The new chief executive of arms manufacturer Denel, Shaun Liebenberg, will hold talks with labour unions on various issues within the next two months, trade union Solidarity said on Monday.
”Solidarity is delighted with Mr Liebenberg’s decision to have talks with trade unions within the next four to five weeks. We look forward to the opportunity and will definitely avail ourselves of this platform,” Solidarity spokesperson Jaco Kleynhans said.
Liebenberg made the announcement at a meeting earlier in the day attended by organised labour, Minister of Public Enterprises Alex Erwin and departing CEO Victor Moche.
Liebenberg also said he is planning to visit the near-bankrupt arms manufacturer’s subsidiaries within the next four to five weeks.
Kleynhans said Erwin thanked Moche for his capable management of Denel during his tenure.
The minister warned that an investigation will be conducted into who leaked the information on Moche being replaced and Liebenberg appointed, and these people will be dismissed.
Liebenberg told the meeting he would prefer it if no Denel workers lose their jobs, but he cannot make this promise.
Kleynhans said Liebenberg believes processes within Denel can be adapted in ways that will enable the company to deliver the same products at cheaper prices and without sacrificing personnel.
”Solidarity is delighted with Liebenberg’s positive approach, but we are perturbed by Minister Erwin’s announcement that plans are afoot to sell R730-million-worth of non-core Denel assets.
”The fact that the minister could not provide clear answers in this respect is a source of great concern to the trade union,” Kleynhans said.
Moche will hand over to Liebenberg at the end of May. — Sapa