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The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) is dismayed and shocked by the announcement which has been made by Eskom that it plans to shut down five power stations. Eskom announced this week that five power stations, Hendrina, Kriel, Komati, Grootvlei and Camden would be closed.

At least 6000 workers jobs are on the line and NUMSA wants to place it on record that no consultation took place between the board of Eskom and the trade unions. Furthermore as NUMSA we are convinced that the lack of consultation demonstrates that there is an attempt to hide the real reasons for this drastic course of action.

Eskom is well aware that if it has plans to end jobs or retrench workers it must follow due process which includes declaring section 189, so that proper retrenchment processes can take place. This has not happened. NUMSA has been engaging workers on the ground to establish the next course of action. If necessary we will go on strike and if that means plunging the country into darkness, then that is the strategy we must adopt.

As NUMSA we will do whatever is legally necessary to defend the thousands of jobs which are at stake. We are looking to engage with the NUM (National Union of Mineworkers) on this issue. For the sake of the workers, we need to put our ideological differences aside to formulate a united strategy to fight this attack on workers. NUMSA is also consulting with lawyers to establish if it has any legal recourse to deal with the latest onslaught against workers and their families.

“Organise or starve!”

Issued by NUMSA