National Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) has reached an agreement with the University of Pretoria to end the protracted strike on Monday.
The bitter strike started on February 15 and was marred by incidents of police shooting, intimidation and the opening of criminal charges against members of the SAPS.
Although NEHAWU wasn’t granted all the demands that it aimed for, the union released a statement wherein it expressed satisfaction about the agreement it reached with university’s management.
“As Nehawu we salute all our members and workers at UP for waging a militant, relentless strike struggle but keeping our strike picket lines strong at a time they were struggling for a living wage and better working conditions,” read the statement.
According to the terms of the agreement, category 4 to 19 will get salary increases of 5,1% for the 2024 financial year backdated to 1 January 2024.
The agreement further states that a non-vesting once-off allowance of R1 200 will be paid together with the March 2024 salary.
No-work-no-pay rule will be implemented and 60,% of the deducted salaries will be taken from vacation leave while 40% of it will be deducted from three months salaries starting in March 2024.
The issue of extended family funeral cover, long service awards and 13th cheque will be discussed at the University of Pretoria Bargaining Forum.
Workers are expected to return to work on Tuesday 12 March 2024.
“The University of Pretoria is pleased to announce that the resolution of salary negotiations and labour strike has come to an end after constructive engagement between the unions and the university,” said Rikus Delport spokesperson of University of Pretoria.
“While celebrating this positive outcome the university remains committed to financial sustainability amidst prevailing economic challenges and constraints faced by the sector in general and the university in particular,” concluded Delport.