UP workers, management agree to return to negotiation table

The planned march by disgruntled University of Pretoria workers was abruptly called off yesterday after the workers and the police failed to reach an agreement on the picketing route.

The workers have been on strike for nearly a month now, demanding an improved wage.

They’ve expressed their concern that the university may use any small reason to fire them, following its decision to approach the courts for an interdict on their protected protest.

The workers are demanding a 7% increase and a 13th cheque, while the university has offered 4%.

And while the University of Pretoria says it can’t afford the 7% wage increase workers are hoping for, the employees say the institution is simply being stingy.

However, a ray of hope is on the horizon after workers and management agreed to return to the negotiating table on Saturday.

The picketing workers are expected to return to the university on Monday morning. Written by Naomi Kobbie