Numsa demands full disclosure on GM deal with Isuzu

The car company signed a deal with Isuzu to take over its operations in the country. 

Following that announcement GM has confirmed that at least six hundred workers will be retrenched as a result of this decision.

Numsa General Secretary, Irvin Jim, says they believe the number of retrenchments will be much higher.

"Thousands of workers in related industries are also likely to lose their jobs now that GM is pulling out of SA. 

GM's dealings with employees is devious and underhanded," he says.

Jim adds that they have sent GM a list of questions that is to be addressed at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.

"We will leave no stone unturned in finding out the reasons behind the cowardice approach by General Motors to unilaterally announce disinvestment without informing government or the union. We rejected the announcement with contempt," Jim says.

According to the union, General Motors has not disclosed the full terms of the agreement it signed with Isuzu.

"By virtue of the fact that it acted unilaterally and refused to engage trade unions and government on its decision, our view is that this announcement is proof that it is attempting to pull the wool over our eyes," Jim says.

He adds that they will be asking government to get involved and demand answers.

"We stand with our members and we are not concerned about our status as a union, but the plight of young workers," he says.