Three Unions and a Public Utility

There are three unions that represent Eskom Employees:

• Solidarity
• National Union of Metalworkers
• and National Union of Mineworkers (NUM)

Yesterday, despite the possibility that industrial action may be illegal, NUM spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka went public stating that they plan to strike from next week.

"I don't know what to say about that. What I can say is that the council has voted to take this decision and will cross that bridge when they come to that. On any other issue, whether it is legal matters, they will cross that bridge when they come to it."

The Union is protesting against what they deem to be an unacceptable wage and housing allowances offer. Having rejected Eskom’s latest offer of a 8.5% pay increase and a housing allowance subsidy of R1000, unions continue to push for a R2 000 housing allowance and a 9% pay increase.

Eskom human resources managing director Bhabhalazi Bulungu said that the public utility would continue to seek dialogue while trying to prevent a strike.

Bulungu also stated that if NUM were to strike, Eskom would be prepared. "We will take measures to ensure the security of the supply."  He had also earlier said that Eskom was planning meetings with the public utility's other unions, on Wednesday (Today) and would also try and get a meeting with NUM.

Seshoka reportedly dismissed this possibility.

"I don't see how they can at this point meet [on Wednesday]."

We wait in anticipation.

Ernest Roper | Webmaster