VIDEO: University of Pretoria denies ‘toxic’ working conditions claims
Benefits and working conditions are better than what is required by law and the respective sectors, says UP spokesperson.
The University of Pretoria (UP) has denied allegations about unfair working conditions made by striking staff members belonging to the Academic and Professional Staff Association of South Africa (APSA).
“Benefits and working conditions are in fact better than what is required by law and the respective sectors,” said UP spokesperson Rikus Delport.
He said that all working conditions and hours were in line with relevant legislation.
This comes as union members went on a two-day strike after handing over a memorandum of demands on Wednesday.
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The EFF’s UP branch office said contractors at the university had to endure “serious financial hardship”.
It said staff faced issues such as overtime, being underpaid, dismissals to replace them with outsourced contractors and no employee benefits.
“The narrative that UP security guards, cleaners, gardeners and food services staff are insourced remains a fallacy,” the EFF said.
“It has been a matter under dispute for the past six years – with no success.”
The EFF said its student command “would never abandon the struggle of workers”.
“Our parents, brothers and sisters need us. We cannot distance ourselves as if the enemy does not use the same oppression, suppression, and exclusionary processes on the students also.”
APSA national organiser Sam Khuti said they have had extensive discussions to ensure that UP “does right” by its workers.
“It has, however, become very clear that the university is engaging in bad faith and is still hell-bent on continuing with exploitation and oppression.
“We, note that we remain an important stakeholder in the running of the university. We do not deserve to be treated in such a barbaric manner. We have, therefore, decided to embark on an indefinite protest action until all our demands are met.”
Some of the union demands include:
– Salary increases of 10% with R3 000 once-off across the board
– A bonus in the form of a 13th cheque
– A childcare facility (crèche) for university workers’ children
– Housing and car allowances
– Payment of leave (including for study, maternity and paternity leave) backdated to 2019.
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According to Delport, a team under the direction of the university’s COO, Sandile Mthiyane, has been in contact with the striking workers.
The team has urged them to find solutions to the issues that they have raised “without putting the university’s long-term financial sustainability at risk”.
“We remain confident that the impasse can be resolved through constructive engagement,” said Delport.
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