Protesting varsity workers go back to work

THE National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) has finally reached an agreement with the University of Pretoria.

According to Nehawu, the agreement was signed on Monday, 11 March.

Tlou Matuba, chairman of Nehawu University of Pretoria branch, said the parties agreed that the employer will adjust employees' salaries by 5,1% effective from 1 January.

This means the workers will receive backpay, which will be paid with the salary run for March. 

"The parties further agreed on non-vesting once off allowance of R1 200. This will be paid with the March salary run. The parties agreed that the no work no pay policy will be deducted as follows: 60% will be deducted from vacation leave and the remaining 40% will be deducted from salaries over a period of three months effective from March," he said. 

He said the following issues will be deferred to the University of Pretoria Bargaining Forum (UPBF). "The extended family funeral cover will be finalised in the UPBF. The long service awards deliberations are deferred to the UPBF and further discussion on the 13th cheque will serve before the UPBF."

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Matuba said the parties agreed there will be no victimisation of employees for exercising their rights to participate in the strike.

"Following this agreement, Nehawu has ended the strike action. Workers are expected to return to work on Tuesday, 12 March. We salute all our members and workers at the university for waging a militant relentless struggle by keeping our strike and picket lines strong as they were struggling for a living wage and better working conditions," said Matuba.

University of Pretoria spokesman Rikus Delport said: "Following constructive engagements between university management and organised labour, an agreement has been reached between the university and joint labour representation comprising of Nehawu, UPWO and Solidarity." 

Delport said the agreement, reached through collaborative efforts, entails an across-the-board salary increase of 5,1% on basic salary and a once-off payment of R1 200 for the year.

"The university remains committed to financial sustainability amid prevailing economic challenges and constraints faced by the sector and the institution. It's imperative to continue to avoid further strain on already limited resources," he said.