Eskom warns protests could lead to more load shedding
Eskom has warned it might have to intensify load shedding due to workers’ protests at some of its power stations.
Wage negotiations between Eskom and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) reached a deadlock earlier this week.
Numsa wants a 15% wage increase across the board, something which the power utility’s management said was not feasible.
Spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha said if the protests continue they would increase the risk of higher stages of load shedding.
The country is experiencing stage 2 load shedding, which is expected to last until Sunday.
"Eskom experienced protests at nine of its power stations and other operating facilities, by some of its employees who have embarked on unprotected strike action following a deadlock in wage negotiations on Tuesday.
"These protests included incidents of intimidation of working employees and blockading of roads leading to power stations and, inhibiting the free flow of personnel and commodities required for the generation of electricity and smooth operations.
"The increased unavailability of plants has necessitated an extensive usage of emergency generation reserves, which are depleting faster than can be replenished. Eskom has reported these acts of illegality to the police," said Mantshantsha.
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