‘BOSA’s proposed Fair Pay Bill not worth the paper it’s on’

July 7, 2025 96

Picture: Nigel Sibanda — Photo Credit: Nigel Sibanda

Labour expert, Michael Bagraim, believes Build One South Africa’s (BOSA) proposed Fair Pay Bill is not worth the paper it’s on.

Last month, to some young people’s excitement – Mmusi Maimane’s party proposed the bill in Parliament, in a bid to eliminate salary discrimination and the secrecy that often surrounds salary negotiations.

According to BOSA, if enacted – this piece of legislation will ensure that graduates and job seekers who enter the labour market are not subjected to or trapped in cycles of underpayment.

“This imbalance perpetuates historical inequalities. Young people who are the first in their families to work white-collar jobs, black professionals, and women often start their careers earning less that their counterparts,” says the party.

https://bosa.co.za/bosa-introduces-the-fair-pay-bill-to-end-salary-discrimination-and-promote-equal-opportunity/

According to Bagraim, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act allows for salaries to be shared, especially since trade unions negotiate earnings.

He believes that BOSA is just making a storm in a teacup as aggrieved workers can also take their concerns to the CCMA or the Labour Bargaining Council.

‘BOSA’s proposed Fair Pay Bill not worth the paper it’s on’ Nokwazi Qumbisa

He says he’s unfamiliar with companies with-holding information on salaries, as many companies usually have the salary they’re offering available when they advertise vacancies.

‘BOSA’s proposed Fair Pay Bill not worth the paper it’s on’ Nokwazi Qumbisa

The labour expert is encouraging potential employees to boldly ask employers the salary band of the position they are being offered.

‘BOSA’s proposed Fair Pay Bill not worth the paper it’s on’ Nokwazi Qumbisa

The Public Servants Association’s (PSA) acting deputy general manager, Claude Naicker, however, believes the proposed legislation is relevant in the country.

‘BOSA’s proposed Fair Pay Bill not worth the paper it’s on’ Nokwazi Qumbisa

He says while the Employment Equity Act protects workers, some employees don’t either understand it or even know how to implement the legislation.

Naicker believes more still needs to be done to bring everyone on the same page.

‘BOSA’s proposed Fair Pay Bill not worth the paper it’s on’ Nokwazi Qumbisa

Some young people are also hoping the bill becomes law at some point, hailing it as a step in the right direction.

@monewamushi You won’t need to submit your current payslip when applying for a new job! #fairpaybill #southafricanfairpaybill #southafrica #jobtips #recruitment #cv #career #thefairpaybill ♬ original sound – Monewa