Union hands over memo of grievances to Fort Hare bosses

The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) handed over a memorandum of grievances to the University of Fort Hare management at the Alice campus today.

Union branch chairman Xolani Tom said the union wanted insourcing of services such as cleaning, security, gardening and catering. He said the union also wanted 12% salary increase and a 5% notch increase between notches. He said employees should not be forced to take the pension fund that forces them to contribute 25% while demanding a R1 500 monthly housing allowance.

"We demand that the university opens up more medical aid options to choose from. The restraint… imposes unfair and unjust limitations to those members of our staff who might get better medical aid options that are financially viable," he said. NTEU also decried its difficulty to operate as a result of the management allegedly refusing to recognise the union despite an award from the commission for conciliation, mediation and arbitration for recognition. The union represents workers from across the university.