Today, Thursday 18 September, is International Equal Pay Day. In South Africa, equality remains both an elusive and strangely divisive concept, despite our vivid and recent past of legal and structural inequality that permeates most aspects of life.
In this context, South Africa remains one of the most unequal societies in the world, not only because of staggering unemployment, but also because of unfair pay structures that keep women and young people trapped in cycles of poverty.
Build One South Africa (BOSA) is using International Equal Pay Day this year to mobilise support for our Fair Pay Bill, which is currently before Parliament. This progressive Bill seeks to close the gender wage gap, confront wage exploitation in key sectors, and ultimately create a more equal and transparent economic environment.
The Bill seeks to outlaw the very mechanisms that entrench wage disparities and tilt the hiring process against certain groups. Key aspects of the Bill are as follows:
- Ending salary history discrimination: Employers will no longer be allowed to ask for or rely on your past payslip when applying for a job or when determining your salary. This common practice is one of the main drivers of ongoing wage inequality. The Bill ensures your pay is based on your value, putting an end to silent discrimination, be it gender, racial, age or geography.
- Employer must declare salary range: Every job advertisement will be legally required to disclose a salary range. This means no more guessing games, and no more undervaluing yourself or lowballing just to land a job. Job seekers will know what the job is worth before they apply. This will level the playing field for all and give power back to the jobseeker.
- Equal pay for equal work: The Bill strengthens existing anti-discrimination provisions, mandating that pay must be based on merit and not your race, gender, age, or where you come from. Skills, qualifications, and experience are rightly the central determining factors.
- New right to discuss job offer with other employees: The Bill grants every employee the right to discuss a job offer or the remuneration, or remuneration range, for a position with another employee.
To advance this effort, BOSA has today written to all Members of Parliament (MPs) serving on the Employment and Labour Portfolio Committee, urging them to back this progressive reform when it comes to consideration and a vote in the Committee in the coming weeks.
In addition, we also recognise that fair pay cannot be won through parliamentary processes alone. This fight must extend beyond the walls of the National Assembly and into communities and spaces where those directly affected live and operate.
That is why we are calling on South Africans to take action:
- Sign BOSA’s petition to show your support for fair pay.
- Write to Parliament demanding that MPs pass the Fair Pay Bill into law.
The Fair Pay Bill has been tabled with the Speaker of the National Assembly, which initiated a multi-step legislative process to ensure the Bill receives proper scrutiny and public input.
Firstly, referral to Parliament’s Legal Advisors. The Speaker will refer the Bill to the legal advisors for review.
Secondly, gazetting for public comment. Once legally cleared, the Bill will be published in the Government Gazette, giving the public an opportunity to review and comment. This is a key part of public participation and legislative transparency.
Thirdly, engagement by Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Labour. BOSA representatives will appear before the Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour to present and defend the Bill. This is where in-depth debates and technical scrutiny will take place.
Finally, formal tabling in the National Assembly. Once the committee stage is concluded, the Fair Pay Bill will be formally introduced in the National Assembly for deliberation, amendment (if necessary), and eventual voting.
The Fair Pay Bill is about restoring dignity, promoting economic justice, and building a country where no one is punished for where they come from or what they earned before. BOSA invites every citizen, civil society group, and employer of conscience to join us in this fight.
Media Enquiries:
Roger Solomons – BOSA Spokesperson – 072 299 3551