South Africans were left frustrated this week after Eskom announced Stage 6 load shedding following “unlawful” protests by workers amidst wage disputes. However, Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan has confirmed that an agreement between unions had been reached, bringing an end to the strike.
Following the “productive” talks, the power utility had released a statement on Tuesday in which it confirmed it had agreed in principle on a way forward following failed wage talks which took place last week, as per News24.
The unlawful strike was one of the major reasons for the implementation of stage 6 which saw the country plunged into darkness for extended periods of time.
“As a result of extensive negotiations between some of the unions and the management at Eskom, earlier today, and agreement was reached on the wage settlement that both parties will commit themselves to in due course,” said Gordhan.
According to Gordhan, the “intimidation” by striking workers was completely “unacceptable” and was the primary reason South Africa is currently battling stage 6.
Things should be back to normal soon, Gordhan confirmed: “In the few hours that I spent at Eskom today, I was given the assurance that everything will be done to bring the country to normality as far as the supply of electricity if concerned sooner rather than later.”
In a joint statement issued by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the National Unions of Metal Workers of South Africa (Numsa), an agreement had been reached between the parties, reports EWN.
Both unions have urged workers to return to work on Wednesday pending the presentation of the new offer on Friday.
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