UKSU members who attended the Westville campus roadshow.Union Declares Wednesdays as UKSU Days
The University of KwaZulu-Natal Staff Union (UKSU) declared Wednesdays as days on which its members will honour the union – a decision taken at its past AGMs and was revived again on 3 May 2017, in its recent AGM held at Edgewood campus.
UKSU Chairperson Mr Raymond Parkies said, as part of the campaign to affirm and grow the union, campus roadshows are being held on Wednesdays at all UKZN campuses.
The campaign started on 14 June and will run until 26 July. Members will show their support for the union by wearing their red UKSU golf shirts. The first roadshow took place at Westville campus on Wednesday last week.
Parkies said the campaign was prompted by a number of recent achievements by the unions. These include an agreement reached by the unions and University management in respect of promoting equity in remuneration at UKZN.
Parkies said the recent decision taken by the new management to implement Performance Bonuses for all staff brought hope that things are turning around, for the best interest of staff and students. He said this has partly boosted the very low morale, as staff now feel the new management is prepared to listen to labour concerns.
‘The Vice-Chancellor, Dr Albert van Jaarsveld came in and listened to the staff unions, something we are grateful of, and hence we are proud of him. We understand what he wants to achieve in the Institution and we will support him going forward,’ said Parkies.
Commanding the support of 1421 members, UKSU is the largest union at the University.
Sports Science Lecturer, Ms Jeanne Grace said declaring Wednesdays as UKSU days is a good initiative to make people aware of the union. ‘I have not needed their services but it is always good to know you have someone to go to if you have problems.’
Grace added that UKSU kept its members abreast of any developments.
Ms Thembi Gumbi from the School of Life Sciences said the Union has assisted her when she needed its help and would therefore not choose any other union.
However, Mr Herbet Sibiya, also from the School of Life Sciences said he would like to see more social events involving all UKZN unions.
‘We love our members. We thank them for being loyal to UKSU, we are coming from far with them,’ said Parkies.
‘Defending and Advancing the interests of UKZN staff. Viva UKSU Viva!’
The dates, times and venues for the rest of the roadshow are as follows:
Campus: Howard College
Venue: in front of Howard College Building
Date: 21 June 2017
Campus: Medical School
Venue: outside KRITH Building
Date: 28 June 2017
Campus: Edgewood
Venue: outside Admin Building
Date: 5 July 2017
Campus: Pietermaritzburg
Venue: Main Library lawn
Date: 26 July 2017