AS many as 100 Foskor Richards Bay employees could soon be without jobs as the fertilizer and acid manufacturer battles the brittle economy.
A number of projects already in planning stages may also be put on hold.
And as many as 200 jobs could be lost at the parastatal’s Phalaborwa headquarters.
While not admitting to numbers, Foskor confirmed the dire situation on Friday.
A terse statement issued from their Midrand communications office, entitled ‘Foskor’s current position’, read:
‘Foskor CEO, Alfred Pitse shared the company’s financial position with all employees via briefing sessions in October this year.
’Due to the persistent financial difficulties due to adverse trading conditions, the company has decided to embark on a restructuring exercise.
‘The restructuring exercise may result in reshuffling of positions and consolidation of certain functions.
‘This will also result in a reduced staff complement.
‘Foskor is an employer of choice and it is with this in mind that we, as a company will try all possible means to retain this status and remain competitive in the fertilizer market.’
Insiders told the Zululand Observer that as many as 15 managers were in the firing line, and that eight ex-pats from India who have been a prominent part of the local workforce would also be packing their bags.
Having started the year on a negative note, with two serious incidents of acid burns – one fatal and the other resulting in dual amputations – still the subject of Department of Labour investigations into the precarious state of the plant, Foskor’s fate is a major concern to the local community.
