Pretoria, South Africa – The Department of Employment and Labour has officially announced the application for the registration of a new, amalgamated bargaining council that will represent workers and employers across the restaurant, fast food, catering, and allied trades. Known as the National Bargaining Council for the Restaurant, Catering and Allied Trades, the proposed council aims to unify labour relations under a single regulatory structure for this vital sector.
This significant move is set to impact labour relations across all nine provinces in South Africa, covering a wide range of business types, including:
- Fast food outlets
- Restaurants
- Coffee shops and tearooms
- Pubs, taverns, roadhouses, and snack bars
- Convenience stores
- Industrial, commercial, contract, and function catering services
- Food and beverage preparation facilities
- Excluded from the proposed scope are casinos, hotels, and club-owned catering operations.
Sectoral Representation
The proposed bargaining council is expected to represent:
- 123,621 employees, including 19,654 through trade unions
- 8,447 employers, including 4,190 represented through employer organisations
This unified structure is designed to promote consistency in employment practices, wage agreements, dispute resolution, and compliance within the sector.
Call for Public Participation
Stakeholders and members of the public are invited to submit written objections to the registration of the proposed council within 30 days from the date of the official notice (22 July 2025).
Objections can be submitted on the following grounds:
- Non-compliance with Section 29 of the Labour Relations Act
- The proposed scope is inappropriate for the sector or geographic area
- Insufficient representativeness by the applicants
Objections must be addressed to: The Department of Employment and Labour, Labouria House, 215 Francis Baard Street, Pretoria
Or by post: Private Bag X117, Pretoria, 0001
Or via email: Lerato.Dithuge@labour.gov.za | Sellinah.Mahlangu@labour.gov.za
A copy of the objection must also be submitted to the applicant, and proof of service must be provided to the Department.
After the 30-day objection period, the applicant will have 14 days to respond to any objections received and must provide proof of response to both the objector and the Department.
What This Means for the Sector
The formation of the National Bargaining Council for the Restaurant, Catering and Allied Trades could usher in new sectoral agreements on wages, working conditions, and employment standards, making it essential for affected businesses and employees to understand and engage in the process.
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Author: Samantha Mabaso from Angelcy Brand Messengers on behalf of LABOURNET.
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