Man commits suicide after Cell C retrenchment

Solidarity has demanded that the company halt further retrenchments and consult with unions representing members who could be affected by the process.

According to media reports, Cell C is planning to lay off around 150 employees of its total workforce of 1 288 as part of a restructuring programme aimed at improving the company’s efficiency.

Solidarity spokesperson Marius Croucamp said Cell C had not made an attempt to consult with the trade union over the retrenchments as set forward in section 189 of the Labour Relations Act.

“Trade unions play a crucial role in retrenchments. Solidarity follows a set plan of action in terms of which certain guidelines and methods are applied to minimise the effects of retrenchments and possibilities are explored to avert retrenchments,” Croucamp said.

“Cell C apparently acted hastily in starting to consult with employees over the planned retrenchments and failed to take the emotional impact a retrenchment notice has on employees into consideration. The company’s actions have probably already led to the unnecessary death of an employee,” he added.