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The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] in Limpopo has concluded a wage agreement with the University of Venda for the year 2022/2023. This comes after lengthy negotiations with the management collective and negotiating team of the University. 

Salary Increment  

Both Parties agreed on the following in terms of salary increases  

• Term of agreement – a  single term agreement
• Cost of Living Adjustment – a 5.3% across the board with effect from 1 April 2022 

The union welcomes this as a step in the right direction given the hardships that COVID-19 has inflicted on workers and the working class. 

Medical Aid

Both parties agreed that a new broker will be appointed and the employer should recognise children from co-habiting relationships subjected to the Department of Home Affairs and staff members will be allowed to cover their dependants in line with the rules of the medical scheme.

Implementation of Midpoint Agreement

Parties agreed that midpoint will be implemented in accordance with the signed agreement that stipulates April 2022 as a due date.

Outstanding Issues

Parties further agreed that the following items will be deferred for further engagements between parties; 

• Medical aid Scheme and service provider
• Group Life Policy
• Outstanding Policies (Recruitment and Selection Policy on internal posts )
• Performance Incentives/Awards
• Promotion and progression of academic staff
• Insurance Cover for Staff members

The university has agreed that a progress report on these issues must be concluded by council meeting in July 2022.  

Lastly, we welcome these developments and also commend the decision to put in abeyance the mandatory policy for vaccination against COVID-19. Whilst we advocate for people to be vaccinated, we remain opposed to mandatory vaccination.

Issued by NEHAWU Limpopo Secretariat Office