GQEBERHA – Ford South Africa announced mass layoffs affecting over 470 workers at its Silverton vehicle plant in Pretoria and Struandale engine facility in Gqeberha.
Trade Union Solidarity confirmed, in a statement, that Ford South Africa has sent an official notice to the union and others in which the company announces its intention to retrench more than 470 employees.
These retrenchments affect both the Silverton vehicle factory in Pretoria and the Struandale engine factory in Gqeberha.
According to the notice, Ford says the job losses follow a “realignment” of its production capacity to match current and expected market demand. In reality, this means the termination of 391 operator positions in Silverton, 73 at Struandale and 10 administrative positions.
“We see this announcement as the beginning of possible greater job losses facing the entire automotive industry in South Africa,” says Willie Venter, deputy general secretary of Solidarity.
According to Venter, economic pressure, international political uncertainties, and the government’s unfavourable policies are causing this industry to become increasingly uncompetitive.
“When an automotive giant like Ford takes such drastic steps, it is a warning to the entire sector. We fear that further retrenchments in this industry may be inevitable if the circumstances do not improve quickly,” he warns.
Solidarity confirms that it will attend the consultation process under the guidance and supervision of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and that all its affected members will receive full support.
“We will explore every possible alternative to limit job losses, and we will ensure that Ford not only fulfils its duty, but that employees are treated fairly,” says Venter.
Solidarity also pointed out that these retrenchments will have a serious impact on the communities in Pretoria and Gqeberha and that it once again shows how vulnerable South African industries are under the current economic climate.
“Without effective intervention and economic reform on the part of our government, our country will have to endure even more job losses,” says Venter.
