NUMSA criticises Ford’s SA branch on decision to retrench over 400 employees

JOHANNESBURG - The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has criticised Ford Motor Company's South African branch on its decision to retrench more than 400 employees.

The union said its members received their retrechment notices - according to the law - earlier this week from the company.

Ford is streamlining its manufacturing operations at two plants in Pretoria and the Eastern Cape.

NUMSA’s spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, said the company is prioritising profits over the livelihoods of employees.

“In the notice, the company states that it proposes to realign its manufacturing operation and that this realignment may result in the discontinuation of approximately 474 jobs. 

“NUMSA is shocked at the announcement made by Ford Company South Africa. We regard these plant closures and retrenchments as an attack on the South African working class.”