Eskom picket: Power utility says it has plans in place to keep the lights on
Power utility, Eskom says it has contingency plans in place to keep the lights on in the event of any industrial action this week.
The parastatal says it has noted the statements made by trade unions that they intend to embark on industrial action on Thursday.
"Eskom has been designated as an essential service provider, and therefore our employees are reminded that they are not allowed to participate in strike actions. In an effort to ensure security of power supply, Eskom will activate its contingency measures should the industrial action take place. Eskom will continue to provide regular updates about the state of the power system through various media platforms," read the statement.
Workers unions, including NUM and NUMSA are demanding a 15 percent increase, among other things.
Eskom is not offering any salary increases this year in an effort to turn the company around.
"Eskom sympathises with its over 47 000 employees who have worked very hard to help keep the lights on during the past financial year. However, due to the difficult financial situation that the company currently faces, Eskom has decided to offer no salary increases this year," it said.
Both NUM and NUMSA have rejected the offer.
The unions held a joint media briefing in Johannesburg earlier.
NUMSA's Irvin Jim says they will follow the law in terms of the dispute with Eskom.
"Eskom has been designated as an essential service provider, and therefore our employees are reminded that they are not allowed to participate in strike actions. In an effort to ensure security of power supply, Eskom will activate its contingency measures should the industrial action take place. Eskom will continue to provide regular updates about the state of the power system through various media platforms," read the statement.
Workers unions, including NUM and NUMSA are demanding a 15 percent increase, among other things.
Eskom is not offering any salary increases this year in an effort to turn the company around.
"Eskom sympathises with its over 47 000 employees who have worked very hard to help keep the lights on during the past financial year. However, due to the difficult financial situation that the company currently faces, Eskom has decided to offer no salary increases this year," it said.
Both NUM and NUMSA have rejected the offer.
The unions held a joint media briefing in Johannesburg earlier.
NUMSA's Irvin Jim says they will follow the law in terms of the dispute with Eskom.
He says the lights will remain on for now.
The two unions will hold a picket outside Megawatt Park on Thursday as part of a way to exhaust all available options.