Solidarity launches huge campaign against retrenchments at Telkom
Trade union Solidarity today launched an extensive campaign against Telkom's current retrenchment process. As part of this campaign the trade union will also lodge documents with the Labour Court in Johannesburg in a bid to stop Telkom's use of race as a criterion during the process.
According to Johan Kruger, Deputy General Secretary of Solidarity, Telkom repeatedly made it clear during consultations with trade unions that it would use race as a selection criterion during the retrenchment process. "Retrenchment is a ‘no fault' dismissal. In terms of legislation, race may not be used as a criterion during a retrenchment process. Solidarity has therefore embarked on an extensive campaign to put a stop to this unfair practice," says Kruger.
"It is crucial that Solidarity take action on behalf of its members at Telkom and all other employers. We are prepared to take the matter all the way to the Constitutional Court if necessary. This type of practice is destructive and will simply give employers a way to improve their BEE grading during retrenchment processes," according to Kruger.
Kruger says members of the public can, among other things, sign a petition to show their support for Solidarity's campaign. The trade union plans on sending the signed petition to Telkom CEO Sipho Maseko. "We want to mobilise the public to let their voices be heard in protest against the unacceptable criterion," adds Kruger.
How to take part in Solidarity's campaign against the current retrenchment process at Telkom:
1. Send your petition letter to Telkom CEO Sipho Maseko. Click here.
2. Send an SMS: SMS the word "RACEKOM" to 34802 (R2/SMS). Each SMS will be counted as a petition message and will be sent to Mr Maseko.
3. "Like" Solidarity's Facebook page and share our posts regarding the campaign with your friends.
4. Tweet about the campaign, using #RACEKOM.
5. Tell your friends about the campaign.
Statement issued by Solidarity, July 8 2014
Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter
