Reacting to Telkom`s financial results announcement this week, the Communication Workers Union says certain issues still have to be resolved with the fixed-line operator.
Telkom`s R14.6 billion operating profit for the year to 31 March, reported on Monday, "highlights the importance of our calls for equal distribution of the employee share option scheme," says CWU spokesman Mfanafuthi Sithebe.
"The financial results confirm firstly our analysis that Telkom is a very profitable company, and secondly that it is over-exaggerating the impact of the liberalised and 'competitive` market".
Sithebe says the positive results should aid CWU - which he claims is working very closely with the Solidarity Union - to push for improved performance remuneration for call centre agents, another critical dispute yet to be resolved.
Additionally, the large profit margins should afford Telkom the opportunity to invest more money locally. "For instance, it could create jobs by using more locally-produced fiber optic cables, rather than sourcing them from China," he suggests.
Sithebe is unhappy that the unions` joint requests for a senior member of Telkom management (who is involved in consulting with the unions) to be removed from his position have been rejected.
"We believe that for us to have good relations with the company, he will have to go."
He cannot rule out the possibility of further industrial action in the future, bearing in mind the continuing disputes, but confirms that CWU will be open and fully legal with any such move.
The CWU in April signed a three-year wage agreement with Telkom, following weeks of strike action.
Related sotries:
Telkom employees indicted with vandalism
Telkom still recovering from vandalism
CWU, Telkom outline wage deal
CWU accepts Telkom wage offer
Telkom, union resume talks
Share