Union staff disrupting life at Fort Hare face action

The University Fort Hare has warned that disciplinary action will be taken against striking Nehawu staff who block entrances on campuses, intimidate non-striking staff and set objects alight.

A letter seen by the Daily Dispatch addressed to Nehawu branch secretary Mzi Lingela from the interim deputy vice-chancellor, Lindelwa Majova-Songca, states that the university plans to apply a “lockout” policy towards disruptive Nehawu members to safeguard its property, operations and employees.

The staff downed tools on June 12.

Earlier this week, Lingela said that they had intensified the strike by ensuring all operations at the university were at a standstill.

This follows the failure of CCMA- mediated talks on Monday to unlock the deadlocked negotiations.

Lingela admitted that members have locked all gates at the university’s campuses and fires had been set at the Alice campus, saying this was to shield them from the cold.

Majova-Songca said if intimidation and victimisation of employees wanting to exercise their right to render their services were not discontinued with immediate effect, the university would have no other option but to exercise its right to discipline the perpetrators.

“Moreover, if Nehawu members continue burning and setting objects alight on campus or blocking the entrance, the university intends to apply a lockout of Nehawu members,” said Majova-Songca.

The union refused a new offer of 7%, up from 6%.

The union’s initial demand was 12% but it has come down a few percentage points over the employment grades.

It had also initially demanded a R500 increase on the monthly housing allowance and an across-the-board notch progression of 5%, but the employer said it could only afford a R100 increase in the housing allowance and no increase in notch progression.

Lingela said although they had rejected UFH’s new offer, they had shown flexibility and lowered their demands to:

• 10% for pay grades 9 to 17 (admin workers, secretaries, up to junior lecturers), which is two percent less than the original 12%;
• 8% for grade 5 to 8 staff (deputy directors, managers and senior lecturers), which is four percent less than originally demanded;
• A R150 increase in housing allowances, which is down from R500; and
• A 2% increase in notch progression, down from 5%. —arethal@dispatch.co.za