University workers strike continues
"We call upon our members to remain unshaken and to continue with the strike until all our demands are met."
IT is almost a week since workers, affiliated to the National Health Education and Allied Workers (Nehawu), National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) and Tertiary Education National Union of SA (Tenusa) went on strike. Registration at Unisa and Durban University of Technology has been brought to an almost stand-still. Hundreds of prospective students, at the Unisa Durban campus blockaded Stalwart Simelane Street outside the city campus‚ using rocks on Wednesday in frustration.
Since then, Unisa has agreed to extend registrations to Tuesday 30 January, to allow the university to process all applications before registrations close. The university says it is also encouraging students to continue to apply and register online, while negotiations are still on-going
“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 as the employer. 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,” Unisa spokesperson Martin Ramotshela said.
At the Durban University of Technology, the management and Union leaders met over the course of the last week in an attempt to find a solution that will end the strike. On Monday, DUT Management met with the three labour unions, where two options were offered by the Management team.The first option: A revised offer of 5,5% increase on basic salary and a R200 housing allowance increase, with no once-off bonus (14th cheque). The second option: 5,75% increase on basic salary and a 5,75% housing allowance increase, with no once of bonus (14th cheque).
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Nehawu says it remains remains unshaken on its demand of a 10% increase across board, an increase of R400 on housing allowance and once off R9000 bonus.
“The union calls upon all its members to remain unshaken and to continue with the strike until all its demands are met. We also call on the University to stop with militarization of the university,” said the Union.
According to DUT spokesperson, Noxolo Memela no agreement was reached between parties and despite the deadlock, the institution remains committed to engaging with labour representatives, in order to reach an amicable solution to the staff strike.
“The offer made was close to the original position. However, DUT Management also offered a without prejudice offer of 6% on basic salary and 6% on the housing allowance valid for the course of the meeting. DUT financial reserves can not be used for salaries but can be used for purposes of capital expenditure, infrastructure and other financial emergencies.”
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