[ad_1]
The SABC in On Wednesday it said it had concluded consultations under section 189 of the Labor Relations Act and would now lay off 400 employees, 200 fewer than the 600 it previously said it may have to lay off.
“SABC is fully aware of the fact that this process will affect people’s livelihoods and, furthermore, will have a ripple effect on their families and communities. However, having exhausted all other options, we now face the difficult task of having to restructure the organization to ensure its sustainability, ”the public broadcaster said in a statement.
Some unions have threatened to strike over planned cuts. But the SABC said it held many consultation sessions with employees and unions over a four-month period, “significantly exceeding” the legal minimum requirement of four meetings over two months.
In addition to the 400 reductions, the SABC has identified 97 positions that will be part of an outsourcing initiative.
All affected employees will be offered a one-week severance package for each full year of service, the broadcaster said.
Salary freeze
In addition to the staff cuts, the SABC is considering freezing salaries for three years; reduce employee leave days from 35 calendar days to 28 days; discontinue the collection of days of leave; and reducing sick leave from 30 days per year to reflect 36 days in a three-year cycle aligned with the Basic Employment Conditions Act.
“While this decision was not easy, it is unfortunately necessary for the long-term sustainability of the SABC,” CEO Madoda Mxakwe said in the statement. “This reduction is understandably very challenging for all of our shareholders. However, it is a part of our approved change plan that will help reposition the SABC to achieve financial sustainability. ” – © 2020 NewsCentral Media
