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Podcast: First Take SA
Episode: NUMSA rejects retrenchment process at MacSteel
Description: The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa has slammed Macsteel management for sparking an indefinite strike that began on Friday. The union claims Macsteel forcibly retrenched workers and pressured them into accepting voluntary severance packages of just 40,000 rand, based on one week's pay per year of service. NUMSA calls this far below industry standards, which typically offer three to four weeks' pay per year. The union has rejected the retrenchment process as a sham, accusing Macsteel of harassing workers and ignoring consultation protocols. Elvis Presslin spoke to NUMSA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola