Substantive salary agreements for 2025, December salaries and festive closure

Dear colleagues

The University of Cape Town (UCT) executive is pleased to confirm that agreements have been reached with all unions on the 2025 salary increases. UCT also confirms the early salaries payment date for December 2024, and reminds staff of the Council-approved university closure between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Agreement with unions on 2025 salary increases

Following separate salary engagements with the unions representing both the academic and the professional, administrative and support services (PASS) staff, agreements for 2025 have been reached.

The UCT executive and the unions agreed on a 4.4% salary increase for all staff. The agreements reflect the executive’s commitment to ensuring the financial well-being of staff members while considering broader economic factors and the university’s financial sustainability.

Crucially, these agreements have been reached ahead of the new year. This is essential, as it – among others – allows the institution to align appropriately with the budget planning processes and gives staff a sense of certainty.

The executive appreciates the cordial nature in which the unions approached the negotiations, which resulted in amicable agreements. The positive and constructive nature of the discussions highlights the joint commitment of the unions and the university executive to foster a collaborative relationship and conclude engagements of this nature as speedily and amicably as possible.

With regard to other non-salary items, further discussions between the executive and the unions will follow in the next few months. The UCT executive will continue approaching these discussions with a commitment to maintaining open communication and resolving any issues in a timely manner.

Salary payment date for December 2024

UCT staff salaries will be paid earlier this month, on Friday, 20 December 2024. This is part of the university’s practical measures, during the festive season, to ensure that staff have access to their salaries a few days in advance and are able to cover any expenses which typically arise in this period.

University’s festive season closure

Staff members are reminded that the university will close between Christmas and New Year’s Day following Council’s approval of a proposal tabled in October 2024. It is important to emphasise that this approval is applicable for 2024 only. Staff will not be required to utilise their annual leave during the period between 27 December and 31 December.

Please note that essential services staff will be required to work during the period between Christmas and New Year’s Day, and line managers will grant the time off at a later stage.

Sincerely
The UCT Executive

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements