Telkom has been called on to set a date for a dispute resolution meeting, after the Communication Workers Union (CWU) lodged an official dispute against the company.
The two parties have been at loggerheads over wage negotiations, which came to a deadlock earlier this week and which saw the CWU threaten strike action against the company.
Telkom's executive for employee relations, Meshack Dlamini, says: “Negotiations are still continuing and, following the last round of discussions, all parties are in agreement that no deadlock has been reached.”
However, CWU secretary general Gallant Roberts says the union has lodged a complaint and awaits a meeting time with the utility.
The wage dispute has been an ongoing saga for over a year. While a settlement was reached last year, the union reignited the discussions a few months ago, with the last deadlocked meeting held at the end of last month.
The union is looking for a 13% increase in basic salary, with housing subsidy of R1 750 per month and a new medical aid subsidy. It is also pushing Telkom for a 9%-16% gain-sharing bonus.
However, the union says Telkom has not budged from its 7.5% increase offer. Last week's meeting led the CWU to threaten strike action against the company, which could spell trouble for Telkom's involvement in the Confederations Cup.
However, the union said this morning that it will decide what action to take, once the outcome of the dispute meeting is known.
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