Trade unions have declared a dispute with the company in respect of wage increases, a housing subsidy and various other aspects of the wage negotiations.

During the last round of wage negotiations which were continued last week, Eskom still only offered a wage increase of 8%. Solidarity is demanding a wage increase of 12% and NUM and Numsa are currently demanding a 14% increase. In addition, no agreement has been reached regarding trade unions’ demand for a R5 000 housing subsidy for all employees.

“Wage negotiations at Eskom kicked off in April this year and the promises as to wage increases above inflation have come to nought so far. In the meantime it appears that the millions that will be collected through Eskom’s tariff increase will not be used for personnel costs as the company requested in its application to Nersa, among other things,” says Jaco Kleynhans, Solidarity spokesperson.