The University of Cape Town Employees Union (UCTEU) is a legally registered trade union and by far the largest employee representative body at the University of Cape Town (UCT).

Our Aims

The aims of the UCTEU are to:

  • protect the rights and interests of its members and to foster an environment of unity amongst employees of the University
  • bargain at all levels within the University on issues that are relevant to the working life of the union members
  • critically examine the role of the institutions of tertiary education in a changing society in an effort to promote the equitable and fullest utilization of the resources of these institutions and
  • promote the efficient functioning of the University as well as assist those who also wish to so do in accordance with:
    • our values
    • the values enshrined in the Bill of Rights of the South African Constitution
    • the principles of equity, non-discrimination and fair labour practices contained in labour legislation and
    • the legislation covering the governance of higher education institutions.

Our objectives

The objectives of the UCTEU are to:

  • foster a sense of unity among employees of the university
  • regulate relations between its members and the university
  • protect and promote the interests and rights of its members in relation to their employment relationships with the university
  • promote the interests and rights of its members
  • represent the interests and rights of any of its members in any grievance, discipline, conciliation, mediation, arbitration or legal process initiated for the settlement of any dispute that may exist between it, or any of its members, and UCT.
  • To promote, support or oppose as may be deemed expedient, any proposed legislative or other regulatory measures affecting the rights or interests of members.
  • To use every legitimate means to induce all persons who are eligible for membership to become members.
  • To provide, when deemed necessary by the Executive Committee, legal or other advisory assistance to its members where such is in connection with their employment relationship with UCT.
  • To co-operate with any other organisations of employers and/or employees on any Bargaining Council or similar body which may be established to deal with matters which may affect the employment rights and interests members.
  • To establish and administer funds for the benefit of its members.
  •  To represent the views, rights and interests of members at any meetings held with representatives of the governing or other management bodies of UCT whether such be for the purpose negotiation or consultation or for any other reason.
  • To do such lawful things as may appear to be in the interests of The Union or its members and which are not inconsistent with the objects or any matter specifically provided for in our Union constitution or in any of the labour laws of South Africa.
  • To govern and operate its affairs in accordance with the spirit and provisions of the Labour Relations Act.