BARGAINING COUNCIL FOR THE BUILDING INDUSTRY

Bloemfontein

Why BCBI?

The Bargaining Council for the Building Industry is a Sector and Area-Specific Bargaining Council that was established through an Act of Parliament. Its primary purpose is to promote and facilitate Collective Bargaining within the Building Industry.

The BCBI aims to create a platform for negotiations between employers and employees in the industry, with the goal of reaching agreements on various employment-related matters such as wages, working conditions and benefits. By providing a framework for Collective Bargaining, the BCBI play a crucial role in maintaining harmonious labour relations within the building industry.

  • Joining a bargaining council can offer several benefits. Firstly, it provides a platform for collective bargaining between employers and employees, allowing for the negotiation of fair wages, working conditions, and other employment-related matters. This can help ensure that the interests of both parties are taken into account and lead to more harmonious labour relations.
  • Secondly, being a member of a Bargaining Council can provide access to valuable resources and support services. These may include legal advice, dispute resolution mechanisms, training programs, and industry-specific information. Such resources can assist in navigating complex labour laws and regulations, promoting compliance, and enhancing overall productivity.
  • Additionally, joining a Bargaining Council can contribute to the development and implementation of industry-wide standards and policies. This can help create a level playing field among employers and promote fair competition. It also allows for the collective representation of the industry's interests, enabling a stronger voice in discussions with government bodies and other stakeholders.
  • Lastly, being part of a Bargaining Council can foster networking opportunities and collaboration within the industry. This can lead to knowledge sharing, best practice exchange, and the establishment of professional relationships. By working together, members can address common challenges, drive innovation, and contribute to the growth and sustainability of the industry as a whole.
  • It is important to note that the specific advantages of joining a bargaining council may vary depending on the industry, region, and individual circumstances. It is advisable to research and consider the potential benefits and obligations before making a decision to join.

Employer Registration

When must employers be registered?

Every employer in the industry who falls within the registered scope of the Council must register with the Council.

Why should employers register?

When employers register with the BCBI (Bargaining Council for the Building Industry), they agree to adhere to standard rates of pay and employee benefits as outlined in the Collective Agreement. This ensures a level playing field among employers within the jurisdiction of the bargaining council. By subscribing to these standard rates and benefits, employers can compete fairly across the industry, as they are all operating under similar guidelines. This helps to prevent unfair competition based on lower wages or inadequate employee benefits, promoting a more equitable and balanced business environment.

How do employers register?

Complete the form and submit it to our office with the required supporting documentation.

Employee Registration

Who must register employees?

Employers are responsible for the registration of their employees.

Why should employees be registered?

When registered with the BCBI, employees receive the benefits that are due to them, in accordance with the Collective Agreement.

When must employees be registered?

Employers must ensure that their employees are registered with the Bargaining Council when employees are permanently employed.

How can employees be registered?

Employers must register their employees by completing all necessary registration forms and ensure that all required information is provided.

If you are an employer and have not yet registered on our members login platform, contact us via email at enquiries@bcbi.co.za, or visit our office.

Frequently Asked Questions

A number of frequently asked questions has been compiled below. We are here to assist you with any other specific questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us so we can provide you with accurate and helpful advice or answers.

The spirit of the Bargaining Council for the Building Industry’s Collective Agreement is to establish and define the employment relationship within the building industry. This agreement aims to addrerss the specific needs and characteristics of the industry, including the establishement of employee benefit funds. By doing this, the BCBI ensures that employers within the industry compete on a level playing field in terms of labour costs.

Additionally, the Collective Agreement serves as a mechanism for dispute prevention and resolution for all parties involved. It provides a framework for addressing any conflicts or disagreements that may arise between employers and employees, helping to maintain harmonious labour relations within the industry. The BCBI’s goal is to promote fiarness, stability and co-operation in the Building Industry through the provisions outlined in the Collective Agreement.

Please contact our offices and request an application form. All necessary information will be sent via email. Once the registration form has been completed and the necessary documentation has been submitted, a Registration Certificate will be processed for the Employers record keeping.

Contributions need to be submitted and paid on a monthly basis. To avoid interest on late payments, it is important for the contributions and appropriate payment reach the Council no later than the 7th day of the month following the month for which the benefits are due. This ensures timely processing and avoiding any potential penalties.

The Holiday Fund forms part of the daily contribution which is paid by the Employer to the Bargaining Council throughout the year. This is in addition to leave pay for the annual Builders Holiday in December each year.

The Council announces these dates by no later than 30 September 2023, and the Bargaining Council for the Building Industry will pay out the employees their Holiday Fund & Bonus the start of the Annual Builders Holiday.

  • A lump sum when you retire
  • A death benefit if you pass away before normal attaining retirement age
  • A withdrawal benefit if you leave the Building Industry before the normal attaining retirement age
  • Funeral Benefit
  • Disability Benefit
  • Normal retirement age 65
  • Early retirement any age after 55. The earlier you retire the smaller your retirement benefit becomes
  • Late Retirement you can work longer than the age of 65 if you have an agreement with your employer

When you pass away your dependants will receive an insured cash lump sum equal to 2 (two) times your annual pensionable salary, together with your accumulated fund value.

  • If you become totally and permanently disabled before the age of 65, you will receive a monthly pension equal to 40% of your monthly pensionable salary
  • This pension is paid for as long as you are regarded as being disabled by the insurance company concerned

Take a cash refund of your share of the fund.

Member R 10 000
Spouse R 10 000
Child (14 - 21 years) R 10 000
Child (0-14 years) - Including Stillborn R 5 000

To qualify you have to join the fund before the age of 65 years

  • Member is immediately covered after paying in 10 consecutive weeks’ contributions
  • Maximum age cover is 70 years
  • All cover ceases on the death of the Main Member or when the member reaches the age of 70 years or when payment has not been made timeously

Please visit the Bloemfontien Building Industry offices to lodge a funeral claim. The claimant of the funeral benefit will be provided with the necessary Hollard Forms which need to be completed. Taking into consideration that the necessary supporting documentation needs to accompany this funeral claim.

Parties to the Council

Contact Us

+27 (0) 51447 7441
101 A Zastion Street
Bloemfortein
9301