CAPE TOWN, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- An agreement has been reached to end an illegal strike that was threatening to disrupt electricity supply in South Africa, authorities said on Friday.
Eskom, the electricity utility that provides more than 95 percent of electricity consumed in South Africa, made the announcement amid rising concerns that the strike would cause power shortage at a time of economic difficulties.
"Eskom is pleased to announce that it has reached a two-year wage agreement with its recognized trade unions," the state-run parastal said.
The wage agreement was reached at talks facilitated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), which intervened in the matter in terms of section 150 of the Labour Relations Act, Eskom said.
In terms of the two-year agreement, signed by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and Solidarity, Eskom employees will see a wage increase of between 8.5 percent and 10 percent this year and next year.
In addition, the housing allowance will also be increased by 260 rand (about 19 U.S. dollars) per month this year, and a further 140 rand (about 10 dollars) per month next year - bringing the total housing allowance to 3,000 ramd (about 224 dollars) per month over the next two years.
"The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) is still considering the offer and we are hopeful that they too will sign soon," said Eskom.
"The conclusion of this necessary chapter in our business environment enables us to now firmly focus on the task at hand of ensuring that we keep the lights on to enable growth," the utility said.
Workers downed tools at three Eskom power stations on Monday and they were joined on Wednesday by all members of the NUM at power stations across the country.
Members of other trade unions also took part in the strike.
The NUM has about 15,000 members at Eskom - almost a third of the company's workforce of 47,000.
On Thursday, the NUM claimed that police fired at striking workers who were protesting peacefully outside Hendrina Power station in Mpumalanga Provine,injuring several of them.
But the allegations have not been officially confirmed.
