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Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) is reportedly planning to eliminate approximately 680 jobs as part of a restructuring initiative aimed at addressing ongoing financial pressures.
According to a report by Business Day, which cited Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU) spokesperson Dominique Swartz, the company has initiated a consultation process with employees and unions regarding potential retrenchments, although no final decision has yet been made.
The impending job cuts reportedly coincide with the planned closure of production facilities in Bloemfontein and East London, marking a significant shift in the operations of one of the region's largest bottlers for Coca-Cola.
FAWU has raised concerns about the legitimacy of the retrenchments, claiming that procedural violations have occurred in the notification process.
Swartz indicated that the majority of the affected workers are cleaning staff, who play a critical role in the food and beverage production processes. This group reportedly constitutes nearly 9% of CCBSA's workforce of approximately 7,700 employees in South Africa.
The union plans to challenge the retrenchment process, arguing that the company’s rationale is more about "realigning the business" than addressing genuine financial hardship.
Motshidisi Mokwena, CCBSA's head of communication, said in a statement to local press: "We have started a consultation process with unions and non-unionised employees who may be impacted".
"Our priority is to support affected colleagues with fairness, transparency, and compassion during this process. Consultations are underway, and no final decision has been made."
This announcement is reportedly part of a broader trend of multinational corporations scaling back operations in South Africa, driven by economic challenges, strained trade relations and rising operational costs.
Notably, other major companies, including Ford Motor Company and Goodyear, have also announced significant job cuts in recent months, reflecting the tough economic landscape.
The situation is further complicated by South Africa's fraught trade relations with the US, which have been characterised by disputes over tariffs and trade privileges.
These tensions may have contributed to declining investor confidence and a challenging operating environment for international firms, prompting many to reassess their commitments to the region.
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), the parent company of CCBSA, has expressed ambitious growth plans for the continent, yet the contradiction of expanding operations while simultaneously cutting jobs highlights the ongoing tension between corporate efficiency and local employment.
