A meeting of striking Nehawu members at Univen nearly ended violently when members of the university’s management barged in at the meeting unannounced and tried to address the workers.
Workers have argued that management had not followed the correct procedure when they came to their meeting.
A war of words erupted and ugly scenes developed after one member from management allegedly swore at marchers and the altercation nearly developed into a fist fight. Only the timely intervention of the newly appointed risk manager, Adv Ailwei Mushavhanamadi, the deputy vice-chancellor: operations, Dr Jannie Zaaiman, and the leadership of Nehawu saved what could have been an ugly situation in front of students.
The strike, which has been going on since last week, has crippled services at the university after workers downed tools and took to the streets, vowing not to go back to work until all their grievances had been met.
Topping the agenda of the strike is the alleged unilateral decisions taken by management on behalf of the workers without their involvement. Members allege employee benefits have been grossly violated and were not negotiated with workers.
The strike, which halted all major services on campus, even disturbed the academic programme as students were also forced out of classes as there was no electricity. The action by the workers started two weeks ago and is still continuing as workers claim that the management is dragging its feet in resolving their grievances.
On entering the campus, one can easily tell that all is not well. Confused first-entering students roamed the campus aimlessly, not knowing what was happening. Others could be seen indulging in alcohol at a nearby beer garden out of frustration.
Vehicles which were thought to be bringing essential services were stopped from entering the campus. After having visited all departments, marchers moved in numbers to the university stadium where they were addressed by the leadership.
While being addressed by the leadership, members from management arrived and tried in vain to address the workers.
An ugly scene nearly developed when members of Nehawu accused one of the management team of swearing and undermining them.
University spokesperson Mr Takalani Dzaga said the strike was illegal. He said everything the university had implemented was as a result of negotiations between the employer and worker representatives, who also included Nehawu.
He said he was surprised that the organization now claimed that their representative did not have the mandate from the workers.
He further said their doors would always be open and they were committed to resolving the impasse, so that the university could return to normal.
In a statement, Univen has condemned the action by the Nehawu workers.