Nehawu members at the University of South Africa (Unisa) embarked on a pay strike on Tuesday, but the university said operations at all campuses were unaffected.
Union members went on strike after rejecting a five-percent salary increase tabled by the university.
The National Education, Health, and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu) said it was the majority union for Unisa employees at the moment.
"We have 3 500 members, including the regions. I think in total there are about 4 500 staff members at Unisa and 80% of [them] are unionised," said Nehawu spokesman Bushy Motedi.
Unisa spokesman Martin Ramotshela confirmed that Nehawu was the biggest union.
He said no disruptions had been reported.
"Although the union called a strike, it doesn't necessarily translate into all members not reporting for duty. For example, I am a member of Nehawu, but I was working," said Ramotshela.
Motedi said the union was hoping the matter could be resolved.
"The [wage] figures are up for negotiation, but we originally wanted 11.7%. In all cases we hope to resolve the impasse as soon as possible."
Ramotshela said: "As a university, we respect the bargaining processes and remind striking unions that Unisa's bargaining forum is always open for further talks."
Motedi said members of the Academic and Professional Staff Association also went on strike on Tuesday.
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