UCT defends 3.5% wage increase offer

The University of Cape Town (UCT) management says a leading salary survey service and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) were used to determine a 3.5 % wage increase for university staff.

About 150 UCT staffers have downed tools in a protest at the university, demanding a 7% salary hike.

The university's professional, administrative, and support service staff are locked in negotiations with university executives on Friday to resolve the matter.

Various unions representing the UCT staff initiated protests at the institution's upper campus on Thursday and Friday to refuse the university's offer of a 3.5% pay bump.

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The protesters marched from the institution's upper campus to the Bremner building on Friday morning for a meeting with university executives.

UCT spokesperson Elijah Moholola said the executive is committed to engaging with the unions to reach a resolution.    

"The executive has put in place contingency plans to minimise the possible impact of the picketing action on university operations."

Meanwhile, staff said they will continue with the protest until the wage dispute is resolved.