University staff strike continues

THE on-going protest action by Unisa workers, affiliated to the National Health Education and Allied Workers (Nehawu) has brought registration to an almost stand-still. Scores of prospective students were left stranded at the Durban campus as they were told that the system was down, earlier today. The University management says it will communicate soon regarding the days lost for applications and registrations.

According to Unisa spokesperson Martin Ramotshela ,while the negotiations are taking place, students are encouraged to continue to apply and register online. “We will continue with the wage negotiations, until an agreement is reached,” he said.

“They did serve us with notice of intention to embark on strike action after we deadlocked on salary increases for the 2018 financial year. We deadlocked at a percentage of 6,5% which we were offering. I can confirm that we did make a move on Wednesday where we increased the offer to 7% which they declined. The negotiations are ongoing and we are hoping that we will reach a settlement,” said Ramotshela.

At the Durban University of Technology, employees affiliated to three labour unions National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU), National Health Education & Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) and Tertiary Education National Union of SA (Tenusa) have entered their third day of protest action. The workers are demanding a salary increase of 10%.

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DUT spokesperson, Noxolo Memela says an urgent meeting has been called between the chairpersons of the three labour unions (NEHAWU, TENUSA and NTEU) and the Management of the Durban University of Technology to discuss the current impasse on staff salaries for 2018.

“Although registration has been slightly affected, students are being registered. DUT does not have an administrative system for free higher education, irrespective of the staff strike. In order for prospective and continuing students to study, they need to be cleared by NSFAS and provide evidence to that effect upon registration. Students without NSFAS funding approval are requested to pay the minimum amount required when registering. Should these students’ NSFAS funding status change, the University shall refund them,” she said.

Meanwhile, employees of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) affiliated to (Nehawu) are set to embark on a nationwide strike following two years of unsuccessful negotiations with the scheme.

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