Photo by: Duane Daws
South Africa’s third-largest mobile operator Cell C has confirmed that up to 190 jobs could be threatened as it started consultations on possible retrenchments.
The process, which was the result of restructuring “certain areas” of the 1 458-employee operator, was expected to be completed by the end of January.
“At this time, and subject to consultation with the affected employees, this process could affect up to 190 employees - whether through possible retrenchment or redeployment in other areas of the business,” Cell C spokesperson Karin Fourie said.
However, trade union Solidarity said in a statement that Cell C, in a letter to its employees, indicated that “very few” vacant positions existed within the company that the affected employees could apply for.
Cell C was fighting to take market share from larger rivals Vodacom and MTN through an aggressive price cutting strategy.
Solidarity organiser in the telecommunication industry Linda Senekal urged the mobile operator to “follow the correct procedures and to be sensitive to the emotional impact of the process on its employees.”
“Retrenchments should always be the last resort and should only be implemented if the survival of the company is acutely at stake,” she said.
Cell C averred that it was “acting responsibly” and the retrenchment process would be in line with the Labour Relations Act.
“[Cell C] will do everything in its power to support those affected by this process.”