Solidarity gives Telkom an ultimatum

By Rhodé Marshall
11 October 2007

Trade union Solidarity says that Telkom might be asked to appear before the commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) in October this year if the dispute between the two is not resolved soon.

The union says it sees this as a last resort after talks between the two have been “dragging” on for two months.

“The dispute which entails remuneration of millions of rands for our members has resulted in protracted negotiations.

Solidarity has taken all possible steps to resolve the matter but if Telkom is not prepared to seek a speedy resolution to an issue that closely affects its employees, we are left with no choice but to refer the matter to the CCMA,” says spokesperson for Solidarity Jaco Kleynhans.

Kleynhans says employees within Telkom had situations where they already received their salary increases in April but there was a mistake with the implementation of these increases.

“We are confident of success, particularly in view of the fact that Telkom has admitted in the past that the trade union’s interpretation of the agreement is true and valid,” says Kleynhans.