The Cape Peninsula University of Technology says the salary hike demand of workers is unreasonable.

Members affiliated to four trade unions are preparing to embark on industrial action from Thursday.

This is after the negotiations between trade unions and management reached a deadlock.

The workers are demanding a 10% salary increase, while the institution is offering 5.7%.

CPUT has made three offers to the unions, and all have been rejected:

  • Option 1: 5.7% across-the-board salary increase with no Housing Allowance increase.
  • Option 2: 5.5% across-the-board salary increase plus R100 Housing Allowance increase.
  • Option 3: 5.3% across-the-board salary increase plus R200 Housing Allowance increase

Chief negotiator, Mphumzi Biyana says they’re ready to return to the negotiating table.

“With the information that has been shown to us, the university has a lot in its reserve. Why can’t they meet us halfway and come at least with 7%, and we can go back to negotiate with them”.

The CPUT executive says the members of the Campus Protection Service are prevented from participating in the strike.

Spokesperson Lauren Kansley said, “CPUT Management has placed three increase offers on the table, with Option 1 being a 5.7% increase across-the-board. We believe that this is fair based on the current economic climate and the future sustainability of the institution”.