Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has come up with contingency plans to try and minimise disruptions to the exams scheduled for Monday amid ongoing labour protests.
Workers affiliated to Nehawu and the Academic and Professional Staff Association (APSA) downed tools this week demanding a 7% salary increase across the board.
Wage negotiations between labour unions and management deadlocked when the employer put a 5% offer on the table.
SMU Spokesperson Dr Lusani Netchitomboni said the university, as we speak, is putting in place measures to make sure that exams are not interfered with.
“What is also helpful for us is some of the activities, especially lectures that have been taking place online. So whether we have the strike or not some of the activities were able to continue.
“In the event that some things are completely affected, obviously, the contingency plans will have to kick in to make sure that there is a catch-up or alternative arrangements. But I must also say the university is still committed to making sure we are able to get to normal,” he added.
APSA General Secretary Boitumelo Senokoane has threatened to intensify the protest saying they are demanding a 7% salary increase across the board. Secondly, a R3 000 sweetener once-off for all the workers.
“Thirdly we are demanding 5-day leave in cash as part of the conditions. The employer on day one has refused to budge. In fact, the employer is arrogant. The employer has portrayed unwillingness to negotiate or to adjust whatever is put by both unions on the table.
“We are adamant that we will get this right. We are adamant that we will not go back to work irrespective of threats that are given by the employer to our members. We will intensify the strike,” said Senokoane.
Nehawu branch secretary, Abongile Bele said management is not negotiating in good faith and decried the high cost of living.
“We are currently negotiating with management that is not willing to negotiate with us. We are negotiating with comrades that don’t want to come to the table. We are negotiating with people who are constantly telling us that the institution is not making profit.
“We ask them a question, where is it stipulated that the university should make profits because university is not a profit-making organisation. But the university is an organisation to provide education to our children.
“The children don’t go to school now because of this management. We can’t afford the price of bread. The price of bread is now at R20 which was R14 last year. The price of petrol has increased so we can’t even afford to come to work,” he added.
