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BL Premium reports that the first round of wage talks between Eskom and its recognised trade unions got under way at the central bargaining forum on Wednesday, with talks expected to continue until Friday.
The cash-strapped power utility tabled a wage increase offer of 3.75%. The two-largest unions at Eskom, namely the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) are demanding a 15% wage increase, while Solidarity is demanding an increase of 3% above the average inflation rate. Numsa is demanding a two-year wage deal, while NUM and Solidarity want a single-term agreement. Numsa’s other demands include a housing allowance of R1,175; 80% employer contribution to the medical scheme; six months’ fully-paid maternity leave; and 14 days paternity leave. It is also against the closure of coal-fired power stations. Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola indicated: “The only demand which Eskom responded to was to inform us that they want a one-year agreement, and they are only offering [a] 3.75% increase.” She lashed out at Eskom management for being ill-prepared for the talks. Hlubi-Majola also trained her guns on lies peddled by “right-wingers in the media” that Eskom workers “earn generous packages”. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena said: “Given our financial and operational position, we are of the view that our offer is reasonable. The trade unions' demands are, in our view, not reflective of our financial and operational position.”
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page