JOHANNESBURG, June 15 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's power utility Eskom has obtained a court interdict banning its workers from embarking on an industrial action, intimidation or disruption of work.
This comes a day after Eskom employees took part in an industrial action over salary disagreements. The employees are demanding 15 percent pay rise across the board while Eskom is offering zero percent increase.
Eskom said the striking workers switched off transmission units, intimidated others and prevented the coal from being delivered to the different power stations.
"Eskom has obtained a court interdict which essentially prohibits the intimidation of workers and contractors who are not part of the illegal industrial action. It also prohibits the high jacking of coal trucks and the sabotaging of Eskom's electricity infrastructure," said Khulu Phasiwe, Eskom spokesperson.
Phasiwe said intimidation and sabotage continued on Friday at some of Eskom's power stations threatening the security of power supply. He said some of the employees were injured. The interdict prohibits the workers from tripping the power supply and interfering with coal supply. The interdict also prohibits the employees from blocking entrances.
The strike by Eskom employees and interfering with power transmission has resulted in some load shedding. Eskom said the load shedding might continue during the weekend.
