Unions reach agreement with Eskom
New wage agreement enables Eskom to focus on keeping the lights on.
Power utility Eskom has reached a two-year wage agreement with unions following intervention by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) on Friday.
Early this week Eskom employees affiliated to the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) downed tools following stalled wage talks between them and the employer.
The two-year agreement signed on Friday will see workers getting an increase of between 8.5% and 10% this year and next year.
“In addition, the housing allowance will also be increased by R160 per month this year, and a further R140 per month next year – bringing the total housing allowance to R3000 per month over the next two years,” said Eskom’s Khulu Phasiwe.
The strike at Eskom had raised eyebrows about possible disruptions in the power supply.
Phasiwe said, “The conclusion of this necessary chapter in our business environment enables us to now firmly focus on the task at hand of ensuring that we keep the lights on to enable growth.”
