Telkom faces the CCMA

By Staff Writer for Telkom
Johannesburg, 29 Oct 2007

Telkom will face the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) this morning over a three-month wage dispute with trade union Solidarity.

The union declared the dispute in August, to oppose Telkom`s interpretation of the substantive collective agreement signed in April 2006.

The two-year agreement was signed following negotiations and strike action by the union. It guaranteed union members, in Telkom`s employ, an average salary increase of 6.5% for 2007.

However, Solidarity says Telkom`s interpretation of the wage agreement "deprives workers of part of their remuneration".

"We have done everything possible to resolve the dispute, but Telkom has left us with no alternative. We must tackle the issue on behalf of our members, who stand to suffer serious financial losses due to Telkom`s unwillingness to deal with the matter," says Solidarity spokesman Jaco Kleynhans.

On several occasions during the two-month-long discussions, Telkom`s representatives have concurred with the union`s interpretation of the agreement, he claims. "Solidarity holds all the aces and this development is likely to put Telkom under great pressure."

Last resort

The trade union has, in the meantime, informed Telkom that the process to revive salary negotiations has begun. "Reopening the negotiations will afford an opportunity to compensate for the significant increase in the inflation rate during the past few months," he states.

Earlier this month, Solidarity attempted to use former Telkom CEO Papi Molotsane`s salary to prove the company can afford to restructure workers` wages.

"Telkom has flatly stated it will not restructure workers` salaries. It says a lack of finances is the reason workers are not being paid what is due to them - and this while millions are available for Molotsane`s salary," he says.

Telkom reiterated its earlier statement, saying: "Although Solidarity has referred the matter to the CCMA, it is still engaged with Telkom in working towards an amicable resolution."

Kleynhans says approaching the CCMA is the union`s last resort.