The South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) has joined efforts to save thousands of jobs at Cell C.
The Information Communications and Technology Union (ICTU) and African Democratic Change (ADEC) party have been in a public fight with Cell C over its plans to retrench 1,500 workers.
Saftu deputy general secretary, Moleko J Phakedi, said in the letter to Cell C: “We herewith wish to propose an urgent meeting with you either on Friday 10th or Monday 12th October at 11:00 at your Woodmead office.”
ICTU is an affiliate of Saftu, which is led by union firebrand Zwelinzima Vavi. Satfu represents about 800,000 workers through its 21 affiliated trade unions.
The union federation says it wants to meet Cell C CEO Douglas Craigie Stevenson to resolve the matter.
Saftu has informed Stevenson that it was getting involved in the matter because the ICTU is an affiliated member of its federation. ICTU is the sole worker representative at Cell C.
The latest Quarterly Labour Survey report says 2.2 million workers have lost their jobs during the second quarter.
Saftu warns this number is likely to be made up mostly of black youths and women workers.
The federation also says it is paying particular attention to the Information Communication and Technology industry.
