CUT management is pleased to announce the conclusion of a salary settlement and significant progress made at the negotiation table with NTEU and NEHAWU. In a joint agreement between the unions and management, the remuneration of all employees will increase by six percent across the board for the period 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2014.  

Additional one percent of the annual salary budget will also be allocated to performance-linked salary increase.  The conclusion of this agreement demonstrates once again CUT is an intellectually stimulating institution that is stable. The University will pay each employee a once off bonus equivalent to 1% of the employee’s cost to company remuneration package. This payment will be made in advance as a Christmas bonus. Prof Henk de Jager, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic said: “Because of our favourable financial position this year, management was eager and willing to conclude these negotiations.  We are also committed to principles of remuneration packages that are comparable and affordable to mitigate against the effects of inflation.  The negotiation with unions is informed by the principles of fair remuneration of all staff members across professional lines and employment levels.” Mr China Kokoana, Chairperson of NEHAWU at CUT said: “We welcome the outcome of this settlement. It is a victory for our workers.  As workers, we are ready to have our performance evaluated in meaningful way that offers us feedback and support to improve our lives for the benefit of the university and our students.” “In the light of increased prices of food, electricity, the current salary adjustment is acceptable to our members,’ said Dr Rassie Smit who is the Chairperson of NTEU at CUT.  

He further emphasised that NTEU is satisfied that if affordability for the institution and the CPIX is taken into account, the employees received a fair compensation on their salary packages with the chance of even a slight increase effected through performance management.  NTEU would, however, have appreciated a somewhat larger reward for performance.  The awarded bonus is also welcomed by all our members. “It is also pleasing to announce that CUT is currently investing 59 percent of its salary bill on academic staff, which once again, demonstrates our commitment to teaching, learning and research as our core business. These are significant developments that make CUT a university of choice to work for,” concluded Prof de Jager. CUT is also engaged in good-faith bargaining with unions investigate anomalies in staff remuneration. This is also seen as major breakthrough to address the current salary disparities within the university.   

Professor Henk de Jager, Dr Rassie Smit, and Mr China Kokoana supported by the HR team as they sign the agreement.