The National Education Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) recently reached a new collective bargaining agreement with the South African government. The agreement, which was signed in March 2021, covers a wide range of issues related to the working conditions and benefits of NEHAWU members.
One of the key aspects of the agreement is an increase in the minimum wage for NEHAWU members. The new minimum wage will be R8,500 per month, up from the previous amount of R7,500. This increase will go a long way in improving the living standards of NEHAWU members and their families.
The agreement also includes provisions for benefits such as medical aid, housing allowances, and pension contributions. NEHAWU members will now have access to a medical aid scheme that covers both themselves and their dependents. They will also receive a housing allowance that ranges from R1,200 to R3,000 per month, depending on their job classification. In addition, the government will contribute 15% of each member’s salary to a pension fund.
Another important aspect of the agreement is the provision for job security and career development. NEHAWU members will now have access to training and development programs that will help them improve their skills and advance in their careers. The agreement also includes provisions for job security, which will protect NEHAWU members from being unfairly dismissed or retrenched.
The new collective bargaining agreement is a positive development for NEHAWU members and the South African workforce as a whole. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving the working conditions and benefits of workers in the country. It also shows the importance of unions like NEHAWU in advocating for the rights and interests of their members.
In conclusion, the NEHAWU collective bargaining agreement is an important step forward for workers in South Africa. It provides for meaningful wage increases, improved benefits, job security, and career development opportunities. As such, it represents a significant victory for NEHAWU and the broader labor movement in the country.