Some UCT services affected by industrial action

Dear students and colleagues

The transport and catering services at the University of Cape Town (UCT) have been affected by the industrial action currently ongoing at the university.

On Monday cleaning services in residences were affected, and the Jammie Shuttle service has been suspended since around lunchtime on Tuesday after bus drivers joined the strike by other UCT staff members, which began earlier that day. Staff and students who use the Jammie Shuttle are urged to make alternative travel arrangements while the strike continues.

Today catering services in residences were affected. UCT has issued meal vouchers accordingly to cover breakfast, lunch and dinner at all catering residences. We are trying to ensure that essential services continue.

The four unions involved in the strike initially tabled two demands – the first for additional payments to residence cleaning staff who perform seasonal deep-cleaning functions, and the second for all recruitment processes to be halted immediately to allow the unions concerned to participate in these processes. An additional demand, calling for the removal of some managers, has since been tabled.

The UCT executive met with the unions today and remain committed to dealing with the issues that have been raised and finding amicable solutions. UCT recognises the employees’ right to embark on protected strike action that is lawful and peaceful.

Further updates will be provided as and when they become available via the UCT website, Facebook and Twitter.

Communication and Marketing Department

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements