Mining Weekly reports that Transnet on Friday confirmed that it was offering voluntary severance packages (VSPs) to its management and bargaining unit employees.
The parastatal cited subdued global economic growth, including a weak economic outlook for the local economy, as the reasons for initiating the VSP programme. The United National Transport Union (UNTU) in response said its “worst fear” regarding Transnet had now become a reality, and would affect thousands of its members who were employed at Transnet. Deputy general secretary Eddie de Klerk said that Transnet had informed them it was “severely impacted because of the challenging economic conditions, with a poor forecast of improvement any time soon.” The VSP process will be considered in line with business and operational requirements, including the retention of skills that Transnet might require in line with its future plans. The group expects to conclude the process at the end of April. UNTU urged its members to remain in employment for as long as possible, with the “grim economic situation as it is”.
- Read this report in full at Mining Weekly
- Read UNTU’s press statement in this regard at UNTU online
- See too, Untu slams government for looming job losses at Transnet, at EWN
- And also, Transnet bied pakkette vir werkers aan, at Netwerk24 (limit on access)
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page