Numsa wants full disclosure

Union threatens GM boycott

THE National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) yesterday demanded full disclosure on the General Motors (GM) deal with Isuzu.

This comes after Numsa officials met GM employees on Tuesday in Port Elizabeth to discuss details of the company’s decision to disinvest from South Africa.

Last week, GM announced it was disinvesting from South Africa and that it had sold its local operations to Isuzu. As a result, production and sales of all Chevrolet models will cease, and Isuzu will take over the firm’s operations in Port Elizabeth. Isuzu will also be taking over the parts centre because it will be manufacturing trucks and commercial vehicles.

Since that announcement, GM has filed a notice to retrench about 600 workers out of a 1 500 workforce.

Numsa general secretary Irvin Jim said the union was “disgusted” by the manner in which GM had conducted itself, saying the car manufacturer did not act in good faith.

The number of workers likely to be retrenched would be much higher, as thousands of workers in related industries would be affected, he said.

Unilaterally

“GM has not disclosed the full terms of the agreement it signed with Isuzu. Because it acted unilaterally and refused to engage trade unions and government on its decision, our view is that this announcement is proof that it is trying to pull the wool over our eyes.

“The car manufacturer knows full well that before any announcement is made to retrench workers, it must consult unions 60 days ahead of time, so that we can assist to find alternatives for those workers affected by the job losses.

“However, GM deliberately did not engage and waited until the last minute to impose this process on workers.”

Jim said Numsa will drive a campaign to boycott GM products because of job losses.

“If GM wants to sell cars in SA, it must manufacture and produce them locally, otherwise it must leave South Africa and take its products with it. We call on government to intervene and ensure that GM is not allowed to dump its products in South Africa after it has exploited workers,” Jim said.

“As Numsa, we will drive a campaign to boycott their products. Once GM has disclosed fully the terms of the agreement we may be able to put forward alternatives to mitigate against further job losses.”

Meanwhile, Jim said Numsa has agreed to participate in consultation with GM on retrenchments under the auspices of the CCMA. – African News Agency (ANA)