CWU claims victory over Telkom
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) yesterday said that its “members’ determination broke the backbone of Telkom and forced the employer to make positive adjustments to the salary increment offer at the CCMA on Friday.”
“The CWU members embarked on all sorts of radical and adhoc industrial actions for the past days, which included go-slows; picketing; overtime-ban; stay-aways and marches to Telkom premises,” the Union said.
According to the CWU, Telkom’s CEO Mr. Reuben September’s failure to pitch up and receive a memorandum on both 12 August and 13 August fueled the anger of workers while the union leadership refused to hand over the memorandum to any person but the CEO himself.
Deal Reached
The CWU held a National Working Committee meeting on 14 August to seek a mandate for flexibility, and parties thereafter continued negotiations at the CCMA and finally reached consensus on various issues.
The agreement included a 7.5% salary increment on their total package as at 31st March 2009, backdated to 1st April 2009, which will also be applicable to the employees’ housing allowance, standby allowance and medical aid. According to the CWU, Telkom will also be addressing salary disparities by upping the salary scales of the lowest paid workers.
Parties agreed that the principle of “No Work No Pay” will not be applied to CWU members who embarked on the protected industrial action, but such days will be converted into vacation leave.
Telkom said it has reached an in-principle agreement with the CWU which they hope to sign by Wednesday.
CWU versus Telkom – give your views
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