By Anita Dangazele
- Coca-Cola workers in East London and Bloemfontein could lose jobs as the company cuts costs and shifts production to a new high-tech plant.
- The Food and Allied Workers Union says it will fight the job losses, warning of the impact on already struggling communities.
Hundreds of Coca-Cola workers face losing their jobs as the company considers shutting down two factories.
The East London and Bloemfontein plants are most at risk, with up to 680 jobs on the line. In a letter to staff, Coca-Cola blamed money problems for the cuts.
The threat comes just months after the company opened a new R365-million bottling line in Midrand. The high-tech plant produces 72,000 bottles an hour and saves money and waste, leaving older factories struggling to compete.
Coca-Cola spokesperson Motshidi Mokwena confirmed that talks with unions and workers have started.
“Our priority is to support affected colleagues with fairness, transparency and compassion. Consultations are under way and no final decision has been made,” she said.
Food and Allied Workers Union spokesperson Dominique Martin said the union will fight the cuts.
“They indicated more than 600 workers might be affected, but the number could change depending on negotiations,” she said.
Martin added: “Far too many jobs have already been lost in the beverage sector and this will have a devastating impact on communities.”
Reports say Coca-Cola is offering packages to workers who leave voluntarily instead of being forced out.
The Eastern Cape has already been hit hard by factory closures – more than 900 jobs were lost when the Goodyear plant in Kariega shut down.
Pictured above: A Coca-Cola South Africa distribution truck
Image source: Facebook
