Telkom’s network sabotaged
Telkom issued a press statement today downplaying the current industrial action by the Communication Workers Union (CWU), saying that only around 1 600 Telkom employees participated in strike action yesterday.
“Out of a total permanent Telkom workforce of approximately 23 498, 20 982 are bargaining unit staff, of which CWU membership accounts for 7 700. Our records indicate that, nationally, about 1 600 of bargaining unit employees participated in yesterday’s industrial action,” said Charlotte Mokoena, Telkom’s Chief of Human Resources.
Telkom further said that the South African Communication Workers Union (SACU) and Solidarity, who represent the rest of their employees, have already accepted and signed the company’s offer.
Mokoena added that in all its engagement with staff and organised labour, Telkom has operated on the basis of certain fundamental principles, namely, the sustainability of the company, job security and the reduction of wage disparities.
“While attempting to maintain affordable employee costs within the context of current global and domestic economic realities, Telkom has always been cognisant of the necessity to preserve jobs and serve our customers optimally. Under these difficult economic times, Telkom has nonetheless offered all bargaining unit staff a two-year moratorium on forceful retrenchments,” said Mokoena.
Telkom said that it is aiming for a negotiated settlement to the current dispute with the CWU, and highlighted that the current negotiations “include a revised offer to address disparities in an aggressive manner.” The parties will reconvene on Tuesday, 11 August 2009.
Telkom also confirmed that it has seen malicious damage to its property. “Telkom has disappointingly noted that there are acts of vandalism and sabotage being carried out against the Company. Any acts of vandalism and sabotage will be fully investigated and perpetrators will be dealt with through the criminal justice system,” said Mokoena.
Telkom strike and damage – give your views
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