The entrance of Rhodes University’s administration building was blocked by dissatisfied National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) members on Friday, as they marched to express their grievances about salary issues for support staff members.
The entrance of Rhodes University’s administration building was blocked by dissatisfied National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) members on Friday, as they marched to express their grievances about salary issues for support staff members.
The large crowd of protesters kept growing as they held up banners and placards expressing words such as, "down with restructuring" and "stop racism at Rhodes." In support of the march, academic staff members also expressed solidarity by wearing their academic regalia.
Staff members were also requested to bring photocopies of their salary proposal letters, which they received from the department of Human Resources.Rhodes University’s vice-chancellor, Dr Saleem Badat accepted a memorandum on behalf of the university.
The memorandum was handed over to Badat by Nehawu’s regional representative, Sandile Mandla. According to the memorandum, Nehawu is concerned about the manner in which its members are treated in the institution.
Among other grievances, the memorandum states that the remuneration process should be finalised and adjustments sped up as soon as possible.
While Rhodes students are preparing for exams, the union says if the workers’ frustration are prolonged it may cause disturbances within the institution. In a grievance about discrimination, it states that, "the institution must stop discrimination with regard to long service leave".
This refers to people being graded according to a leave system which is outdated. They also argue that there is a lack of transformation in terms of black people not being placed in senior positions.
In addition to the union’s dissatisfaction, a demand for Sarah Fischer, the Director of Human Resources, to step down was also submitted.
"We feel that the Director of Human Resources has embarrassed the workers in general and has no respect to Nehawu members.
A detailled breakdown of demands was presented to Badat. The union expects all these demands to be met within five working days as from Friday.
