Strikes at South African part state-owned telecom operator Telkom are expected, following accusations of failing to comply with job security agreements.
Union Solidarity has declared its inability to prevent Telkom workers from striking despite the company making concessions to its employees during negotiations.
Following changes in the proposed wage deals clause on job security, the union will collaborate with the Communication Workers Union (CWU) to proceed with the case to consult the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
The consulting meeting to be held in Johannesburg will occur at 10am SAST tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.
Union Solidarity (Solidariteit) posted today (Tuesday) on Twitter: “Telkom negotiating in bad faith as Telkom changes its offer after unions mandated on the offer.”
Ongoing negotiations started in March 2013 following Telkom announcements of voluntary severance packages (VSP) and early retirement packages (VERPs) opening for management and bargaining staff until August 2013.
Last month’s negotiations reached a cul-de-sac after Telkom offered a final increase of 1.5 per cent, resulting in a union referral to the CCMA.
Although the offer was increased to 7.5 per cent last week, the CWU rejected it once again, seeking a further raise of 4 per cent.
In contrast, Solidarity has a lower standard, aiming for 8.8 per cent.
Marius Croucamp, Solidarity spokesperson, said the union had received an offer last week for 6 per cent with job guarantees for three years without forced retrenchments, BusinessTech reported.
HumanIPO reported in May on the appointment of Miriam Altman, new Telkom head of strategy.
