Numsa slams Eskom’s new wage deal as ‘unacceptable and provocative’

Eskom has concluded the 2026 wage negotiations after its multi-term above-inflation wage offer was accepted by theNational Union of Mineworkers (NUM)and Solidarity, representing 75% of employees in the central bargaining forum. The power utility said the wage deal was binding on all employees in the bargaining unit, including those affiliated with the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa), which has declared a wage dispute. The three-year wage deal, which will see workers enjoying increases of 7% from July 1, was viewed as establishing a “predictable environment that reduces the volatility associated with annual bargaining cycles”, Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena said.

The inflation rate is hovering around 3%. Unions previously demandedincreases of up to 15%before revising their demands down. “The agreement continues Eskom’s established practice of multi‑year collective bargaining arrangements, supporting cost predictability and operational stability, which has also contributed to the delivery of Eskom’s successful turnaround strategy,” Mokwena said.

Eskom group CEO Dan Marokane said the conclusion of the wage process represented an important procedural milestone. “It provides Eskom with the stability and predictability required to focus fully on delivering our business objectives and fulfilling our mandate to South Africa. We recognise that our people are central to driving sustainable growth and to building an organisation that is resilient and attractive to future partners and investors,” Marokane said.

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However, Irvin Jim, general secretary of Numsa, which is demanding 8%, said the wage agreement was “unacceptable and provocative”. “Numsa is extremely dismayed by this unfair position adopted by Eskom against workers. This is despite Eskom having paid exorbitant salary increases and bonuses for its senior executives.” Numsa bemoaned what they claimed were 100% increases for top executives and bonuses of more than R2m.

Eskom reported a profit after tax of R16bn for 2025, its first profit in eight years. Profit before tax was R24bn. The turnaround was supported by government debt relief, higher electricity tariffs and a significant decrease in load-shedding, which led to lower diesel costs. Eskom received a R254bn relief package from the National Treasury in 2023 in a programme that enjoined local government to pay their dues to Eskom.Municipalities owe Eskom more than R100bn.

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