NUM members at Eskom totally rejects poverty wage increase of 5% offered by the company.

NUM Press Statement, 18 May 2016

NUM members at Eskom totally rejects poverty wage increase of 5% offered by the company.

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) rejects with disgust a lousy offer by power utility Eskom of 5% and a sliding scale of between 0% to 1%. This horrible increase will drive thousands of Eskom employees into poverty taking into account the continued rise of Consumer Price Index (CPI).

"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. It is our conviction this declaration is aimed at rewarding Eskom directors who are credited with the so-called elimination of load shedding", said NUM Energy Sector Coordinator, Paris Mashego.

With this declaration, Eskom executives will receive 25%, managers will take home 16,7% while NUM members receive a mere 12%.

The NUM demands 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", says Mashego.

The salary increase demanded by workers must address income differentials that will address the apartheid wage gap that still exists 22 years after democracy. It must improve the salaries of black females who are the lowest paid employees in the company.

"We further demand that Eskom must negotiate in good faith by disclosing relevant information to foster sound industrial relations", added Mashego.

For more detailed information, please contact:

Joseph Montisetsi, NUM Deputy President at 082 809 2391
Makhosonke Magudulela: NUM North East Regional Deputy Chairperson at 082 743 4975
Ngoako Matsha: Media Officer at 083 809 3251

The National Union of Mineworkers
7 Rissik Street.
Cnr Frederick Johannesburg
Tel: 011 377 2111 Cell: 083 809 3257
Twitter: @Num_Media

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