Unions blast Telkom s plans

WORKERS have rejected Telkom ’ s new restructuring plans which could see their wages being frozen and working hours cut.

Communication Workers Union general secretary Aubrey Tshabalala said the court last week ordered Telkom to consult with unions before it could make decisions on any form of restructuring.

“Telkom, if they go ahead with the restructuring, would be in contempt of court and we as a union remain opposed to any form of restructuring.

“Should Telkom go ahead with its plans we will fight them legally by, for instance, calling for [a] strike within 48 hours.” Telkom yesterday announced it was considering reducing working hours

and freezing wages, among other things.

“We have to take decisive action to curtail further business losses and have therefore decided to look at a number of cost containment options,” it said.

“Some of these measures will require engagement with organised labour, which will be initiated as and when required.

“The measures include … a wage freeze, investigating flexible working hours, new methodologies to improve productivity, upgrading employees’ skills, reduced working hours in the form of a shorter work week, potential outsourcing options, voluntary severance packages and voluntary early retirement packages.”

Telkom suffered a blow last week when trade union Solidarity won its court bid to stop the company retrenching 4 400 workers. The company’s plan in February to retrench 105 workers was also derailed at the Labour Court.

Solidarity ’ s Marius Croucamp accused the Johannesburg Stock Exchangelisted company of instilling fear in the workplace so workers would leave.

“We remain very sceptical about the latest proposal and need more information because it seems there is indirect discrimination against our members.” Croucamp said it appeared Telkom wanted to “play games by not giving us more details on the matter ”.

“It looks like this is a strategy to intimidate workers to cause them to flee the company,” he said.

“Telkom should have consulted all the recognised unions before coming up with the plan.”