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Telkom retrenchment saga takes new twist

Johannesburg - The Telkom retrenchment saga has taken a new twist after the fixed-line telephone group CEO Sipho Maseko circulated a memo that informed staff members that the company hasn’t suspended the process to restructure the business through reducing the number of employees.

In a statement issued on Friday, Solidarity Union said Telkom has suspended the retrenchment process. “In terms of the agreement, Telkom will suspend all planned selections, appointments and retrenchments," the union said in a statement.

But on Friday morning, Maseko’s email said: “Despite recent statements in the media, we have not suspended the restructuring but will use this process to get further input. Please know that we will continue to treat every employee with dignity and respect."

I would also like to emphasise that we are taking additional steps with our partners to ensure the process is comprehensive and in the best interest of employees and the organisation.”

He emphasised that Telkom was approached by trade union partners to have further discussions on the restructuring process.

“I have agreed to further consultation as we remain committed to a fair process that works in partnership with the various stakeholders.”

The restructuring process is called “Fit for the Future”.

“Further announcements on the Fit for the Future process will be made to all Telkom staff once we have concluded this additional consultation process,” said Maseko.

However, the union on Friday issued a statement that argued Telkom’s email to employees misrepresented its agreement on restructuring reached with trade union Solidarity.

“Contrary to what Telkom says in the letter, the agreement does suspend the current restructuring plan,” the union said.

Marius Croucamp, Solidarity’s spokesperson, said the agreement amounts to much more than what Telkom’s letter calls a “process to get further input”. “It is disingenuous of Telkom to downplay the significance of the agreement."

Serious shortcomings of the previous restructuring plan included not only the deficient consultation process in the run-up to it, but also many of its suggestions. Among these suggestions were stipulations under which some of Telkom’s white, coloured and Indian workers could be laid off in order to reflect the national racial demographics and improve its black economic empowerment score.”

Solidarity’s attorneys have sent correspondence to Telkom insisting that its employees be properly informed of the full nature of the agreement.
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