UCT Strike Enters Second Week: Demands for Fair Work Conditions Persist

The University of Cape Town (UCT) faces persistent strike action as the UCT Employees Union (UCTEU), representing professional, administrative support, and service (Pass) staff, continues their push into the second week for improved working conditions, salary negotiations, and other key demands.

The union, which represents a significant portion of the university's workforce, issued a notice last week informing that all non-strike avenues toward resolution had been exhausted, leading close to 100 members to assemble at the university's Bremner Building since last Thursday. The Pass staff's demands are a 1.5% wage raise for 2023, a more substantial 7.5% increment for 2024, the timely release of performance rewards for June 2022 to May 2023, the establishment of a unified bargaining forum, and concrete steps to address workplace bullying issues.

Deputy president of the UCTEU, Tsebo Litabe, vocalized the union's frustration, indicating the university's reversal of a draft agreement extended to the union leadership the previous Sunday. Litabe emphasized the union's stance on the "no work, no pay" policy, classifying it as an item they were not willing to negotiate on and a point that must be rectified before any agreement is signed.

Despite the university's policies and the potential financial ramifications for not working, the strike remains within legal parameters, adhering to the set picketing guidelines. The strikers maintain their actions are legal and underscore their commitment to serve the UCT community, expressing that the university management must reciprocate in deed, not just in dialogue.

In response, UCT spokesperson Elijah Moholola stated that management had engaged the UCTEU executive leadership on Saturday, aiming to resolve the issues delineated in the February 8 memorandum of demands. While details of the discussions remain cloaked, Moholola relayed that progress is notable, suggesting that a resolution might be forthcoming.

Additionally, interim vice-chancellor Daya Reddy commented last week, signifying that the 2024 salary increase negotiations were approaching finalization. He conveyed an optimistic sentiment surrounding the potential agreement among the Pass unions, Detawu, Nehawu, and the UCT Employees Union. Reddy acknowledged the delays in finalizing the agreements but indicated a hopeful outlook by considering the university's financial constraints alongside the remuneration needs of the staff.

As the strike lingers, the university's daily operations face disruptions, and both sides appear entrenched, albeit hopeful of a constructive outcome. The ongoing strike at UCT highlights the broader issues within South African universities concerning the fair treatment, compensation, and conditions of employment for university staff. With talks set to continue, the entire UCT community eagerly anticipates a resolution that reconciles the needs of the striking workers with the operational sustainability of this premier educational institution.