Sowetan News Online
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
The SACP, in a statement, said it is outraged by media reports that South African Airways (SAA) is planning to retrench nearly 1000 workers by December next year.
"It runs directly counter to the government's commitment to halve unemployment by 2014.
"All state-owned enterprises should do everything to make this a reality and we are concerned about the practice of announcing plans to retrench workers and only then seeking to engage unions," the statement read.
"Senior management continues to be rewarded millions of rands in bonuses and perks, including travel packages, while workers are expected to sacrifice their jobs and livelihoods," the statement said.
"A parastatal should first explore how to cut back on executives' huge remuneration packages before considering retrenching."
In the statement, the SACP called on the Minister of Public Enterprises, Alec Erwin, to urgently intervene and ensure that jobs are saved.
The SACP pledged its full support to whatever action the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union and Cosatu might take to fight this issue.
- Sapa