The jobs of 106 workers at the Bidvest South African Container Depot (SACD) in Durban are in danger following a retrenchment process announced by the company.
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) said last Thursday that its members had embarked on strike action after it could not reach a resolution with the company.
The union stated that Numsa and Bidvest were unable to reach an agreement during the Section 189 consultation.
It said that on September 27, 2024, Bidvest served Numsa with a Section 189 notice, stating that 106 workers at the Durban office would be affected.
Bidvest SACD has a total of 294 employees nationally. Its work is primarily focused on cargo and container management.
Numsa stated: “The company, Bidvest, cited the significant downturn and loss of business activity as a direct result of intense market competition, which has led to the underutilisation of warehouse services,” adding that challenges affecting the national port system were contributing factors.
The union said that it had engaged with management, but at the end of the consultation process, they were unable to reach an agreement.
The union said it appeared that Bidvest intended to outsource the work of the SACD.
“Numsa opposes outsourcing because it would result in workers losing benefits and conditions they currently enjoy as permanent employees. It would also lead to a reduction in wages, which the union rejected as a proposal. Bidvest would not consider alternatives, only retrenchment.”
“Bidvest has already begun the process of outsourcing, as a service provider has been appointed. Workers were served with dismissal notices stating that their last day will be on the 31st of January.”
The union also raised concerns about the rights of its members being infringed upon, regarding the strike action.
“What is also disappointing is that Bidvest is violating the terms of the Recognition Agreement, which stipulates the area where workers are allowed to picket if they strike. We were unable to negotiate picketing rules through the CCMA; those talks fell through.”
A Bidvest SACD spokesperson said: “The restructuring process in terms of Section 189A of the Labour Relations Act has been completed. Current engagement between the parties relates to picketing rules.
“Operations remain open and, as always, our priority remains the safety and well-being of our employees.”