Prolonged NUM strike could cause load shedding – Eskom

Eskom spokesperson Khulu Phasiwe said on Monday the power utility would not be affected by the strike for at least a month. However, a strike carrying for two or more months could trigger a need for load shedding, Rekord East reported.

“We are hopeful this matter will be resolved by the end of the week,” said Phasiwe.

He said some of the power utilities power stations had more than 30 days’ worth of coal supply, but the parastatal was hopeful the strike would be resolved soon.

“NUM members are highly important to the South African electricity supply as they are responsible for the majority of the coal we use at our power stations,” he said.

NUM members downed tools nationwide at coal operations on Sunday. The strike followed the issuing of non-resolution certificate by the Commission of Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) last week.

The union demanded a R1000 increase for lower level category workers, while the coal producers such as Anglo Coal, Glencore and Exxaro Coal, offered a wage increase of between R300 and R600.

“This is after months of negotiations over wages and working conditions,” said NUM Highveld deputy chairperson Nelson Ratshoshi.

Read More: Numsa supports NUM coal miners strike

– Caxton News Service