Absa employees retrenched by e-mail: More employees told: "Today, tomorrow, goodbye"

Employees of Absa were notified by e-mail this week that they will be retrenched on 9 June. This came in spite of Absa's continued denial that it is carrying out retrenchments. At least 140 employees in the IT department will lose their jobs. Trade union Solidarity is in possession of evidence that other departments will also be affected by retrenchments, but Absa is keeping mum on how many people will be retrenched on 9 June. Absa went even further and sent employees forms with which to resign from the company.

‘We are astounded by the callousness with which Absa is carrying out the process. First, employees were forced to pack up their belongings and escorted out of Absa's offices. They were sent home for three months for so-called gardening leave and were told that other positions would be sought for them in the company. Now they are getting retrenched by e-mail,' Dirk Hermann, Deputy General Secretary of Solidarity, said.

In the letter to the employees, they are requested to complete a form whereby they resign from Absa. The form's heading reads "Notice of termination of service". Employees have to complete the date of their resignation on the form.

‘If employees complete and sign this form, then it is no longer a case of retrenchment, but of resignation. The employees will therefore not be entitled to severance pay or unemployment insurance.

‘From a legal perspective the implication is that someone who worked for Absa for 40 years will be walking away without a cent,' Hermann said.

Solidarity called on employees not to complete the form.

On 7 May 2012 at 15:20, employees received a letter by e-mail informing them that attempts to place them in other positions had been unsuccessful. On 8 May they were requested to complete forms to resign from their medical aid and pension and a form to resign from the company in order to ensure a seamless exit from the bank. They must also hand in all property of the employer that may still be in their possession. ‘In effect, the employees find themselves in a position where "today" they are told that "tomorrow" they have to say "goodbye",' Hermann said.

In the letter's closing, the employees are thanked for their valuable contribution in Absa and wished success for the future.

Statement issued by Dirk Hermann, Deputy General Secretary: Solidarity, May 10 2012

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