Unions at Walter Sisulu University say they are ready to accept the 6.6% wage increase offer by the university but are not willing to support a catch-up programme for the students.
Both Nehawu and Nteu claim the university is negotiating in “bad faith”. The university wants to effect a no-work no-pay policy, but require the workers to become part of a catch-up programme.
The strike, in its 21st day today, has caught the attention of SA Federation of Trade Unions secretary-general Zwelinzima Vavi.
Vavi, who has been in the province since last week, criticised university management for lack of urgency.
“The fact that the VC [Professor Rob Midgley] could not postpone his overseas trip is a clear sign that he sees no urgency in the matter. There is a lot at stake here. Students have missed learning and their examination period has not started.”
Saftu said it would ask minister of higher education and training Naledi Pandor to intervene as the situation at the university was dragging on.
University staff downed tools on May 9 after the unions were granted a CCMA certificate to embark on a protected strike.
Unions at first demanded 8% but the university has maintained it cannot afford this.
Last week, WSU management and the unions met and a new deal was presented.
The university wants to put into effect a lenient version of a no-work no-pay policy, which will see workers losing only 20% of their pay on the days when they did not work.
The university could not be reached for comment at the time of going to print yesterday...