Eskom sticks to final wage offer, says 15% ‘unaffordable’
Eskom has made a final wage offer of a 1.5% increase to unions representing workers at the power utility.
It concluded the second round of wage negotiations on Friday.
Solidarity, National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa), and National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) are demanding a 15% increase.
Eskom’s spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha says the proposed increase is unaffordable.
“Eskom reiterated its rejection of labour’s demands of 15% wage increase amongst others, together with benefits that will add to 26% to the current wage bill if accepted as they stand.
“Eskom is in no position to meet the demands of the labour unions and Eskom1.5% increase in the basic salary conditional upon the labour unions accepting Eskom proposed and restructuring some of the benefits enjoyed by its bargaining employees where access has been identified is the final offer.
“Eskom is in no position financially to meet any of the demands that have been presented, the talks adjourned as planned today.”
Another round of wage talks between the power utility and the unions will take place on 31 May and expected to run until 3 June.