The Statutory Council of the Printing, Newspapers and Packaging Industry was established around June 1999. The Council was subsequently registered by the Registrar of Labour Relations as Statutory Council on 01 June 2000. The Council is registered in terms of section 42(a) of the Labour Relations Act. The Act encourages self-regulation of industries through Bargaining Councils, and Statutory Councils. Our Council is one of the few Statutory Councils that exists under ambit of the Act.

The Council has a Full Board which has representatives from both Employers’ and Employees’ Organisations.

The main function of the Council is to conduct dispute resolution in the Industry. Parties within the scope of the Industry, refer labour disputes (e.g. Dismissals and Unfair Labour Practices) to Council for resolution, instead of the state established and funded Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). The Council generates its revenue by collecting levies from employers and employees within the Industry.

The Council has a list of panellists who conciliates and Arbitrates disputes within the jurisdiction of the Council. The Council is accredited by the CCMA to conduct dispute resolution.