Eskom announced it concluded the 2026 wage negotiation cycle within the Central Bargaining Forum (CBF).
About 7% annual salary increase is what will be offered to workers, effective for a three‐year period, starting from 1 July 2026.
Eskom said this agreement is with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and Solidarity.
Dan Marokane, Eskom’s Group Chief Executive, said “the conclusion of the wage process represents 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.”
Earlier this week, the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) rejected Eskom’s wage offer of 7% in years 1,2 and 3.
Irvin Jim, NUMSA’s General Secretary, said at a briefing held in Johannesburg, on Tuesday, that the current offer “is a sham, and openly undermining collective bargaining processes.”
But Dr Candice Hartley, Eskom’s Chief People Officer, said Eskom is implementing the Cost Optimisation and Revenue Enhancement (CORE) programme, which targets R112 billion in cost savings over five years.
“The CORE programme focuses on structurally reducing costs and strengthening financial discipline across the business through improved governance, operational efficiency, procurement optimisation and improved utilisation of assets and resources. The certainty provided by a multi‐year wage agreement supports improved cost predictability and planning within this framework” said Hartley.
NUMSA declared a deadlock and opted not to sign the current agreement, but Eskom said on Friday, the wage process has been concluded in line with applicable Central Bargaining Forum processes and labour legislation.
Picture: Supplied