media releases - Media conference 25 February background

MEDIA RELEASE
EMBARGO 10:00 25 FEBRUARY 2009
BACKGROUND TO PROPOSED MASS ACTION

• Nehawu is currently the only recognized union member of the Unisa Bargaining Forum. The other party is the Council Negotiating Committee (CNC).
• Negotiations for the 2009 salary increases commenced in early November 2008. The process was interrupted by protest demonstration on Friday 21 November 2008. Negotiations recommenced on 1 December 2008 and Nehawu requested a report back meeting, which was held on 29 January 2009.
• Negotiations recommenced on 2 February 2009. The negotiations failed and Nehawu declared a dispute on 2 February 2009. It should be noted that the dispute was premature because the Council Negotiation Committee’s mandate had not been exhausted
• On 17 February 2009, the CNC mandate was again extended but once again Nehawu rejected the offer and declared a deadlock. At that same meeting Nehawu asked for a report back meeting with their constituents schedule for 20 February 2009.
• On 18 February 2009 Unisa made available in writing, their final salary offer to Nehawu. This was received and signed for on 19 February 2009. Nehawu advised management on the same day that the deadlock position remained unchanged. It should also be noted that this notification was given prior to Nehawu having reported back to their constituents on management’s offer.
• On 19 February Nehawu also served Unisa with a CCMA application in terms of the statutory dispute resolution procedure.
• The CCMA are to conciliate the dispute on 13 March
• It was agreed that in the meantime the UBF continue to negotiate/consult Human Resource related policies
• A special mass meeting was held with Nehawu members on Friday 20 February to provide feedback on 2009 salary negotiations
• Nehawu notified management that they would be embarking on lunch hour demonstrations and/or peaceful protest action commencing 23 February as a result of the salary negotiations reaching a deadlock
• Management informed Nehawu that they are not prepared to grant Nehawu permission to demonstrate and/or peacefully protest on any campuses or property of the University during lunch times as the matter is now being appropriately dealt with at the CCMA
• In the meantime it has also come to the attention of Management that students intend joining Nehawu’s protest action.