Eskom’s operations not adversely affected by the current illegal strike action

11 August 2016

Eskom’s power stations and operations have not been adversely affected by the current illegal strike action by members of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM).

Eskom has a staff complement of over 47 000 workers, of which more than 45 000 employees have been reporting for work since the beginning of the NUM’s illegal strike action. The majority of our employees are at work, ensuring that our operations continue as normal.

Separately, the wage negotiations between Eskom and the three unions, namely NUM, Numsa and Solidarity continue today under the auspices of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). Eskom is hopeful that an amicable settlement will be reached soon.

The unions’ demands include a wage increase of between 12% and 13%, and Eskom is currently offering between 7% and 9% increase. 

There is currently no Minimum Service Agreement in place for Eskom employees. As an Essential Service, all Eskom employees are prohibited from engaging in any form of industrial action, including stay-away action and any other action that retards or obstructs Eskom’s operations.  Any such industrial action that may occur is unprotected. Therefore, any employee that participates in such action would be carrying out an act of misconduct, and disciplinary action will be instituted against him/her.

Issued by Eskom Media Desk, 11 August 2016