The Citizen reports that the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has stated its intention to exercise the right of workers to participate in protest action against retrenchments.

On Monday, Cosatu held a media briefing regarding the outcomes of its central executive committee (CEC) meeting. The three-day meeting discussed among other issues, potential protest action over retrenchments and the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU). Cosatu general secretary, Solly Phetoe announced that the CEC had resolved to stage a nationwide protest amid anticipated retrenchments across multiple sectors. “We have seen an increasing number of employers announcing plans to retrench workers, particularly in the mining, transport, retail and textile industries. Cosatu expects affiliated trade unions to lead campaigns in defence of jobs given the Section 189 notices served across industries,” Phetoe indicated. He said the protest action would target employers within the private sector as well as the government and that it would be protected in line with Section 77 of the Labour Relations Act. Earlier this month, Mercedes Benz SA announced plans to cut 700 jobs at its East London manufacturing plant, a move which Cosatu has rejected. Anglo American Platinum is also embarking on a retrenchment consulting process, placing over 4,000 jobs on the line. Sibanye-Stillwater has confirmed that up to 4,000 jobs in its gold operations could be in jeopardy. Earlier this year, the SA Post Office served more than 4,700 workers with retrenchment letters as the state-owned entity sought to reduce its headcount of more than 11,000 employees. The number of job cuts was reportedly reduced following consultation with unions at the CCMA.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Molefe Seeletsa at The Citizen

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page