Talks between Eskom and trade unions are now only expected to resume next week.
Reports indicate that the proposed offer from the unions need to first be taken to the utility’s board for consideration.
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), National Union of Metalworkers’ Union (NUMSA) and Solidarity met with Eskom yesterday (Thursday) after presenting a 9% counter proposal.
The Eskom strike has since been suspended pending the outcome of negotiations between NUM, NUMSA and the power utility.
Thousands of Eskom workers embarked on nationwide industrial action last week demanding a salary increase of 15 percent, a housing allowance of R2 000, the banning of labour brokers and the insourcing of workers such as cleaners and security guards.
Workers also demanded six months’ paid maternity leave and paternity leave of one month.
NUM’s KZN Regional Health and Safety Officer, Sipho Mungwe, said Eskom offered a 4.1 percent salary increase, but is refusing to negotiate on the other demands.
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‘We won’t compromise. If the negotiations do not produce positive results, we will go back to our members for a new mandate.’
NUMSA national spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, said they were disappointed that all the demands submitted to Eskom remain unaltered besides the 4,1 percent salary increase for four years, which Eskom claims is above the inflation rate.
Eskom spokesman Khulu Phasiwe said they were hoping the three days of negotiations would produce positive results.
‘It is true that at this stage we have only offered a 4,1 percent salary increase, however there is a room for us to influence and to be influenced about other demands such as housing allowances.
‘We will make a full statement after the last day of negotiations and are positive that everything will be finalised to everybody’s satisfaction,’ said Phasiwe.
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