The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) congratulates its Affiliate, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), on reaching a multi-year wage agreement with Eskom.

NUM signed a three-year 7% salary hike for workers at the state-owned utility. The agreement is set to come into effect on 1 July 2026. Trade union, Solidarity, also signed the agreement, but the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) declined to sign and declared a dispute instead.

However, as NUM and Solidarity jointly represent more than 75% of the workers in the Central Bargaining Forum, NUMSA’s refusal to sign is of no effect and it is therefore bound by the agreement, its members will receive the 7% salary increase along with other workers.

COSATU is impressed by the maturity displayed by NUM, given it signed the agreement not only to secure an above-inflation increase for its members but also to ensure the sustainability of Eskom considering the disruptive impact of annual salary negotiations on operations. NUM fully appreciates the critical role Eskom plays in the country’s economy and has taken the lead in ensuring that it continues to deliver on its mandate with little to no disruption.

The Federation once again commends the employees of Eskom for the stellar work they have done in turning the entity around and tackling loadshedding decisively. COSATU supports NUM unequivocally as it continues to roll out mass action against Eskom’s unbundling.

Issued by COSATU

Zanele Sabela (COSATU Spokesperson)

Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639

Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za