Some older, retrenched post office workers bemoan difficulty of finding new jobs
The state-owned entity retrenched about 4,500 of its employees at the end of March.
Former South African Post office workers protesting at the head office in Pretoria on 7 June 2024 for outstanding payments after being retrenched. Picture: Jacques Nelles/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Some retrenched post office workers said it has been very difficult to find new jobs at their advanced age.
The state-owned entity retrenched about 4,500 of its employees at the end of March.
On Friday, about 50 of its former workers held a picket outside their Pretoria offices, demanding their severance packages.
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Fifty-three-year-old Yvette White, who worked at the post office for the past 12 years as an operational officer, said she would use her severance pay to generate more income.
"If it means I will have to start my own business to pick myself up, then that’s what I will have to do, and I will get another job. Bugger them, they're not going to bring me down."
Thabang Nkoana said the past two months have been difficult for her and her family.
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) June 7, 2024
She said there is no money for her children’s school transport and groceries.
At 44, Nkoana said it will be difficult for her to find a new job. TCG pic.twitter.com/IfKchvt0yM
Forty-four-year-old Thabang Nkoana, who worked as a mail handler for over ten years at the post office, said she had little hope of finding another job.
"There are no jobs. I don’t think so at my age. I am still trying, but I don’t think so. All jobs want people who are younger than 35 years."
Business rescue practitioners said that on Friday they started paying the first tranche of severance packages to retrenched workers.
[STATEMENT] The business rescue practitioners of the SA Post Office said they had an agreement with worker unions to pay the first tranche of severance packages by the end of June.
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) June 7, 2024
The practitioners said they have moved up the timeline and will start today. TCG pic.twitter.com/wfQw4glOeD