Fears of retrenchments as Meropa is restructuring

Frustration and fear of losing their jobs are some of the emotions employees at Meropa Casino and Entertainment World, which is part of Sun International, are experiencing, with the company being in the process of restructuring.

Personnel who spoke to Review on condition of anonymity, said the situation at the company was tense.

“We are all stressed out, because we don’t know who will be asked to leave and who will stay. Work is scarce and some of us have families to support and cannot afford to lose our jobs,” one of the employees said.

Clifford Ngakane, Meropa general manager confirmed the company was restructuring.

“Following an extensive review of its South African operations, Sun International has commenced a consultation process in terms of the Labour Relations Act, organised labour, and other stakeholders regarding possible restructuring,” he said.

He added that the focus of the review process in South Africa has been on becoming more efficient and productive, improving revenues and profitability.

“The review process has identified potential opportunities to achieve these objectives, and establish a stronger cash flow for the continued success of the company in the medium to long term. Based on the company’s initial assessment of restructuring possibilities, approximately 1 700 positions throughout the South African operations of the company may potentially be affected,” Ngakane said.

According to him, the initial assessment is subject to an in-depth consultation process that will now commence, during which all options will be explored, he added.