Ford faces backlash from NUMSA as 474 workers face retrenchment

The National Union of Mineworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has demanded that Ford Motor Company immediately halt its planned retrenchments, which threaten 474 permanent jobs at its Silverton and Struandale plants.

This call follows Ford's issuance of a Section 189 notice, outlining its intention to implement job cuts as part of a "manufacturing realignment."

In a statement released to the media on Monday, NUMSA General Secretary Irvin Jim expressed grave concerns, stating that these retrenchments could exacerbate deindustrialisation and lead to significant job losses within the sector.

"NUMSA has witnessed a painful pattern that as soon as employers' profits are under threat, the first thing they do is to target what they regard as the weakest link in the chain, which is workers," Jim said.

The union also emphasised the need for government intervention to support manufacturing and prevent large-scale job cuts.

"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.

"We have repeatedly stated that we urgently need more manufacturing and industrialisation to create the most needed jobs in order to reverse deindustrialisation that has taken place for the past three decades of our democracy, and stimulate economic growth in the economy. And surely these retrenchments are worsening the levels of de-industrialization that have already taken place".

The union further called on Ford Motor Company and the CCMA to "set up dates for us to engage in consultation with the union, taking into account that we have a mere 60 days to find alternatives".

"We will engage Ford Motor company and advance alternatives to retrenchments. We call on all workers to unite behind the union. They must speak to shop stewards for more information on the process".

Reuters reported that Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa said in a statement that it was making necessary adjustments to its manufacturing operations in both plants.

"These changes are part of our ongoing efforts to optimise production and respond to evolving market demands," the statement read.

Willie Venter, deputy general secretary of Solidarity said: "Economic pressures, international political uncertainties, and the government's unfavourable policies are making the industry increasingly less competitive. When an automotive giant like Ford takes such drastic steps, it is a warning to the entire industry. We fear that further retrenchments in this industry may be inevitable if conditions do not improve quickly."

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