National power utility Eskom and trade unions started conciliation meetings in Johannesburg on Wednesday aimed at resolving a wage dispute.
Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) spokesperson Lusanda Myoli said Eskom had consented to an offer of intervention last week.
The offer was in terms of its dispute with the National Union of Mineworkers, the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa and Solidarity.
”In a case where there is a dispute of national interest, a red-line matter that would have an impact on people, we then offer to intervene in terms of the Labour Relations Act in assisting parties to resolve the matter.”
The matter has been set down for conciliation on Wednesday and Thursday.
Solidarity spokesperson Jaco Kleynhans said trade unions are currently demanding a 9,75% wage increase.
Eskom’s decision to lower its wage offer from 7% to 6,25% demonstrated ”the contempt that it has so far shown for professional negotiations”, he said.
”Solidarity remains committed to a speedy settlement with Eskom, but we shall not allow Eskom to continue playing games with the trade unions.”
An Eskom official said an offer of between 7% and 10% was offered last Friday during negotiations but was rejected by unions.
”After they reached a deadlock, Eskom reverted to the original offer of between 6,25% and 9,25% based on a sliding scale.”
Eskom declared a dispute last Friday.
Kleynhans said that the dispute would be referred for arbitration if an acceptable wage offer was not presented.
”If we do not perceive a change in Eskom’s approach today [Wednesday], we shall have no reason to continue with negotiations and arbitration will be the only remaining option.”
The CCMA offered assistance to parties in May but none consented. A further offer of assistance in June was agreed to by unions but not consented to by Eskom.
Eskom then agreed to the offer of intervention, in terms of section 150 of the Labour Relations Act, last week. — Sapa