Shop Stewards: Mastering Roles & Responsibilities

Shop Stewards play a critical role as the bridge between employees, unions, and management. This programme equips them with the legal knowledge, interpersonal skills, and practical tools needed to represent workers responsibly, manage conflict, and contribute to constructive labour relations.

Strong representation builds stronger workplaces, and this course provides clarity, confidence, and influence for Shop Stewards stepping into or strengthening their roles. The curriculum covers everything from fair labour practices and collective bargaining to dispute resolution, conflict management, negotiation, and representation in disciplinary hearings.

What the Programme Covers

Labour Law Foundations:

• Overview of legal landscape and labour law sources

• Right to fair labour practices

• Employer and employee rights

• How internal policies support compliance

Collective Bargaining & Union Dynamics:

• National and plant-level bargaining structures

• Purpose and power of collective agreements

• Rights and role of the trade union

• Role and responsibilities of Shop Stewards

• SWOT analysis of Shop Steward influence in the workplace

Dispute Resolution & Conflict Management:

• Internal dispute resolution processes

• External dispute resolution (CCMA/Bargaining Councils)

• Conflict management approaches and skills

• Negotiation skills and change management

• Importance of confidentiality and emotional intelligence

Labour Relations Leadership Skills:

• Building “Smart Trust” in labour relationships

• Behavioural and leadership styles

• Giving effective feedback to both management and employees

Representation & Hearings:

• When and how to refer grievances

• Types of incapacity

• Processes: grievance, incapacity, and disciplinary hearings

• Representing employees during disciplinary hearings:Opening and closing statements
  Evidence-in-chief
  Cross-examination and re-examination

• Determining guilt, fair suspensions, and appropriate sanctions

The session includes practical exercises and a DE training video to reinforce learning. shop stewards mastering roles &…

Event Details

Format: 2-day virtual workshop | 07-08 October 2026 | 09:00 - 16:00

Price: R4 950 excl. VAT

Contact: info@globalbusiness.co.za for more info.

Presented by Global Business Solutions (GBS)—Your Partner in Strategic HR Compliance

All workshops are offered as customised in-house training that can be presented virtually or on-site.

*All courses and conferences are subject to minimum delegate numbers.

GBS is:

Qualifying Small Enterprise

Level 2 B-BBEE Contributor

53% Black Owned

More than 51% Black Women Owned