The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has received a notice from Mercedes Benz South Africa (MBSA) informing the union that it contemplates implementing retrenchments in terms of section 189. MBSA is contemplating retrenching a total of 702 employees and the job categories which are likely to be affected are, Artisans (67), Team Managers (23) and 612 hourly employees. MBSA employs 3396 employees in total.
In the notice which was issued, MBSA claims that it is operating under difficult conditions and has cited various factors for its decision to retrench, including ‘prolonged port challenges” as well as ‘subdued household income’ and increased energy costs for the section 189 notice.
NUMSA General Secretary Irvin Jim says,
“NUMSA is dismayed by the section 189 notice. We are deeply concerned about workers and their families who will be affected if the company goes through with the retrenchments. The Eastern Cape province where the majority of MBSA workers are based, will be hardest hit, because of high levels of poverty and unemployment. It is unlikely that workers will find alternative employment if the MBSA implements the proposed retrenchments”.
We will wait for the CCMA to issue dates for the first meeting so we can consult with the employer. NUMSA will do everything possible to provide alternatives, with the hope that we can prevent job losses.
Issued by Irvin Jim
NUMSA General Secretary
For more information, please contact:
Phakamile Hlubi-Majola
NUMSA National Spokesperson
NUMSA Head Office number: 0116891700
NUMSA Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NumsaSocial
NUMSA Twitter account: @Numsa_Media
NUMSA Website: https://numsa.org.za/
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