The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and power utility Eskom are expected to meet on Friday in an arbitration meeting in a bid to resolve a wage dispute.
On Thursday, the second round of wage talks between Numsa and Eskom failed to yield any positive results and the union has declared a dispute in terms of the Labour Relations Act.
The union federation has lashed out at the company for offering a 7% poverty wage increase across the board on the actual wages of 29 000 workers.
Numsa has the following demands:
20% wage increase across the board for all workers in order to close the wage differentials.
Full disclosure of information on the allocated budget and pay policy.
Performance bonuses and gain sharing arrangements to be negotiated at the Collective Bargaining Forum.
Eskom must retain transport for all workers.
“The dispute is important in relation to the company failing to be transparent, honest and objective in the implementation of policies. It is imperative for the company to disclose all information so that the workers can determine their full potential and productive power.”
The union added that there was no equitable distribution of gains of improved productivity.
Eskom representatives were unavailable for comment on Friday. – I-Net Bridge