THE National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) is calling on Eskom to pay its workers what they "deserve".
This demand was made after the power utility made record profits and kept the lights on for more than 180 days without load shedding.
Numsa tabled its wage demands at Eskom's Centralised Bargaining Forum (CBF) this week, before the talks that ran from 25 to 27 November.
The union wants a 15% across-the-board pay increase, a one-year agreement, a R7 000 housing allowance, a R4 000 increase in car allowances, an 80% contribution to medical aid, a Live Line allowance of R220, and a Standby allowance of R200.
However, Eskom's response angered the union.
According to Numsa, the power utility offered only 3,5% and a three-year deal, blaming inflation.
"This offer is insulting. Our members worked hard to turn Eskom around and keep South Africa's lights on," said Numsa spokeswoman Phakamile Hlubi-Majola.
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"Workers deserve fair pay for the profits they helped create. Workers are the backbone of Eskom's success. Their efforts have kept the lights on and delivered record profits. It's time Eskom management rewards this hard work with fair compensation.
"Numsa condemns the false claim that Eskom employees earn an average of R1 million per annum, as reported by some media outlets. This propaganda seeks to poison public opinion against workers and justify denying fair increases," she said.
"If Eskom persists in spreading this misinformation, Numsa will demand that all workers be paid R1 million, as claimed."
Hlubi-Majola stated that the union strongly opposes the utility's attempt to fragment negotiations following its unbundling into Transmission, Distribution, and Generation.
"Eskom remains one company, and all workers deserve equal benefits and conditions. Negotiations must remain centralised at the CBF. Negotiations will resume at the CBF in January 2026. Numsa remains unwavering in its commitment to defend workers' rights and ensure they share in Eskom's success," she added.
