Eskom wage clash intensifies as NUM pushes for 15% increase and R1,000 power benefit

Eskom is at the centre of a heated labour dispute, with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) demanding a 15% salary increase for its members, while Eskom is offering a 3.5% hike linked to inflation.

NUM Spokesperson Livhuwani Mammburu explains that the union's demand for a 15% increase is not just about personal gain, but about addressing the high cost of living in South Africa. "Our members are playing for high school fees; they're paying for high food prices. Everything is expensive, and they can't cope at the moment.”

The union is also pushing for a R1,000 electricity benefit for workers, as many are struggling to afford the electricity they produce.

The negotiations have been ongoing, with the first round taking place last week. While the talks didn't go well, Mammburu remains optimistic about the outcome. "We still have two more rounds to negotiate in January and February, and then maybe if we don't reach a consensus or we don't close the gap, then we can talk about something," he says.

The union is determined to push for its demands, citing Eskoms recent profit and the need to stabilise the power utility.

One of the key issues at stake is the impact of load shedding on workers and the community. Mammburu points out that workers are struggling to afford electricity, despite producing it themselves. "They can't even afford the electricity that they are producing, you understand, and that is one of our demands that these workers must be given a R1,000 electricity benefit," he explains.

The negotiations are not just about salaries and benefits, but also about the future of Eskom and the energy sector. Mammburu emphasises the importance of stability and predictability in the industry, which is crucial for economic growth. "We don't want any instability at Eskom. We don't want any load shedding to happen again because we've managed to stabilise," he says.

To listen to Mammburu discuss the details of the negotiations and what's at stake, click below: