Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane has tabled the Fair Pay Bill, a legislative proposal aimed at empowering job seekers while promoting transparency in the South African job market, reports Cape {town} Etc.
This innovative bill seeks to ban employers from requesting previous salary histories from candidates and mandates that all job advertisements include explicit salary ranges,
Speaking to the media, Maimane articulated the essence of the bill, stating, ‘Every year, thousands of graduates and job seekers enter a labour market that too often operates in an unfair manner against them,’
He highlighted how capable and willing candidates, especially youth, are frequently trapped in cycles of underpayment, lacking the leverage to negotiate fair wages a reality that is exacerbated by opaque hiring practices.
According to Maimane, the current hiring paradigm disproportionately favours employers, who often base initial salary offers on a candidate’s previous compensation rather than their potential value.
‘This imbalance perpetuates historical inequalities,’ he lamented, noting that young professionals, particularly those who are the first in their families to pursue white-collar work, as well as black professionals and women, often start their careers earning less than their counterparts.
BOSA’s Fair Pay Bill is not merely a legislative measure but a response to an ingrained issue that intertwines moral and economic implications. ‘When your salary history is used against you, past disadvantage becomes future injustice,’ Maimane warned.
This sentiment echoes values enshrined in sections 9 and 10 of South Africa’s Constitution dignity and equality.
Cape {town} Etc Discount Alert! Unlock Cape Town’s best experiences for half the price! From unforgettable adventures to hidden gems and mouthwatering restaurants, these limited-time deals won’t last long. “Snag your discount before they’re gone!”‘ Add the URL to Snag your discount before they’re gone! https://daddysdeals.co.za/todays-deals/cape-town/?srsltid=AfmBOorXAM1KT-gNfcc4pYe7cWD4D-VItt04n_5HqpTLl6bFdX46G41F
The Fair Pay Bill aims to amend the Employment Equity Act, introducing several key changes that promise to enhance fairness and transparency in hiring processes. For instance, under the new law, employers will be prohibited from inquiring about a candidate’s past payslips when determining salary for a new position.
‘This common practice is one of the main drivers of ongoing wage inequality,’ Maimane explained, reinforcing the idea that compensation should be based on an individual’s worth rather than their past experiences or disadvantages.
Another landmark provision of the bill mandates that all job vacancies must disclose a salary range, thereby eliminating the guesswork in salary negotiations for job seekers. ‘Job seekers will know what the job is worth before they apply,’ he asserted.
This change aims to empower candidates, allowing them to value themselves appropriately without the fear of lowball offers that undermine their potential.
As Maimane articulated the principles behind the Fair Pay Bill, he underscored a critical shift in the dynamic between job seekers and employers. ‘This will level the playing field for all and give power back to the jobseeker,’ he concluded, signalling a hopeful future for job seekers who have long been at the mercy of inequitable labour practices.
Also read:
Picture: Sharon Serelto /Gallo Images
