BusinessLive reports that University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) vice-chancellor Adam Habib on Wednesday urged labour unions to exercise restraint in their wage demands.  

Saying the institution had a responsibility to ensure that salary increases did not compromise the university’s financial stability, he called on all role players “to start looking at the bigger picture” and compromise.  Wits’ offer of a 6.8% increase was the second-highest offer in the higher education sector, and was 1.8% points above inflation, he noted.  Four unions, namely Asawu‚ Nehawu, ALTSA and Numsa, have threatened to strike over salary increases, the university’s new performance management system and medical aid benefits.  They are seeking an 8% increase, and an additional 1% to cover increased medical scheme premiums.  The unions on Wednesday agreed to enter into talks with management facilitated by the CCMA, a development which means that a threatened strike from Monday is now on hold.

• Read this report by Tamar Kahn in full at BusinessLive

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