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Johannesburg - A possible strike on Thursday by Eskom workers has been
suspended while talks between the employer and unions continue,
said the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM).
"The parties are currently engaging each other on the housing
subsidy as mandated by members during the weekend's consultation
process," said NUM spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka.
"Members have indicated that they prefer the issue of a housing
subsidy to be part of an agreement reached at Eskom rather than be
treated as a separate issue."
Eskom has offered workers a 10.5 percent wage increase but put
off a demand by unions for a R5 000 housing allowance.
Eskom and trade unions Num, the National Union of Metalworkers
and Solidarity are in negotiations at the Commission for
Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
Solidarity spokesperson Jaco Kleynhans said the housing subsidy is
the major issue under discussion.
"The housing issue is the make or break issue," he said.
Kleynhans added that workers would probably agree to the 10.5% wage increase if their other conditions were met.
Num had approached its members on Wednesday morning with the
wage offer but were met with anger. Seshoka said some workers had
been told the union leadership had already signed an agreement with
Eskom without first consulting them.
"It caused pandemonium in the membership," he said.
At that meeting, members gave union leaders new mandates and
sent them back to negotiations with Eskom.
Seshoka said workers would not be applying to the CCMA for a
certificate to strike.
"Why would we apply for a certificate we aren't able to use?" he
asked.
Eskom employees provide an essential service so they are
restricted in their ability to engage in strikes. If a strike was
imminent, Eskom could apply for a court order preventing it.
Earlier this year, several hundred doctors at public hospitals
engaged in strikes despite a court forbidding them from doing so.
The doctors also provide an essential service.
Seshoka refused to rule out the possibility of a strike.
"Even if they get the court order it will not stop the anger of
our members," he said.
"If they want a clear explanation [for how essential employees
may strike] they must go and ask the doctors."
- Sapa