Rubbish and plastic were burnt at the entrance to UNISA’s Florida campus as staff protesting over salary increases blocked entrances this morning, Monday 27 January.
Protesters were in good spirits and passing motorists and pedestrians were not harassed or bullied. Traffic was largely unaffected but those attempting to access the campus were turned away. The majority of those inconvenienced gathered at a park a block across from the commotion.
National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) and the Academic Professional Staff Association (APSA) members made up the aggrieved parties. When pressed on the reasons for taking to the streets, one enthusiastic protester simply shouted, “For moolah!”. They then explained that their wage increase demands have not been met.
NEHAWU spokesperson, Khaya Xaba outlined the unions demands. “We are demanding a nine per cent increase across the board, but the employer is only offering six per cent. We are also calling for insourcing on a permanent basis,” he stated. Xaba also aired grievances about employees being mistreated by not being promoted academically, as well as having questions about the buildings on the campus not complying with building regulations.
UNISA has notified students to use online portals rather than come to the campus at this stage. “Students [are] urged to apply/ register online while [the] university [is] affected by staff strike. Closing date for S1 registration and minimum payment [has been] extended to 1 February,” stated an SMS sent out by UNISA on Monday morning.
