Mantashe and Gordhan under fire for ‘scaring off investors’
Analysts criticise Pravin Gordhan and Gwede Mantashe over interference in Eskom and Impala Platinum labour disputes
The government runs the risk of turning away investors and creating more uncertainty for business by intervening in labour-related disputes. This is according to labour and economy experts, who say the "interference" by ministers, as illustrated in the current wage talks at Eskom and retrenchment plans of Impala Platinum, was creating an unhealthy collective bargaining environment. During this winter’s strike season — a period characterised by wage negotiations in various sectors — trade unions have been heavily reliant on government intervention in the event of deadlock with employers. In June, public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan resolved an impasse in the Eskom wage negotiations after accusing the state-owned company of acting in bad faith by offering workers a 0% wage increase, and insisted they should improve it. Two months later, Eskom is on the verge of signing a wage agreement with unions based on an above-inflation increase of 7.5% for 2018 and 7% for 2019 and 2020. T...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.