Thursday March 14, 2024

The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] has reached an agreement with Nelson Mandela University [NMU] after a protracted strike at the institution.         

The strike was as result of deadlock wage negotiations after the management of the institutions rejected the demands placed by our members. This led to the union declaring a dispute at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration [CCMA] and ultimately a strike certificate was issued.

The union considers the settlement agreement a victory for our members and workers in NMU. We were able to exert pressure on the management of the institution through our strike action and hence they acceded to our demands of improving the working conditions of our members and workers.

Parties have agreed that the wage increase for 2023/24 shall be 7,45% to be implemented by the employer applicable to employees on PL 12 – 16, backdated to 1 March 2023.

Furthermore, parties agreed to jointly conduct a benchmarking exercise on the Housing Allowance and Medical Aid benefits in public universities. The outcome of the benchmarking exercise shall be part of the 2024/25 wage negotiations.

Equally, parties agreed that the no work no pay for the 13 days of the strike will be deducted against the employees cumulative leave credits. Where an employee does not have adequate accumulative leave days, a maximum of 3 days a month shall be deducted from the employees’ salary in order to offset the balance. Lastly, parties agreed that there will be no victimization of the employees for exercising their rights to participate in the strike.

As NEHAWU, we salute all our members and workers at Nelson Mandela 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. We will continue to wage a relentless struggle to protect the interest of workers and defend collective bargaining at all material times.

END

Issued by NEHAWU Secretariat

Zola Saphetha (General Secretary) at 082 558 5968; December Mavuso (Deputy General Secretary) at 082 558 5969; Lwazi Nkolonzi (NEHAWU National Spokesperson) at 081 558 2335 or email: lwazin@nehawu.org.za

Visit NEHAWU website: www.nehawu.org.za