The Labour Relations Act (LRA) sets out structures and processes which can be used to resolve disputes of interest. The outcome of disputes of interest will depend on the relative strength of employees and employers. Each party may use different strategies to win what they want.

Employees can take industrial action over disputes of interest, like strikes, work stoppages and go-slows once they have complied with prescribed dispute procedures. Employees cannot strike over disputes of rights under the LRA (e.g. unfair labour practices and unfair dismissals). Disputes of right are referred to arbitration at the CCMA or the Bargaining Council.

The LRA governs the procedures that must be followed before industrial action can be taken by employees (strikes) or by the employer (lock outs).