The BC Agreement for Restaurants in 2024, issued by the Bargaining Council for Restaurants, Catering, and Allied Trades (BCRCAT) in Johannesburg, was released on April 26, 2024. This development aims to modernise and improve labour relations within the hospitality industry, addressing long-standing challenges and laying the foundation for better working conditions and streamlined business operations.
The BC Agreement for Restaurants in 2024 introduces key adjustments to cleaning and transport allowances, minimum working hours, the bargaining council levy, and night shift compensation. It also outlines significant increases in minimum wage rates across various job categories. These reforms are intended to foster a fairer and more productive workplace that reflects the evolving needs of both employers and employees in this demanding sector.
Some key changes restaurant owners can expect to implement starting on 1 June 2024:
- Cleaning allowance
This amount will increase from the current amount of R100.00 per month / R23.08 per week to the amount of R110.00 per month/ R25.39 per week.
- Hours of work
The minimum number of hours permanent employees are required to work will increase from the current 130 to 135 per month. The maximum number of hours, 195 per month, will remain the same, with overtime still capped at 40 hours per month.
- Transport allowance
The current “night hours” for transport will change from 22h30 to 21h30. The transport allowance will also increase from R200.00 per month/ R 46.16 per week to R230.00 per month until May 31st, 2026, and then R240.00 per month thereafter.
- Bargaining Council levy
The levies required to be paid by both the employer and every employee are R10.00 (employer), R6.00 (employee) for Council Expenses, and R4.00 for Council Admin Expenses.
This will increase to R11.00, R6.50 for Council Expenses, and R4.50 for Council Admin Expenses until May 2026 and then to R12.00, R7.00, and R5.00, respectively, from June 2026.
- Night shift allowance
Employers are currently expected to compensate staff who work from 18h00 to 06h00 with 0.88c per hour, which has now increased to R1.00 per hour.
- Minimum wage
The following increases will be implemented from 1 June 2024:
| Category / Class | Current Rate – 31/05/2024 | 01/06/2024 – 31/05/2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Chef Manager | R47.07 | R50.36 |
| Assistant Manager | R33.03 | R35.34 |
| Bartender | R29.35 | R31.40 |
| Cashier | R29.35 | R31.40 |
| Clerk | R29.35 | R31.40 |
| Security Guard | R29.35 | R31.40 |
| Supervisor | R29.35 | R31.40 |
| Assistant Bartender | R27.58 | R28.76 |
| Assistant Cashier | R27.58 | R28.76 |
| Head Cook | R27.58 | R28.76 |
| Head Waiter | R27.58 | R28.76 |
| Head Wine Steward | R27.58 | R28.76 |
| Management Trainee | R27.58 | R28.76 |
| Receptionist | R27.58 | R28.76 |
| Kitchen Supervisor | R27.58 | R28.76 |
| Counter Assistant | R27.58 | R28.76 |
| Part-time Driver | R27.58 | R28.76 |
| Waiter / Wine Steward | R27.58 | R28.76 |
| Employee not elsewhere specified | R27.58 | R28.76 |
| Motor vehicle driver(s) | R27.58 | R28.76 |
| (a) Extra Heavy | R27.58 | R28.76 |
| (b) Heavy | R27.58 | R28.76 |
| (c) Light | R27.58 | R28.76 |
| Baker / Cook | R27.58 | R28.76 |
| Catering Assistant | R27.58 | R28.76 |
| Delivery Employee | R27.58 | R28.76 |
| General Assistant | R27.58 | R28.76 |
| Watchman / Security Guard | R27.58 | R28.76 |
All further requirements not stipulated (ie: clauses pertaining to leave, etc) are to remain the same as they are aligned with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997.
The BC Agreement for Restaurants in 2024 requires employers to take proactive steps in planning and implementation to ensure full compliance with the updated wage structures, allowances, and working hour regulations. Failing to comply may expose businesses to legal and operational risks.
For expert assistance in navigating the new BC Agreement for Restaurants in 2024, contact Invictus Group. Our team is ready to help you stay compliant and protect your business.
