Solidarity refers Eskom wage dispute to CCMA

Tuesday, 30 August 2011 17:05

Solidarity reported on Tuesday that it has declared a wage dispute with Eskom and has referred the matter to the CCMA. The dispute is over Eskom’s “one-sided implementation of a two year wage agreement for an increase of 7%”, which the union sees as a significant breach of confidence between the company and its employees.

Media statement issued by Solidarity

30 August 2011

Solidarity declares wage dispute with Eskom

One-sided implementation of wage increase leads to breach of confidence

Electricity giant Eskom’s one-sided implementation of a two year wage agreement for an increase of 7% led to a significant breach of confidence between the company and its employees, trade union Solidarity said today. The trade union declared a dispute with the company today and referred the matter to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

According to Dr Dirk Hermann, Deputy General Secretary of Solidarity, trade unions have been in negotiations with Eskom since April regarding this year’s wage increases. “This year’s increase had to be implemented on 1 June already, but to date no agreement could be reached,” Hermann explained. “Solidarity expected last week that an agreement was within reach after Eskom made an informal wage offer of 8% as well as indicating that the housing allowance will significantly be increased over the next three years,” he added.

The trade union argues that Eskom has meanwhile caused a serious breach of confidence by one-sidedly implementing its previous wage offer of 7%. “These types of power games not only deprive trade unions of their bargaining rights, but alienate employees since they were not consulted in the issue,” Hermann concluded.

The trade union has referred the wage dispute to the CCMA. A date for the dispute meeting at the CCMA has not been scheduled yet.

Dr Dirk Hermann, Deputy General Secretary: Solidarity

Gideon du Plessis, Deputy General Secretary: Solidarity