NUM demands 15% wage increase from Eskom amid rising living costs
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has reportedly opened wage negotiations with Eskom, demanding a 15% salary increase
Image: File
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has reportedly opened wage negotiations with Eskom, demanding a 15% salary increase for its members.
Other demands reportedly include a monthly housing allowance of R7 000 and that the power utility cover 80% of employees’ medical aid contributions.
In an interview with the SABC on Tuesday, the union’s spokesperson, Livhuwani Mamburu, said that the union was firm on its 15% demand, arguing that it was justified by the rising cost of living
“The National Union of Mineworkers is firm on its demand for a 15% wage increase for Eskom employees. A figure justified by the high cost of living, we stand in solidarity with other unions that are organising at Eskom in demanding that negotiations remain within the central bargaining forum," Mamburu said
He added that the union was closely monitoring Eskom’s unbundling into three separate divisions, warning that the move could complicate negotiations by weakening collective bargaining and fragmenting union representation
"Eskom and government must understand that the unbundling of Eskom must not be used to abandon workers’ unity and collective bargaining rights, as members prefer to negotiate in the central bargaining forum,” he said.
Last week, IOL also reported that workers in the car manufacturing sector could soon go on strike after the National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (NUMSA) rejected the employers’ wage offer, calling it insufficient to cover rising living costs.
"The employers tabled an offer this past weekend of 6.5%, 5% and 5%. The union was left with no option but to reject this offer for a couple of reasons which is a position we submitted to the CEO’s of the 7 OEMs on Tuesday, October 28," General Secretary Irvin Jim said.
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