What is the LRA 7.13 form and when do I need it?

The LRA Form 7.13, officially titled "Request for Arbitration", is the CCMA form you complete when conciliation has failed and you want the CCMA to resolve your dispute by arbitration. If your conciliation ended with a certificate of non-resolution, or 30 days have passed since your referral without the dispute being resolved, the LRA 7.13 moves your case to arbitration, where a commissioner hears evidence from both sides and makes a binding award. It is filled in by the party requesting the arbitration.

What is the deadline for requesting arbitration at the CCMA?

You have 90 days to request arbitration, counted from the earlier of the date the certificate of non-resolution was issued or the date the 30-day conciliation period expired. If you miss the 90-day deadline, you must apply for condonation, a written request asking the CCMA to accept the late request, explaining the length of and reason for the delay. Condonation is not automatic, so submit as early as you can.

What is the difference between the LRA 7.11 and the LRA 7.13?

The LRA 7.11 starts the CCMA process: it refers your dispute for conciliation, where a commissioner tries to help the parties settle. The LRA 7.13 is the follow-up form used only if conciliation fails: it asks the CCMA to decide the dispute by arbitration. In con-arb cases, arbitration follows conciliation on the same day automatically and no LRA 7.13 is needed, but if either party objected to con-arb, or the process was conciliation-only, you must file the LRA 7.13 to get to arbitration.

What is a certificate of non-resolution and do I need to attach it?

The certificate of non-resolution (often called the "certificate of outcome") is issued by the conciliating commissioner when the dispute is not settled at conciliation. It records that the dispute remains unresolved and states where it should go next: arbitration or the Labour Court. Attach it to your LRA 7.13. If no certificate was issued but 30 days have passed since your referral, you may request arbitration anyway. The form lets you indicate that 30 days have expired instead. Delete whichever option does not apply on the printed form.

Do I have to serve the LRA 7.13 on the other party?

Yes. A copy of the completed form must be served on the other party before or when you submit it, and you must attach proof of service: a registered post slip, a signed receipt for hand delivery, a fax confirmation slip, an email confirmation or sent email, a signed statement by the person who delivered it, or any other satisfactory proof. Without proof of service the CCMA may not process your request. If you cannot reach the other party, the CCMA can be asked to assist with service.

Where do I submit the LRA 7.13?

Submit it to the Registrar at the CCMA regional office that conducted your conciliation. Using the same office keeps your case file together. If an accredited bargaining council or agency is to arbitrate the dispute, send the request to their offices instead. You can also lodge referrals through the CCMA online referral system (the Dispute Management System), reached from the CCMA website at ccma.org.za. If in doubt, contact the CCMA on 0861 16 16 16.

What happens at a CCMA arbitration hearing?

Arbitration is a formal hearing before a CCMA commissioner. Both parties present evidence, call witnesses, and may cross-examine the other side. The commissioner then issues an arbitration award (a written, binding decision) normally within 14 days of the hearing. Unlike conciliation, what you prove matters: bring your employment contract, payslips, dismissal letter, warnings, correspondence, and witnesses. The award can be made an order of court if the other party does not comply.

What outcome can I ask for in Section 4 of the form?

State the remedy you want the arbitrator to order. For unfair dismissal this is usually reinstatement (your job back with back pay), re-employment, or compensation of up to 12 months’ remuneration. For unfair labour practices, compensation of up to 12 months is available. For severance pay disputes, payment of the statutory severance owed. Be specific, for example "Reinstatement with retrospective effect from the date of dismissal" or "Compensation equal to 6 months’ salary", so the commissioner knows exactly what you seek.

Do I need a lawyer for CCMA arbitration?

No. Many workers represent themselves at arbitration or are represented by a trade union official. Legal representation at arbitration is allowed in some circumstances, for example by agreement between the parties, or with the commissioner’s permission in complex cases, but it is restricted in dismissal disputes about conduct or capacity. The process is designed to be accessible, and the CCMA’s services are free of charge.

Can I still settle after requesting arbitration?

Yes. The parties can settle the dispute at any time before or even during the arbitration hearing. A written settlement agreement signed by both parties is binding and ends the dispute. Commissioners often explore settlement at the start of an arbitration. Requesting arbitration does not lock you into a hearing. It protects your rights while settlement discussions continue.

What is the POPIA consent on the last page of the form?

The last page of the LRA 7.13 contains a consent declaration under the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013. By signing it you consent to the CCMA processing, collecting, using, and disclosing your personal information as needed to perform its legal duties in resolving your dispute. Fill in the place and date of signing and your initial and surname, and sign it: on screen before you download if you will email the form to the CCMA, or by hand after printing. The CCMA requires this page with your request.

Where can I download the LRA 7.13 form as a PDF?

The LRA Form 7.13 is available free from the CCMA website (ccma.org.za) under referral forms. You can also fill it in online using FillMeIn. Complete the guided fields, download the completed PDF, then serve a copy on the other party and submit it with your certificate of non-resolution and proof of service.

Is my personal information safe when using FillMeIn to fill the LRA 7.13?

Yes. FillMeIn processes all your data entirely on your device. Your personal details, dispute information, and all form data never leave your phone or computer. Nothing is sent to our servers or stored in the cloud. Since nothing is uploaded, a dropped connection during load shedding won't interrupt filling in the form or generating the PDF. Print it when you're ready to serve and submit.

LRA 7.13: Request for Arbitration

Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration · Verified 23 August 2026

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