Bargaining Council Updates 2025: Wage Schedules, HBSI Pension Fund, National Qualifications & Maternity Claims

Important Reminders

HBSI Pension Fund and Exemptions

Membership of the HBSI Pension Fund is compulsory for all employees who fall within the Scope of the Main Collective Agreement, and employers are obligated to ensure the contributions are deducted and paid over to the Council. If an exemption is applied for and not granted, or no exemption is applied for, charges will be raised. The Council, in line with its obligations, will raise pension contribution charges for all employees in the absence of an exemption being in place. Please note further that the non-payment of contributions from employees is a criminal offence.

National Minimum Wage: Wage Schedules

Establishments are reminded that the Wage Schedules have been adjusted to align with the increase to the National Minimum Wage and are on the Council’s website. www.hcsbc.co.za.

PLEASE NOTE that the employer portion of the Pension Fund contribution is also factored into the calculations, which in some cases results in an hourly rate that appears to be below the National Minimum Wage rate.

However, the hourly rate PLUS the employer portion of the Pension Fund contribution together does not fall below the minimum prescribed by the NMW Commission.

For Example:

• A Basic salary of R5569.59 (R28.56 per hour) + Employer Pension Contribution of R187.64 = R5757.23 per month

• R5757.23 divided by 4.3333 weeks = a weekly rate of R1328.60

• Divide by 45 hours per week = an hourly rate of R29.52, which is above the NMW of R28.79 per hour.

The above calculations are in line with the Labour Appeal Court decision in Quantum Foods (Pty) Ltd v Commissioner H Jacobs N.O. and Others (2024) 45 ILJ 71 (LAC) (18 October 2023).

Opportunity for City & Guilds Industry-Qualified Hairdressers to obtain the South African National Qualification

Establishments are reminded of the opportunity for City & Guilds industry-qualified hairdressers to apply for the fully funded ARPL Trade test to obtain the South African National Qualification. Opportunity for City & Guilds hairdressers to obtain SA qualification.pdf 

Please share this information with eligible employees and colleagues.

Sick Pay Fund: Maternity Benefit Claims

There is an increasing number of maternity benefit claims that are being submitted late.

Establishments are requested to remind employees that Maternity Benefit claims under the Sick Pay Fund must be made after the birth of the child, but within 90 days of the birth. See Sub-Clause 6.2 and Clause 8 of the Sick Pay Fund Rules. Sick Pay Fund Rules.pdf

HBSI: Section 13A of the Pension Funds Act: Responsible Person

Employers are reminded that they have a legal duty to provide the Fund with details of the Responsible Person in their entities and to take note of the consequences of a failure to do so. versbatim112.cdr

The HBSI Pension Fund has issued a request for all Employers to provide the names and contact details of the responsible persons for their entities. 2025-Section-13A-Information-request_3.pdf

The Forms that have been circulated should be submitted to hbsipension@prevue.co.za

Council Staff: Appointment of Legal and Compliance Manager

The Council is pleased to welcome Mr Johan Steyn as the Legal and Compliance Manager for the Council. Johan has a wealth of experience in the Labour Relations field and our industry. Please join us in offering a warm welcome to Johan!

If you have questions or need further information, kindly contact the Council per email or landline below:

Email: info@hcsbc.co.za

Tel: 0861 427 227

Please consult the Council’s WEBSITE for the contact details of Agents in your area.

For more information, contact: www.hcsbc.co.za

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