NUM condemns Eskom ‘s intransigent behaviour

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) condemns electricity parastatal Eskom on its attempts to unilaterally implement a 5,6% increment and its decision to lodge a dispute at the CCMA. The NUM fully supports the demands placed by Eskom workers and appeals to Eskom to accede to them. "As a union, we are infuriated by Eskom ‘s behaviour particularly as it seeks to unilaterally implement by hook or crook a five year wage agreement" says Frans Baleni, the NUM General Secretary.

The NUM has noted the effect of Eskom ‘s decision on the morale of the workforce with workers embarking on unprotected strikes at Matla and other power stations. It is totally unacceptable for Eskom to declare a dispute with the CCMA when it is the unions that are aggrieved by its intransigencies.

Eskom workers are forever been provoked by their employer simply on the basis that they are labelled essential services. The NUM calls for heads to roll at Eskom ‘s top management for inciting workers into illegal, unprotected strike action, refusing to listen to employees and thus creating a rupture in the parastatal ‘s industrial relations.

"We reject the notion of a package deal for Eskom workers. We reject a multi-year agreement and call on Eskom to meet the demands of our members" says Baleni.

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Statement issued by Lesiba Seshoka, NUM spokesman, July 17 2013

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