The Nation Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and Solidarity on Monday said they are still consulting their members on whether to accept the new wage offer from electricity utility Eskom.
Numsa spokesperson Dumisa Ntuli said that Eskom has increased its wage offer from 5,5% to 6,5%.
Both trade unions are demanding an 8% wage increase across the board for their members.
“We held wage talks with the management of the company and they increased the offer. We are currently consulting our members to get a mandate,” Ntuli said.
Solidarity’s organiser at Eskom, Deon Reyneke, confirmed the union is consulting its members on the new offer.
Reyneke said Eskom has also offered a CPIX plus 1% improvement factor for 2006 — Eskom previously offered a 4,5% wage increase for next year.
Solidarity said it has a mandate from its members to negotiate for a one-year agreement, but the trade union will be prepared to sign a two-year agreement provided that the percentage increase for both years is the same.
Salary negotiations at Eskom started on May 3. — I-Net Bridge