Eskom interdict angers union

02 Members of The National Union of mine workers sing and dance before the launch of of NUM National congress. Picture Antoine de Ras: 28/05/09

02 Members of The National Union of mine workers sing and dance before the launch of of NUM National congress. Picture Antoine de Ras: 28/05/09

Published Jul 29, 2014

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Johannesburg - The National Union of Mineworkers on Tuesday expressed anger at Eskom having obtained a strike interdict against workers.

“The NUM is disgusted and outraged with Eskom management after it obtained an urgent court interdict to stop its employees from embarking on an industrial action because of Eskom being declared an essential service,” it said in a statement.

Eskom confirmed it obtained the interdict on Monday.

NUM took issue with off-duty employees and those not involved in generation, transmission and distribution of electricity being included in the interdict.

Acting NUM energy sector co-ordinator Ndlela Radebe said: “The employer has resorted to managing its employees through court interdicts, which they fallaciously believe will intimidate workers.

“This uncalled-for behaviour will only worsen the anger of the workers who feel that time has come for them to break the chains of bondage from this forever ruthless employer.”

Eskom said it was meeting unions at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration on Tuesday and Wednesday.

NUM and the National Union of Metalworkers of SA want a one-year wage increase agreement of 12 percent across the board and a housing allowance of R1000.

Eskom previously indicated it regarded wage negotiations as a confidential matter between itself and the unions.

Sapa

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