Wits University workers are expected to go on strike on Tuesday following a wage dispute with management.
The National Health Education & Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) is demanding an 8% wage increase while the university is offering 6%.
Union spokesperson Khaya Xaba says workers have been holding lunch hour pickets for the past two weeks in an attempt to persuade management to come back to the bargaining table.
Wits University says contingency measures have been put in place to minimise the impact of the strike.
Nehawu represents almost 1 000 of the more than 5000 workers at the institution.
Wits spokesperson Shirona Patel says management is still willing to negotiate with the trade union.
“We’ve arranged for an independent facilitator to come in to hold a session with all the unions and the university to see if we can find a way forward or common ground. However, Nehawu has still decided that they want to embark on the strike. For this week, we’re doing mostly online registrations, so the registration process won’t be affected too much. We will have contingency plans in place to ensure university processes continue.”
