The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is open to an inflation-linked pay rise for its members at Eskom instead of its initial demand for a 15% increase, a source at the union says. Eskom initiated load shedding last week because of what the utility said was an "illegal protest action" by the NUM and two other unions. The unions, who were incensed by Eskom’s initial refusal to offer pay rises for this year, had threatened a "total shutdown" of the power firm. The NUM source, who did not wish to be named, said on Monday that the mineworkers’ union would consider a wage offer from Eskom of "inflation plus a certain percentage". Consumer inflation was running at 4.5% in April, well below the level unions had initially targeted. Cutting costs at troubled state-owned entities such as Eskom is a top priority for President Cyril Ramaphosa, and the labour dispute at Eskom will test the government’s commitment to reforms aimed at putting SA’s sluggish economy on a sustained growth path. Esk...
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.