The Sunday Independent reports that packaging company Nampak is undergoing a “group restructuring project” which organised labour fears will result in massive job losses as the plan revolves around the company expanding its business outside the country.  

The services of discredited consulting firm Bain & Company have been retained for the restructuring.  In a memorandum signed on behalf of all unions represented at Nampak by National Union of Metalworkers of SA general secretary Irvin Jim, the unions demanded that “in the absence of any agreement with labour, the company refrain from further disposals, transfers or closures of any part of its current business, including but not limited to Megapak and Nampak Glass.”  They indicated that “labour is not prepared to sit by and accept this gradual eradication of jobs in South Africa”, and demanded that the company’s CE Andre de Ruyter be replaced.  The memo also alleged that racist practices were being undertaken at the company, and affirmed that the workforce had appropriate skills, notwithstanding that management “continues to blame underperformance on a lack of skills.”  When the various allegations were put to him, De Ruyter said:  “It is not, and never has been, Nampak’s policy nor practice to embark on restructuring plans which impact unionised employees without appropriate union consultation in accordance with our obligations under law.”  But the workers wanted to know why De Ruyter was holding talks with Bain, “which has destroyed Sars, instead of talking to us”.

• Read the full original of this report by Don Makatile at The Sunday Independent

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