Communication workers union cwu
CWU 'shocked and disturbed' by resignation of Sapo CFO 3 months into job
The senior executive cited personal reasons for his departure but the union is not buying this.
The SABC has issued redundancy and surplus letters to just over 300 staff after the conclusion of the Section 189 consultation process.
The Communication Workers Union said that it was hopeful that an agreement would be reached but has warned that it would continue to fight if the retrenchment process continues.
Bemawu said that the postponement was not good enough and it was demanding that the entire job cuts process be scrapped.
In a statement released early on Friday morning, the board said that this would allow roleplayers to explore further options to ensure the financial sustainability of the public broadcaster.
The organisations addressed the media on Thursday at Cosatu House in Braamfontein, where they announced strike action from Friday should their demands not be met.
The SABC notified employees earlier this week that it was at liberty to implement retrenchments following failed talks facilitated by the CCMA.
The SABC is planning on laying off 600 employees as part of a turnaround plan.
Unions have made it clear that they will not allow the public broadcaster to lay off 981 permanent staff and over 1,000 freelancers.
The unions who represent SABC staff are expected to wear black and hold a lunchtime picket to save their jobs.
Some 981 permanent staff and over 1,000 freelancers are expected to be left out in the cold as a cash-strapped SABC tries to restructure and claw itself back from financial disaster.
The Labour Court ruled on Thursday that the media company owned by businessman Mzwanele Manyi violated the labour law when it got rid of some 300 staff without following a retrenchment consultation process.
Thousands of workers at the Post Office, including those at Telkom, have downed tools across the country over wages.
Workers affiliated with unions, Communications Workers Union and Broadcasting, Electronic, Media & Allied Workers Union are demanding a 10% hike.
If those approached are to agree, it would include radio presenters and TV hosts, leaving several shows at the broadcaster’s 21 radio stations possibly without drivers.
The union called off the work stoppage on Friday, citing logistical issues.
Representatives from Bemawu and the CWU were in a meeting with the newly appointed board to discuss the way forward.
The union says discussions on who should be the next president of the ANC are already underway.
Friction between Telkom and the Communication Workers Union started early this year.