National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) has alleged that five of its shop-stewards have been unfairly dismissed by Unisa and this has resulted in the trade protesting against the university in this regard.
In a statement, Cosatu shared:
The Cosatu Gauteng provincial office fully supports the ongoing strike at Unisa after five shop stewards were unfairly dismissed.
Cosatu also mentioned that they will escalate the matter by holding demonstrations outside the Department of Higher Education and Training as well as all TVET colleges and universities in Tshwane, should the university refuse to participate in constructive engagements.
In 2021, Nehawu had made claims that the university had increased the salaries of its academic staff members and Nehawu had revolted against this.
This was not the first time that there has been an incident of this nature between the trade union and the university, as over the years there has been a back-and-forth between the two parties.
Local businesspersons and residents have shared that they are tired of the inconvenience caused by the infighting between the university and the trade union.
Recently, Unisa obtained a Labour Court order against Nehawu and according to the Court Order, the two parties will be back in court on 1 September 2022.
Judge Moshoana recently issued a rule nisi with a return date of 1 September for Nehawu, its members, and Unisa leaders to show cause why the order should not be made final.