The AU takes action against UCT

The Academics’ Union (AU), representing a majority of academic staff at the university, surveyed its members on their willingness to take action against the university of Cape Town and was supported by 87%of the AU members.

On 20 January 2023 the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) was expected to have issued a strike certificate.

A three-day strike should be expected and with a possibility of extension as soon as the strike certificate has been issued. This after a 3% wage increase was offered in November and the AU has trying to renegotiation with the management of the institution but to no avail.

 According to AU representative Kelley Moult, UCT is in a position to match the 6,9% increase offered by other tertiary institutions as one of the leading universities in the country.

 She added that the insult of the 3% pay offer is further compounded by the university having budgeted for an R183 million increase in student financial aid (a 106% increase from 2022). Matching the pay increases offered by other universities would cost an additional approximately R90 million.

Done by Sibulele Stuurman