Eskom offers 6.5% pay raise in fourth talks round

South Africa’s Eskom offered labour groups an annual wage increase of as much as 6.5% in a fourth round of negotiations that have dragged on for months.

The state-owned power utility tabled a three-year deal that includes a basic salary increase of 6.5% in July, another 6.5% next year, and 6% in 2028, according to a copy of the offer that was confirmed by Eskom. There are also additional increases to the housing benefit and funeral cover.

The offer “was indeed tabled during round 4 of salary negotiations with the three recognised trade unions,” an Eskom spokeswoman said in a reply to questions.

That still leaves a sizeable gap between Eskom and at least one key union. The latest demand by the National Union of Mineworkers, representing about 15 000 employees at the state-owned utility, was for a 12% increase. The labor group started with 15% in October, ahead of