About Us
Protecting South African Employers
Established in 1936, CATRA is South Africa’s oldest registered employers’ organisation. With nearly a century of experience, we have built a strong reputation for representing, protecting, and promoting the interests of employers across the country.
Since 1936
WHO WE REPRESENT
CATRA is a registered employers’ organisation that supports South African employers through expert guidance, representation, and advocacy. Our role is to make labour law more understandable, workplace challenges more manageable, and employer voices clearly represented at all levels.
We believe that fair, compliant, and productive workplaces are built through balance, dialogue, and practical solutions — and this principle underpins everything we do.
OUR ROLE
In Labour Relations
CATRA provides a comprehensive range of labour relations services to its members, including:
Representation at the CCMA
Barganing Council representation
Dispute resolution assistance
Conciliation, mediation, arbitration
Disciplinary enquiries support
Policies, and workplace procedures
Guidance on labour legislation
Representation at the CCMA
Barganing Council representation
Dispute resolution assistance
Conciliation
Mediation
Arbitration
Disciplinary enquiries
Policies, workplace procedures
Labour legislation guidance
We are committed to fostering constructive employer–employee relationships and promoting long-term workplace stability through professional engagement and informed advice.
OUR MISSION
In South Africa’s Evolving Environment
In South Africa’s constantly evolving economic and labour environment, CATRA’s role is more important than ever. Our mission is to:
Protect, promote, advance the interests of our members
Ensure employers are informed, supported, and confidently represented
Protect members interest
Labour relations & compliance guidance
Professional representation
Informed, supported, represented
CATRA is more than an employers’ organisation — we are a trusted partner in labour relations. Whether you are managing a small business or leading a growing organisation, CATRA is here to support, represent, and guide you.
Features
What We Do Best
Bargaining Council Representation
As the exclusive employer representative at the Bargaining Council for the Restaurant and Catering sectors, CATRA holds a unique seat at the table. Our dual involvement in both the Bargaining and Statutory Councils ensures your voice is central to sector-wide labour relations and policy-making.
Advocacy and Engagement
As your trusted partner, we empower businesses of all sizes to navigate South Africa’s evolving labour landscape with confidence.
FAQ
How Can We Help
What is an employers’ organisation?
CATRA is a registered employers’ organisation that represents and protects the interests of employers within the hospitality, catering, restaurant and associated industries. CATRA provides guidance, representation and support to employers in labour-related matters and collective bargaining processes.
What services does the organisation provide?
CATRA provides labour relations advice, representation at Bargaining Councils and the CCMA, assistance with disciplinary hearings, dispute resolution, collective bargaining support, compliance guidance, employment policy advice and employer advocacy.
What are the benefits of membership?
Membership provides employers with professional labour support, representation during disputes and negotiations, access to industry expertise, guidance on labour legislation, assistance with compliance matters and support in protecting business interests.
What is collective bargaining?
Collective bargaining is the process where employers and unions negotiate terms and conditions of employment, including wages, benefits and working conditions, within an industry or bargaining council.
What labour representation services are available?
CATRA represents members at disciplinary hearings, conciliations, arbitrations, Bargaining Councils, the CCMA and other labour-related forums. CATRA also assists with dispute management, negotiations and labour consultations.
How does the organisation assist employers?
CATRA assists employers by providing professional labour advice, ensuring compliance with labour legislation, representing employers during disputes, assisting with workplace policies and supporting employers during negotiations and consultations.
What does membership include?
Membership includes labour relations support, representation at relevant labour forums, access to professional advice, assistance with disciplinary matters, updates on labour legislation and participation in employer representation initiatives.