South African unions opposing Telkom’s proposal to solve wage disparities have decided to accept an agreement, although remain in disagreement.
South African unions opposing Telkom’s proposal to solve wage disparities have decided to accept an agreement, although remain in disagreement.
HumanIPO reported yesterday on Solidarity’s decision not to strike, while the South African Communication Union (SACU) was still in the process of scheduled meetings.
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has signed the Telkom agreement last week, which intended to conclude disparities.
However, Solidarity has disagreed with the legitimacy of Telkom’s claim of the CWU as the majority union.
After several follow-up meetings, Telkom said today: “It will implement the said agreement in respect of all employees falling within the defined bargaining unit.”
According to the operator, SACU president Michael Hare agreed to sign the contract next week, although only 45 per cent participation in its balloting process does not strictly point to acceptance.
“Based on the outcome of SACU`S ballot process, 45 per cent participated of which we did not get an outright majority not to accept the company’s offer as we traditionally work on mandates, we are obliged to conclude an agreement with Telkom,” Hare said, as quoted by Telkom.
Implementation of a special payroll run is scheduled to kick off on Wednesday, August 7, and end on August 23, with last payments finalising the deal.
Sipho Maseko, general chief executive officer, expressed his gratitude towards the unions for quality, constructive interaction in favour of the relationship.
“Going forward, the same spirit will be required to confront the many challenges facing our organization. With a shared vision for this organization, no challenge will be insurmountable,” he said.
Solidarity has accepted Telkom’s final offer for the meantime to the benefit of employees in need of money, although they are still opposing its proposal.
Speaking to HumanIPO, Solidarity spokesperson Marius Croucamp, said: “Our right is reserved for the full year agreement, so we are still in dispute.”
Working on new strategies to improve the wage conditions for Telkom employees, the union has a reserved right for the duration of the agreement to still take action.
“The nice thing is we have our options open for the next three years. We can at any point go on a strike or do whatever we want to,” he said.
