Gwede ‘ran away from us’ – union boss

The Communications Workers Union (CWU) has accused ANC general-secretary Gwede Mantashe of being arrogant.

The accusations come in the wake of a strike by CWU members employed at Telkom.

On Tuesday, CWU members marched to Luthuli House, the ANC headquarters in Johannesburg, to meet the leadership.

But according to CWU president Clyde Mervin, instead of meeting the union, Mantashe held a media briefing.

“What did he do after that briefing? He ran away,” Mervin said.

Labour is demanding a salary increase of 11%, and six months’ fully paid maternity leave.

Other unions at Telkom, Solidarity and the South African Communications Workers Union, have already reached a deal with Telkom, including no forced retrenchments over the next two years, as well as a 6% salary increase next April.

Mervin said they rejected Telkom’s offer and vowed strike action will be intensified. The CWU was hoping to meet with the ANC leadership again tomorrow.