adminThe union has since deferred the matter to a mediation process with the hope a resolution would be reached.
Numsa national sector co-ordinator for basic metals and energy Stephen Nhlapo, accused Eskom of negotiating in bad faith.
“The rejection of our collective bargaining demand is an underhand tactic and punishment to the union for waging a successful campaign opposing Eskom’s ridiculous application for increased electricity tariffs increase to Nersa early this year.
“Now our members are being forced to agree on a meagre increase. This 5,6 percent offer by Eskom is a spit in the face of workers by the filthy rich Eskom executives.
“This is a serious provocation and a declaration of war by Eskom’s spoilt boys club. We will take the war directly to Eskom’s doorsteps, since our members are agitated and anxious to use their mobilisation power to hold the utility’s ‘power’ until their demands are met,” he said.
The first phase of wage negotiations began at the end of May. The second phase was held mid-June.
Numsa, which represents more than 300 000 workers, is negotiating for an increase in salaries, housing allowances and a ban of labour brokers among others.
“We want to caution Eskom, if he (Eskom (sic)) thinks that they will hamstring us on the Minimum Services Agreement by using the courts to muzzle our members not to strike, Eskom will be fooling itself and behaving in a myopic manner, we will jealously defend our hard-won right to strike,” said Nhlapo. – CAJ News.
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