Staff strike delays DUT’s academic year

THE Durban University of Technology (DUT) said its 2018 academic year would be delayed due to an unresolved staff strike.

“The university has taken a decision to delay the start of the 2018 academic year by a week. Lectures will now commence on Monday, 12 February, 2018,” DUT said.

It said no agreement had been reached following the resumption of salary negotiations between management and the labour unions on Wednesday.

At last week’s wage negotiations, the unions demanded a 10% increase on basic salary, R400 increase on the monthly housing allowance and a R9 000 once-off bonus (14th cheque).

DUT proposed two options – a 5.5% increase in basic salary, R200 increase in the monthly housing allowance and no once-off bonus (14th cheque), or a 5.75% increase in basic salary, 5.75% increase in the monthly housing allowance and no once-off bonus.

“Unfortunately, no agreement was reached and the unions walked out of the negotiations. The unions then wrote to the DUT council requesting their intervention.

“The exco of council met on January 24, 2018, revised the mandate on condition that further negotiations would be be managed by an independent mediator. The unions rejected this appeal from exco of council.”

During Wednesday’s negotiations, DUT management admitted they did not have an open mandate in the negotiation process and that both parties needed to engage in good faith.

“Management tabled a new offer of 6% increase in basic salary and a 6% increase in the monthly housing allowance with no once-off bonus (14th cheque). These bonuses are no longer once-off but have turned recurrent as they are demanded from year to year and without any performance management system being in place,” the university said.

DUT said further offers were put on the table but none accepted.

“DUT management would like to assure its stakeholders that they will continue to work towards ensuring that the functions and work of the university continue and that the safety and protection of students, staff and university property remain a priority.”

The university said the delayed start to the academic year will “give those students who have not registered as yet another week to either register on campus in Durban or in the Main Hall at the DUT Riverside campus in Pietermaritzburg. Students who need assistance regarding 2018 admissions can call, 031 373 5005 during office hours”.