts wrong" or "I disagree with the outcome" are not valid review grounds. The Labour Court only reviews the process, not the merits.