Recognises unions for all, including women and international staff
 

The University of Cape Town formally recognises multiple representative trade unions that collectively represent academic, administrative, technical, and service staff — including women and international employees — under the framework of South Africa’s Labour Relations Act (LRA, 1995).

UCT’s engagement with organised labour is structured through the Institutional Forum and the Bargaining Forum, where recognised unions participate in consultation and negotiation on employment conditions, transformation, and equity. Recognised unions at UCT include the UCT Employees Union (UCTEU), the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU), and the Employees Union for Academics (EU), each representing distinct staff groupings. All eligible employees, regardless of nationality or gender, are entitled to join any recognised union. UCT explicitly upholds this right as part of its Employment Equity Policy and Human Resources principles, ensuring fair representation and inclusion in all workplace decision-making.