Negotiations between Eskom and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) ground to a halt on Thursday after the union staged a walkout.

EWN on Friday reported that the union, which accused the power utility of a hostile attitude towards workers, walked out of talks after the power utility decided not to offer a wage increase citing its well documented financial problems.

Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, spokesperson for the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) said the utility was acting in bad faith. “Yesterday when we were in wage talks, they brought heavily-armed security guards to surround and to be present at the venue but for us, this is an absolute violation of trust.”

On Wednesday‚ the unions said that they were prepared to “physically remove” the newly appointed top management and embark on an unprotected strike Business Day reported.

The union is demanding a 15% across the board increase, 80% contribution to medical aid and a housing allowance increase of R200, among others.

Meanwhile Eskom spokesperson Khulu Phasiwe says none of the utility’s employees, from workers to managers, will be receiving salary increases or bonuses this year.