Transcript APSA (UNISA) – trade union

Who has not worked before?
 Who has worked at another university
before?
 Have you ever been unemployed?
 Academic/non-academic split.
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The Academic and Professional Staff Association of the University of
South Africa is a registered trade union.
We have been active on the campus of UNISA from our inception in
1991 (when the Teaching Staff Association became a union).
When the current Labour Relations Act became effective in
November 1995, we gained registration and recognition.
APSA operates as an independent, a-political and autonomous
union on campus. Which means, in summary, that we take our own
decisions.
We accept and loudly proclaim that a university is not simply like
any other workplace, as universities are academic institutions.
Thus, our natural focus has always been and will remain, to promote,
build and develop the interests of academia.
Academic interests are not only a unique and different perspective,
but at a university/ educational institution, an absolute necessity.
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All UNISA employees can join APSA!
Traditionally, APSA members have been from the
academic sector.
Now, APSA welcomes all employees as members.
The APSA management team are committed to
serve all members equally.
Membership fee is R85 per month.
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Joining a union is like taking out an insurance policy; it is only
when you are in “need” that you realize your investment.
The logic behind being a union member is that as individuals
we have very little protection against the employer; however,
in numbers, we have strength.
Does this mean I have to follow whatever the union says? You
will be bound by agreements affecting your conditions of
employment negotiated by the union (these would be
binding to you, even if you were not a member of the union).
Perhaps the greatest advantage of being a union member is
that whenever confronted with adversity in the work
environment, you will not be all on your own, but have access
to representation and professional assistance.
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The rule of law.
To maintain and develop an efficient administrative
infrastructure in providing a legitimate service to members.
To establish and maintain a relationship with UNISA
management based on respect and trust. APSA will appose all
attempts at co-option.
Establishing and maintaining APSA on the campus by
representing all employees from the perspective that UNISA is a
university for all its employees and students.
Establish and maintain a cordial, non-belligerent and noncompetitive relationship with other labour groups, based on
mutual respect and informed cooperation.
Representing the interest of all employees in the UBF.
Be of service to the University and Higher Education community,
both locally and nationally.
Collectively
To be represented in the UBF
for salary and other
substantive negotiations,
conditions of employment,
negotiations, etc.
 Provided with correct
information.
 Include your interests in
consultation processes.
 Provide channels for
participating in educational
debates (institutionally and
nationally).
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Individually
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a)
b)
c)
Assist you with all aspects of
employment matters,
including conditions of
employment.
Grievances and Disciplinaries.
To advise you of your rights:
You have rights = no apology
required.
Where from: Constitution, LRA;
BCEA; PAI (2 of 2000); PAJ (3
of 2000).
1. Safe and secure working
environment.
2. Dignity (as important as the
right to life).
3. If an APSA member: RPA
and collective agreements.
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APSA does not encourage a culture of complaints.
You must act professionally; courteously;
respectfully to all co-workers.
You must empower yourself! How: get correct
information, think before you act, be disciplined,
be principled, speak for yourself, protest injustice
and unfairness, and KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!
Participate in the events of the institution.
Commit to UNISA as a national educational
resource.