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The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has criticized the company Premier Foods regarding its plans to close its fruit canning factory in Tulbagh. The union warns that this decision could jeopardize the jobs of thousands of people and the livelihoods of local farmers.

Furthermore, the union expressed concern over the company's CEO, Kobus Gertenhab, who is reportedly due a bonus of R17.4 million, which would increase his total compensation for the 2026 financial year to R26.1 million.

Cosatu stated that 'the proposed closure of the Fruits Products Western Cape (FPWC) factory in Tulbagh will lead to the devastation of the region.' It specified that this threatens approximately 3500 permanent and seasonal jobs at the factory, over 2000 permanent farm worker positions, as well as the livelihoods of about 200 commercial producers and their suppliers. The factory processes up to 60,000 tons of fruit annually and purchases products worth R300 million from local farmers.

The union also warned that farmers could suffer losses, as some producers have already invested in preparing for the next season and may be left without buyers for their produce. Cosatu linked the planned closure to Premier Foods' acquisition of RFG Holdings, believing it is part of a cost-cutting process.

The Competition Commission is investigating whether the closure complies with the conditions attached to the merger. The union called on Premier Foods to immediately cease the Section 189 consultation process, fulfill its contracts with producers, and find a sustainable solution for the Tulbagh factory. Cosatu stated that they support workers, farmers, and the entire community in opposing this 'heartless decision.'

The union warned that if Premier Foods does not meet these demands and continues the Section 189 consultation process with the intention of closure, they will have no choice but to organize mass public protests to protect jobs and livelihoods, and file an urgent injunction to halt this reckless process. Cosatu Western Cape will engage with all stakeholders, including the Government and the Competition Commission, to ensure the reversal of this reckless decision and prioritize the interests of workers and local communities over excessive executive pay.

The Solidarity union has accused Media24's senior management of being unable to resolve the company's financial problems and stated that it will thoroughly examine the business rationale for the proposed restructuring, which affects editorial teams in several major publications.

The Solidarity union insists on receiving full information regarding Media24's strategic and financial planning, including compensation packages for senior management and editors. This is necessary to assess the logic of the latest restructuring procedure, which could potentially lead to the loss of up to 126 jobs.

This demand followed Media24's announcement last week about starting a consultation process to restructure part of its editorial operations as part of the transition to a more compact and consolidated operating model. The publication stated that this step is part of efforts to create a more sustainable business amidst ongoing pressure on the media industry.

According to Solidarity data, the restructuring will affect the editorial departments and employees of several flagship Media24 brands, such as Huisgenoot, Sarie, Netwerk24, News24, YOU, and Weg!/GO!. The union believes that the cause of Media24's operational difficulties lies with the decisions of senior management, not the employees, who are now facing potential layoffs as a result of the Section 189A reduction process, which the union attributes to poor management decisions.

Helgard Kronhe, Deputy General Secretary of Solidarity for the public sector, noted that the recent layoff notices are the fourth such procedure at Media24 in the last three years, indicating a failure to achieve the strategic goals set during previous restructurings. He stated that Media24 is once again trying to shift the blame for management errors onto qualified journalists, photographers, layout artists, and other staff, despite the obviousness of the irresponsible management decisions that led the company to this situation.

Solidarity emphasized that the requested disclosure of information will help determine whether sufficient alternatives were considered to ensure Media24's financial viability. The union believes the problem lies at the management level, not the operational level, and therefore the remuneration of Media24's senior personnel, including editors, relates to business modeling and the company's strategic survival plans.

Kronhe also believes that reckless editorial decisions are made at this level. He added that these decisions are not the fault of the pressured employees, but they have become one of the main reasons for reader alienation and subscriber flight. According to him, some publications sacrificed their credibility in the process, and this reputation cannot be restored by any restructuring or consolidation.

Solidarity strongly supports its members and staff at Media24 whose careers are threatened due to what the union calls questionable management decisions. Previously, IOL reported that Solidarity stepped in to defend its members at Media24 after the company issued official Section 189A notices as part of the alleged restructuring, which could affect up to 126 jobs.

Johan Russ, Solidarity's industrial relations organizer, expressed deep concern about the possible loss of editorial expertise in publications such as Huisgenoot and Sarie, especially in the sports and lifestyle sections of well-known titles. Russ assured that alternative options would be sought to prevent or limit layoffs as much as possible.

The union confirmed the start of consultations with Media24 to protect the interests of its members and intends to scrutinize the company's business rationale for restructuring. Solidarity stated that this will include demanding that the employer properly investigate its business rationale and proposed structures to avoid such radical steps. The union also noted that it is the largest union at Media24.

For its part, Media24 stated that the proposed changes aim to optimize editorial operations and ensure the long-term sustainability of its media division. However, the company stressed that the proposed structures are not final and remain subject to the results of the Section 189A consultation process.