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Johannesburg – A major trade union represented at electricity utility Eskom has formally notified the parastatal of its intention to go on strike next week in support of its wage demands, while two other unions are still locked in discussions.
The National Union of Mineworkers (Num) told Fin24.com on Wednesday it had sent a letter to Eskom, informing it of the union’s intention to go on strike from next week. "It will be a full-blown strike like any normal strike action," said Num spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka.
Asked how Num would get around Eskom's status as an essential services company, which prohibits strike action by workers, Seshoka said members had decided "to cross that bridge when they get to it next week".
However, Eskom human resources director Bhabhalazi Bhulunga said the company has not received any strike notice.
"We are still in internal discussions about the wage situation and we will then make a move," said Bhulunga.
Two other major unions - the National Union of Metalworkers (Numsa) and Solidarity - had not yet made a decision about what course of action to take.
Numsa, which on Tuesday rejected Eskom's revised 8.5% increase and R1 000 per month housing subsidy, said it would release a statement later on Wednesday.
"We are finalising our member feedback and mandate about what action to take now. Thereafter we'll engage our fellow unions and release a statement in the afternoon," said spokesperson Castro Ngobese.
Trade union Solidarity's secretary general Dirk Hermann said he was still "discussing the offer at Eskom council".
The three unions represent over 80% of Eskom's estimated 30 000 workforce.
- Fin24.com
