Eskom workers down tools over wage dispute
Eskom staff are expected to go on strike on Wednesday.
The workers aligned to the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) will down tools in demand of better wages.
NUM members are demanding a 13% salary increase while Eskom is offering 7%.
The union's energy sector coordinator Paris Mashego says members at four power stations are already on strike.
"Most members will join in on the strike action on Wednesday for a full blown strike," he says.
Workers were expected to down tools on Monday, but the union postponed the strike to allow Eskom to revise its offer.
Mashego says the revised offer did not impress its members - with the strike resuming.
Eskom spokesperson Khulu Phasiwe says all 27 power stations are running smoothly.
"Everything at all our power stations is working accordingly. We have not had interferences as yet," he confirms.
Phasiwe says Eskom employees are by law not allowed to strike because the power supplier is an essential service provider.
Phasiwe also says negotiations with NUM have not collapsed and the matter is now with the CCMA.
"We are currently operating within the CCMA. It has to give us another date to continue our final round of negotiations," Phasiwe adds.