NUM is angered by Eskom's decision to retrench 7 000 workers

Press statement, 23 August 2018

NUM is angered by Eskom's decision to retrench 7 000 workers

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is deeply angered by Eskom's decision to retrench 7000 workers in the next 5 years through voluntary packages. Offering voluntary packages is still retrenchment and it needs to follow Section 189 of the LRA.

It is shocking that a parastatal takes such a decision without thorough consultation with the NUM. We will resist any attempt by ESKOM to retrench 7000 workers who are currently facing dire economic conditions. Eskom is now implementing the 2007 outdated World Bank study on reasonable staffing levels at ESKOM, which suggest that ESKOM is overstaffed by 66% as such it needs 14 244 staff complement. This study fails to consider the developmental role of parastatals in South Africa, the growth of the business and its customer base.

ESKOM decision is informed by financial constraints they experiencing lately. How will Eskom fund the retrenchments if they do not have money? The NUM takes a view that says essential service cannot be retrenched and we will not allow ESKOM to willy-nilly retrench workers.

This bad news comes at the heels of retrenchment announcement in government departments. It is an open attack on the working class and the poor. We call upon all workers in the country to unite and embark on a mammoth battle against this cancer.

For more information, please contact:

Paris Mashego: NUM Energy Sector Coordinator: 079 517 1758

The National Union of Mineworkers
7 Rissik Street.
Cnr Frederick Johannesburg
Tel: 011 377 2111 Cell: 083 809 3257
Twitter: @Num_Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NUM/100860023402167