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Eskom and its three recognised trade unions, National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) and Solidarity concluded the third round of salary negotiations yesterday. 

The negotiations have progressed relatively well with some significant movements made since the beginning of the wage talks last month. 

NUM and NUMSA opened the negotiations with a request for a 15% salary increment while Solidarity requested for 10.1%. Eskom responded with a 3.75% offer which was later increased to 4.5%. 

The first and second rounds took place on 19 to 21 April and on 8 to 10 May 2023.

During this round of negotiations which began on 23 May 2023, NUM and NUMSA revised their demands to 11% and 12% respectively, whilst Solidarity revised its demand to 9.5%. On Wednesday, 24 May 2023, Eskom revised its offer and made a final offer of 5.25%.

Eskom’s final offer was rejected by all trade unions, however, all parties reached a settlement on the amendment of the Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures.

As a custom, the negotiations take place over three sessions of three-days each, however this year all parties agreed to hold a fourth round of negotiations on 13 and 14 June 2023 with the view that there are prospects of reaching a settlement at the Central Bargaining Forum (CBF).

Eskom is hopeful that it and the labour unions will find each other for the benefit of the company and in the best interest of the country. 

Issued by Eskom