The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) will tomorrow meet electricity parastatal Eskom at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) for a conciliation process. The parastatal earlier declared a dispute at the CCMA over the unions's refusal to accept a 5,6% wage offer, an odd move that infuriated the unions operating at Eskom.

The company also proposes a five year wage deal in opposition to the NUM's one year proposal. "We remain unshakable on our demands and we will not and never accept Eskom's insult" says Helen Diatile, the NUM's Chief Negotiator at Eskom.

Meanwhile, there have been several reports of industrial action at Eskom's power stations. The NUM has repeatedly warned Eskom of the dangers associated with a legalistic approach to industrial relations as well as the dangers of unilateralism which has plunged the mining sector into chaos.

"As far as we are concerned, it will be do or die tomorrow. We reject the 5,6% with the contempt it deserves. We reject the five year proposals and the big-headed attitude adopted by the parastatal" says Diatile. The meeting will begin at 10H00.

For further information, please contact:

Lesiba Seshoka (Spokesman)

National Union of Mineworkers

7 Rissik Street

Cnr Frederick

Johannesburg

Tel: 011 377 2047

Cell: 082 803 6719

Web: www.num.org.za

Twitter: @Num_Media