Nationally, an approximate 2501 employees, representing around 16% of Telkom’s workforce in the bargaining unit, has heeded the call for industrial action by SACU and CWU as part of a planned industrial action from 1 to 5 August. <\/p>\n
The protected industrial action is as a result of the unions’ non-acceptance of Telkom’s final offer of 10.5%.<\/p>\n
Meshack Dlamini, Executive for Employee Relations says, “Even though CWU and SACU have embarked on this industrial action, there is no breakdown in Telkom’s relationship with the respective parties and I believe that the depth of our relationship will endure the current impasse”.<\/p>\n
He emphasised that the Company viewed organised labour as partners, and that it was committed to continued engagement with them in order to reach an amicable settlement.<\/p>\n
Dlamini said that with the industrial action that commenced today, the revised offer remains on the table for CWU and SACU members while Telkom continues with salary increase implementation for Solidarity and non-unionised members. <\/p>\n
“We will, however, await feedback from CWU and SACU about their decisions or continued discussions,” said Dlamini.<\/p>\n
Dlamini also mentioned that Telkom remains committed to implementing the revised offer for all employees. “Hopefully, the leadership of organised labour will take up this offer as it will pervade a measure of financial relief in our workforce, especially in view of the current economic climate.”<\/p>\n
Telkom’s says that contingency plans involving on duty full-time staff and contract workers have been activated and the potential impact of the industrial action is being closely monitored across the company. <\/p>\n