Clothing bargaining council begins to shut down factories

03 May '11

2 min read

The United Clothing and Textile Association (UCTA) has been informed that the Bargaining Council is currently undertaking operations to shut down at least six factories in New Castle. Such action will impact 2000 workers. Our information is that the majority of workers who are being affected are not in favour of the factories being closed. It is also clear, that this is a systematic and specific target campaign towards the New Castle Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry who has been a needle in the side of the clothing union Sactwu.

The United Clothing and Textile Association regrets the statement made by Patrick Craven of Cosatu, in his May Day Message. The United Clothing and Textile Association has never encouraged its members to relocated to neighbouring countries. The clothing union has been aware for a long time that this is one option for employers if no amicable solution is found. However, we do find it hypocritical that Cosatu finds the space to criticize the UCTA when its affiliate, SACTWU, has financial interests in a clothing company that has manufacturing plants in Lesotho.

The United Clothing and Textile Association still firmly believes that there is an opportunity to find an amicable solution to this ongoing issue facing the clothing sector. The stance of United Clothing and Textile Association is to find mechanisms and space to work in collaboration with the union and bargaining council. UCTS believes if such collaborative mutualism can be found, jobs will be saved, and business development in the clothing and textile sector encouraged.

The United Clothing and Textile Association have always maintained that the current impasse is more than just wages.

The United Clothing and Textile Association will be monitoring the developments closely and engage with its members as this situation unfolds. We sincerely hope that further factory closures can be stopped and the concerned parties can meet and discuss the situation in an amicable and honest manner where all parties can apply their collective minds to a feasible solution that will make the clothing and textile sector a vibrant contributor to the economic success of South Africa.

United Clothing and Textile Association (UCTA)