The Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) was established in terms of section 35 of the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (LRA).

All other collective bargaining structures for the public sector were also created in terms of this section of the LRA.

The PSCBC, as a central bargaining council, was created as most issues are determined at a central level. At the same time, the collective bargaining structures created for educators (ELRC), police (SSSBC), national departments and provincial administrations continue to exist.