NSFAS workers go on strike
A ‘no work no pay’ rule will be applied for the duration of the strike that will resume today.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) confirmed that a notice for strike, in terms of Section 64 (d) of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 as amended was received from the National Education Health & Allied Workers Union (Nehawu).
According to a statement, NSFAS has not been allocated any funds for bonuses for the 2018/2019 financial year, therefore the entity is not in any position to adhere to the demands of the union of ex gratia payment.
“We are disappointed that while we are trying to fix the entity under serious government challenges, the very same employees who need assistance seem not appreciate the intervention government has brought to bring stability,” reads the statement.
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Section 17 of the Constitution recognises the right to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket and to present petitions. Employees are urged to comply with the picketing rules in order to ensure that they are protected. We have taken precautionary measures to ensure the safety of all our employees, striking and non-striking during this time. All the required business continuity and contingency plans are in place to manage the impact of the potential industrial action.
The 2020 application cycle will not affected by the planned strike, all applications are submitted online via smart phone, computer, NYDA centres, local libraries, GCIS Thusong centres, and Department of Basic Education District Teacher Development Centres.
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