United voices make a statement
SANDTON – Telkom employees passionately protest in Sandton as they are not happy with their salaries.
Passionate protesters from the Communications Workers Union (CWU) gathered at Mushroom Farm Park in Sandton on 11 August to express their grievances publicly.
The vibrant group of protesters embarked on a peaceful protest which involved marching, dancing and singing.
One of the protesters, Morena Mlambo said, “This protest was done by workers of the Communications Workers Union. It is happening because we need to undergo substantive negotiations with regards to our salaries at Telkom South Africa. We also have a variety of other issues we need to deal with. We plan on protesting all day and want our voices to be heard.”
In response to the aforementioned comment, Telkom’s group executive of communications, Jacqui O’Sullivan said, “Telkom has introduced a new incentive scheme to enable its bargaining unit employees to earn up to 12 percent more for the value that they deliver to customers. This new scheme, called Performance Pays, replaces the previous incentive scheme and has a new, larger funding pot.”
She added that she is aware of the fact that the union feels the current situation does not address its members needs of a cost of living inflation-linked salary increase.
“[The CWU said that] it cannot recommend to its members to participate in the Performance Pays scheme that commences on 1 August.”
She added that after many months of discussion and collaboration with labour unions about rewarding employees, Telkom has decided it can no longer delay the opportunity for employees to significantly enhance their monthly income through the Performance Pays scheme.
She highlighted, “Telkom assured all CWU members in the bargaining unit that they [would] be able to participate in the Performance Pays scheme from 1 August.
“No deal has been reached between Telkom and CWU on substantive wage negotiations.”
O’ Sullivan added that two other unions, the South African Customs Union and the Solidarity Union signed a two-year deal on the 2016 and 2017 substantive wage negotiations process. “CWU is the only recognised union that has not signed the two-year deal.
“[This union] has been asking the company to give it more time to consult with its membership in order to procure a mandate to sign the two-year deal.” She concluded by saying that Telkom has given the Communications Workers Union the opportunity to procure this mandate, but has not been successful.
“Telkom has consistently been given the impression that CWU is willing to reach an agreement but at this stage, that has not happened.”
