Scores of SABC workers likely to lose their jobs

Almost 1 000 permanent SABC employees may be retrenched, the public broadcaster said yesterday, adding that 1 200 freelancers will be affected.

The SABC yesterday sent a notification to staff informing them of their intention to proceed with Section 189 of the Labour Relations Act (LRA).

The process was initially halted after a joint consensus-seeking meeting on October 12 with labour unions.

“At this meeting it was agreed that the LRA’s Section 189 notice will be put in abeyance until further details as requested by organised labour, were made available,” the SABC said in a statement.

“The meeting also agreed to the appointment of a Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) facilitator who will foresee the consultation process.

“It is envisaged that all employees and at all levels in the SABC will be affected by the restructuring... At this stage, and should retrenchments be necessary, it is envisaged that 981 employees may possibly be retrenched ... across all the aforesaid business units and operations of the SABC. Out of the 2 400 freelancers, 1 200 will be affected.”

The SABC said all employees, including the group services, provincial operations, commercial enterprises, media technology and infrastructure, news, radio, sport and television would be affected. – ANA