Trade union Solidarity has made a U-turn in its stance on retrenchment at the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), saying now it is positive it can effectively limit retrenchments.
Earlier this week, the union said it was not very hopeful of saving any of the 75 heads that are on the block at the TIA, as part of a major restructuring at the organisation.
However, Solidarity seems to have changed its tune, following the first official meeting regarding the retrenchments at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
According to Jahni Cowley, sector co-ordinator of the professional services industry at Solidarity, the trade union is satisfied with the manner in which the process has been conducted up to now. "We are very pleased with the process thus far.
"We feel that the CCMA is conducting the process in a very professional manner," Cowley said. She added the next meeting with the CCMA is expected to take place on 14 October.
Cowley said Solidarity remains committed to zero job losses at TIA. "Solidarity wants to help put the company on the road to prosperity by means of constructive and sensible consultations. We believe that retrenchments should always be the last resort, especially for a company whose growth and performance are under pressure."
The trade union received a section 189A notice from the TIA earlier this month, indicating that as many as 75 employees would be affected by the retrenchment process.
The company stated it wants to improve its efficiency and profitability by means of the layoffs.
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