Mr Dawie Tereblanche: NTEU: Deputy Chair Support Services, Prof. Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, and Mr Master Masoeu, NEHAWU: Chairperson

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) has signed a comprehensive agreement with the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) and the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU). The agreement includes salary increases ranging from 3.5% to 7.5% across 4-18 peromnes level effective from 1 January to 31 December 2024. 

The agreement reached through negotiations in the Joint Bargaining Forum (JBF) addresses various employee—and university-related issues, such as high inflation and the university's financial sustainability.

Prof Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, emphasised the importance of collectively achieving a fair salary increase considering rising costs of living for employees and the current economic conditions in the country and the sector. 

She highlighted the successful implementation of the 2024 salary increases and the correction of salary anomalies. Plans are in place for ongoing progress and engagement to address remuneration anomalies. The workload model has been adopted in principle, with Executive Management leading its implementation across all faculties.

One key point is to improve external funding and generate third-stream income through consulting and short course offerings by academics. This policy aims to utilise the expertise of academic staff and the demand for short, specialised courses to generate additional income for the university.

Both union Chairpersons, Mr Master Masoeu( Nehawu) and Ms Boipelo Mooketsi (NTEU) commended the management for reaching this agreement despite the economic challenges posed by the higher education landscape and the economy. 

While acknowledging that the negotiation process was not smooth, they described the deal as mutually beneficial. The university expressed gratitude to the negotiation team, organised labour, and all involved in the successful conclusion of the 2024 negotiations.