Eskom salary negotiations: Other trade unions’ demands unfair - Solidarity

18 July 2016

Trade union Solidarity today called on the other trade unions in the bargaining unit to review their demands in this year’s salary negotiations with Eskom. This follows after the trade unions and Eskom reached a deadlock in negotiations on Friday.

According to Deon Reyneke, Deputy General Secretary of the Energy Industry at Solidarity, it became evident on Fridaythat Eskom would like to offer trade unions an additional increase. “However, the other trade unions stand firm on their unaffordable demands and are therefore unwilling to negotiate any further,” Reyneke said.

Reyneke said Solidarity’s demand comes very close to Eskom’s salary offer and the trade union is willing to enter into further negotiations with the employer. “Eskom’s offer involves a salary increase on a sliding scale of between 7% and 9% for year one, and a salary increase equal to the inflation rate plus one percentage point for year two. Part of our demand, however, includes a salary increase of 8,75% across the board for both years as well as an increase in members’ housing offer,” Reyneke said.

Eskom’s offer furthermore includes significant improvements in employees’ conditions of employment. Among other things, this includes five months’ fully paid maternity leave, and six months’ maternity leave at 30% remuneration.

“In general, we are satisfied with Eskom’s wage offer and we would like to iron out the last minor differences in order to reach an agreement as soon as possible. We believe it is crucial that all role players should now try to reach a favourable agreement around the negotiation table that would assure the sustainability of Eskom and ensure stability in the power supply,” Reyneke added.

Issued by Deon Reyneke, Deputy General Secretary, Solidarity, 18 July 2016