NUM says no to Eskom’s wage offer

Eskom’s wage offer has been roundly rejected by the National Union of Mineworkers.

Johannesburg - The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) on Wednesday said it had rejected “with disgust” a “lousy offer” by power utility Eskom of five percent.

In a statement, the NUM said: “This horrible increase will drive thousands of Eskom employees into poverty, taking into account the continued rise of Consumer Price Index.”

The NUM’s energy sector co-ordinator, Paris Mashego, said: “We are very shocked by the declaration by Eskom management that 42% of the estimated profit of R28.2 billion will be set aside as bonuses”.

Mashego added: “With this declaration, Eskom executives will receive 25%, managers will take home 16.7% while NUM members receive a mere 12%”.

The NUM said it was demanding an increase of 18% for the lowest paid workers and 15% for the highest paid workers.

“We call upon this hostile employer to compensate workers accordingly in terms of their contribution to the profitability of the company. While we accept bonuses, which is a once-off payment, we demand a salary increase which is a long-term earning and pensionable,” said Mashego.

The NUM demanded salary increases for workers that “address income differentials that will address the apartheid wage gap” that still exists 22 years after democracy.

“Eskom must improve the salaries of black females who are the lowest paid employees in the company,” said Mashego.

“We further demand that Eskom must negotiate in good faith by disclosing relevant information to foster sound industrial relations.”

ANA