Nissan’s plans will reportedly result in the closure of its Rosslyn plant near Pretoria, as part of a global consolidation strategy to reduce its number of factories from 17 to 10.
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) has pledged to defend jobs following Nissan’s announcement of global plant closures, which include facilities in South Africa.
Nissan’s plans will reportedly lead to the closure of its Rosslyn Plant outside Pretoria as part of its factory consolidation from 17 to 10.
The Japanese brand announced last week that it would reduce its global workforce by a further 20 000 jobs on top of 9 000 last year, and shut seven factories after posting a record R82.2 billion revenue loss for the 2024 financial year.
‘At least 20 000 jobs are at risk’
Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola said on Tuesday that the union has noted with concern Nissan’s planned shutdown of some of its plants.
“We must be upfront and state that as a union, we have not received formal communication or confirmation, and the information we have is based on media reports. If these reports are true, at least 20 000 jobs are at risk.
“A spokesperson for Nissan South Africa reportedly stated that the company is conducting a detailed internal assessment and cannot confirm which plants will be affected, and we understand from the media that these closures are anticipated, and final decisions are likely to be made by the 2027 fiscal year,” Hlubi-Majola said in a statement.
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Numsa plans to meet Nissan
Hlubi-Majola said Numsa is planning to meet the management of Nissan soon.
“We hope to get clarity on the situation. As soon as we do, we will update the public and our members. Numsa wants to assure its members that it stands ready to defend jobs in the sector.”
According to reports, the factories reported for closure are the Oppama and Shonan plants in Japan, one of its three facilities in Mexico, and the Chennai and Santa Isabel plants in India and Argentina, which are operated by alliance partner Renault.
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