THE National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) has reached an agreement with the Durban University of Technology (DUT) to bring the protracted strike of eight weeks to an end.
According to the Union, both parties agreed on a salary increase of 7 per cent across the board including a R200 housing allowance.
The issue of the once-off bonus will be referred to the CCMA for interpretation. The bonus has been paid to workers for the past eight years so any change is seen by NEHAWU as a change to the conditions of service.
“The issue of docking salaries by the university during the strike will be referred to the abour Court. The university has agreed that 13 days of the strike will be waived and that staff will get their full salaries on 20 March 2018. Moreover, the university also agreed to give staff members salary advances up to the amount of R12 000 payable over eight months to help them deal with the financial repercussions of the strike,” said a spokesman for NEHAWU.
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The spokesman said he applauded members for remaining resolute while the university elected to deploy what he called highhanded tactics including the use of teargas and rubber bullets by the M17 private security company employed by the university.
“Our members will return to work with enthusiasm and vigour and will work hard to resume the academic calendar programme of 2018 at DUT. In this regard, the union wishes to thank all members and workers in general of this institution for preserving unity amongst themselves, solidarity and showing commitment in pursuit of our call for a decent wage project,” he added.
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