NUM 'shattered' as Glencore, Samancor push ahead with plans to cut 3,000 jobs
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has slammed looming retrenchments at Glencore and Samancor operations
Image: File Photo: IOL
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has slammed looming retrenchments at Glencore and Samancor operations, warning of a devastating impact on thousands of workers and their families.
This comes after Glencore issued notice of a Section 189 retrenchment process under the Labour Relations Act, set to take effect from 1 September 2025.
The process could result in the loss of more than 3,000 jobs across several key operations, including the Boshoek and Wonderkop Smelters in Rustenburg, Rhovan Vanadium near Bethanie, and the Carbon Division in Emalahleni.
In an interview with SA FM on Tuesday, Lefty Mashego, NUM Chief Negotiator, said the union was "shattered" by Glencore’s decision to move forward with retrenchments while discussions with labour and government were still ongoing.
"It goes without saying that we are shattered. We are really shocked that the company has finally have activated their contemplation to this effect," Mashego said.
"We are really shattered. I mean, you will know, and the listeners, that we are sitting at the highest peak of unemployment in South Africa. Really, I mean, we are sitting at almost 35%, 33.2%, and youth is mostly affected in this thing".
He added that the retrenchments would have far-reaching consequences, impacting not just the employees but also their families and communities.
"We are talking around 3,000 per projection. We are yet to still be determined in terms of the total individuals that are in scope, I mean, the operations that are in scope," Mashego added
"But here it involves down to the shared services, it's not only the smelters, it's a lot of sections. And as a result, I mean, we are talking about 3,000 employees to be affected by this thing".
IOL previously reported that the union had also called on Ford Motor Company to halt its planned retrenchments that are set to affect 474 workers and engage in meaningful consultations to find alternatives.
"NUMSA is shocked at the announcement made by Ford Motor Company South Africa. We regard these plant closures and retrenchments as an attack on the South African working class". General Secretary Irvin Jim said earlier this week.
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