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Deadlock in NSFAS salary negotiations resolved

Wed, 13 May 2009 10:26

The deadlock in negotiations relating to salary increases for staff of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has been resolved with agreement being reached on a 9,5% increase.

Stalemate occurred when members of NEHAWU demanded a 13% increase, while management’s offer was 9%.

At a later stage, the Union reduced its demand to 11% - when management did not agree to such an increase, the Union declared a strike.

41% of the staff complement went out on strike for 2 days only (20 and 21 April).

"The fact that a limited number of staff downed tools and that the action lasted for a very brief period means that our operations were not adversely affected," says Bonny Feldman, spokesperson for NSFAS.

"In addition, the striking workers came from a number of different departments in the organisation, and so the impact on our core operational area was insignificant," she said.

In the final agreement reached late yesterday, the Union accepted a 9,5% increase.

"The NSFAS Board and management are pleased that the dispute has been ended in an amicable fashion," Feldman concluded.

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