Plan to retrench up to 6 000 post office workers slammed

Labour federation, SAFTU and its affiliate, the Democratic Postal and Communications Union (DPCU), have bemoaned the planned retrenchment of up to 6 000 post office workers in a bid to rescue the cash-strapped State-Owned Entity (SOE).

The organisations say the move will throw workers into destitute and poverty.

On Thursday, creditors approved the post office’s business rescue plan that will also see more than 400 branches shut their doors.

It will be implemented over the next two to five years, with government expected to give the entity a R3.8 billion bailout.

SAFTU National Spokesperson, Trevor Shaku, blames the mismanagement of the South African Post Office and the closure of branches for the perpetual insolvency the organisation has been in over the past few years.

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) wants government to reconsider the plan to lay off workers.

The party says this decision adds to the growing list of SOEs facing dire consequences since Cyril Ramaphosa assumed office, often with the assistance of the “incapable” Public Enterprises Minister, Pravin Gordhan.

“It is disheartening to witness the toll that economic decisions are taking on the livelihoods of hardworking individuals, and the Post Office’s workforce is no exception. The practical human effects of these retrenchments are profound and alarming,” says ATM spokesperson, Zama Ntshona.

Ntshona is appealing to government to engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders, including worker representatives, to find solutions that protect jobs and uphold the dignity of workers.

Minister of Communications, Mondli Gungubele, has on the other hand welcomed the adoption of the rescue plan.

In a statement, Gungubele says the timeous adoption of the plan sets a course in turning the tide of saving the SOE.