Eskom, the state-owned power utility, says pay negotiations with trade unions will resume in June.
This comes after the power utility and three unions, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA), and Solidarity, failed to reach an agreement following three rounds of negotiations.
“As is customary, the negotiations take place over three three-day sessions.” However, this year, all parties decided to hold a fourth round of discussions on June 13 and 14, 2023, with the hope of achieving an agreement at the Central Bargaining Forum (CBF).
“Eskom is hopeful that it and the labor unions will find common ground for the benefit of the company and the country,” Eskom stated.
The electricity utility stated that negotiations had “progressed relatively well, with some significant movements made” since they began in April.
“NUM and NUMSA began negotiations with a request for a 15% salary increase, while Solidarity requested a 10.1% increase.” Eskom answered with a 3.75% offer, then raised it to 4.5%. The first and second rounds were held on April 19–21, 2023, and May 8–10, 2023, respectively.
“During this round of negotiations, which began on May 23, 2023, NUM and NUMSA lowered their demands to 11% and 12%, respectively, while Solidarity lowered its demand to 9.5%.” Eskom amended their offer on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, and made a final offer of 5.25%.
“All trade unions rejected Eskom’s final offer.” “However, all parties came to an agreement on amending the Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures,” Eskom stated.
Meanwhile, Eskom will execute Stage 6 load shedding on Tuesday morning from 4 p.m. to 5 a.m.Then, until 4 p.m., Stage 4 load shedding will be applied, with the process repeating until further notice.
The power provider had indicated that it would impose Stage 5 load shedding during the nights but that it would have to increase the stage owing to “delays in returning ten generating units to service.”
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