Trade union federation Cosatu has called for what it describes as progressive, long-term solutions to protect workers in the highly competitive local motor industry as it struggles under the weight of cheap Chinese imports.
This follows the retrenchment of 86 employees by JSE-listed vehicle importer and retailer Motus due to industry pressures, while a further 579 workers are set to be affected by changes to remuneration and benefits effective January 1.
The Motor Industry Staff Association Misa, the majority trade union in the retail motor industry, representing more than 75,000 members, said this was one of the biggest retrenchments it had been involved in after the influx of Chinese brands caused severe pressure and competition in the motor retail industry.
