MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Employees at PetroSA this week have been engaging with management on the way forward regarding ongoing labour issues at the gas to liquid (GTL) refinery.

Talks included wage negotiations and trying to save the jobs of 500 employees. 

In January this year, the Mossel Bay Advertiser reported on the announcement that PetroSA planned to retrench staff and that notices of retrenchment issued could affect up to 500 of the company's employees.

Negotiations involved unions including CEPPWAWU. A source who preferred to remain anonymous told the Advertiser this week, that the Section 189 retrenchment process in terms of the Labour Relations Act, was expected to affect more employees than previously said. According to information received, only 200 jobs will remain and not 500.

The Advertiser was also informed that an update of the process, by means of a virtual address to staffers by the GCEO and acting CFO, was scheduled.

During this address on Monday, 17 May, the financial situation of the company was to be clarified. Following the scheduled meeting, the Advertiser tried to obtain feedback from employees involved in the process, but received no reponse.

The Advertiser directed enquiries to PetroSA for comment regarding the process and to confirm numbers.

A spokesperson for the company responded by saying that due to management still being engaged in meetings on the labour issues, comment would not be available at the time of going to press on Wednesday. The spokesperson committed to offering comment by the end of the week, if not sooner.

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