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FILE| Eskom banner at an event.
Labour unions at Eskom are heading back to their members this week to seek a mandate following a tense fourth round of wage talks.
On Friday, the utility tabled its final offer of a seven percent salary increase.
This comes after months of deliberation at the Central Bargaining Forum, where the National Union of Mineworkers, the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa and Solidarity originally demanded a 15 percent hike, alongside improved benefits.
The current three-year wage agreement is set to expire in June.
“Eskom gave the trade union final offer of which as the NUM we have decided to take this offer to our members on the 15th of April 2026 which is this coming Wednesday, in that meeting they are the ones who will tell us wether to accept or reject the offer, we cannot as a union reject or accept the offer without consulting them, we are consulting our members and then we will take it from there” said NUM’s Khangela Baloyi.
Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena believes the tabled offer speaks to balancing operations while looking out for the workers’ needs.
“Salary negotiations between Eskom and its trade unions are at a critical stage and Eskom remains committed to the process. Eskom acknowledges the importance of these negotiations to all employees and remains committed to engaging in good faith with all recognised unions through the established central bargaining forum. we will provide an update once the negotiations are concluded.”
VIDEO | Eskom wage talks at crossroads:
