Numsa refuses Nissan package offer

The National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) has rejected "starvation" severance packages that Nissan SA Motors offered workers it intended retrenching. Ali Makhusha, Numsa's local co-ordinator, made the announcement today. Nissan had earlier announced that it would retrench 410 workers this week.

Makhusha said the union had reached an "in principle" agreement with Nissan to replace the retrenchments with negotiations for voluntary retirement packages for its longest-serving employees. Nissan management has offered to pay employees with 30 years service or more, packages ranging between R110 000 and R150 000.

"We are disgusted by this offer. It is the same offer that was made in the 2003 retrenchment negotiations. We would never accept starvation packages. The severance packages should be double the amounts currently offered," said Makhusha.

Makhusha said the union had asked Nissan's management to go back and review its position ahead of their rescheduled meeting on Thursday. - Sapa