Trade union Solidarity announced on Tuesday that it was in talks with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) about impending retrenchments that could pose a direct threat to SA’s food security.  

This was indicated after Solidarity received a letter indicating that ARC was considering retrenching approximately 1,000 of its employees.  Peirru Marx, sector coordinator at Solidarity, commented:  “It is perturbing that ARC is prepared to retrench skilled employees and by doing this to jeopardise the entire country’s food security.  What is even more alarming is that these retrenchments are on the table in the midst of a crisis that is already posing a threat to food security and access to food.”  Solidarity has indicated that it would enter into talks with ARC to find the best possible solution to the situation.  But, while a turnaround strategy has already submitted to ARC by the union, it has apparently been met with little interest.  According to Solidarity, it cannot deny the need for restructuring, but said it could not support the retrenchment of some 1,000 employees.  “We will engage with ARC to find the best possible solution.  We are serious when it comes to job security and food security,” said Marx.

• Read Solidarity’s press statement at Polity

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