Over 800 people could lose their jobs at fibres company

By Ilhaam Hoosain
06 December 2007

Hundreds of workers in the fibre industry could lose their jobs as SA Nylon Spinners (Sans) Fibres, plans to close a section of the company.

According to the Cape Times, the company which employs about 1500 people and had a turnover of R1.5 billion in 2004, is believed to be closing down a division, a step that could see as many as 850 workers being retrenched.

Presently the compaby is in negotiations with the SA Clothing and Textile Workers Union about job losses.

Sans Fibres chief executive Brad Page is quoted as saying: “It is sad in many ways, but at the end of the day, as part of management , we have to see this through.”

“As far as the union is concerned, it is premature to have made such an announcement. Legal processes are under way and we are looking at whether the company’s decision to cut that many jobs is warranted.

“The workers are being left on uncertain ground,” says André Kriel Sactwu deputy general secretary.

According to Kriel in negotiations with the company, the union had been told the company was closing down because of “financial reasons”, “the loss of other important business”, and other factors.

The situation is looking difficult and the union is shocked at the announcement. At the Friday meeting, they raised deep concern. The next meeting is expected to take place on December 11.

The first meeting was held last month and there have only been two so far.

“We are looking at interventions that are geared at saving jobs,” says Kriel.