GOOD statement by Shaun August
GOOD: National Organiser and Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament
13 July 2022
The GOOD party in the Western Cape welcomes the fruitful negotiations between Tiger Brands, labour unions and stakeholders which resulted in a 12-month extension of the canning factory operation in Ashton.
Mass unemployment was looming for the people of Langeberg and Ashton as the canning factory was on the verge of closing.
These negotiations secured 4 500 jobs for the next year, saved local businesses dependent on the operation of this plant, and ensured that the Western Cape remains a key player in global trade.
Unemployment in South Africa is a national crisis on its own and considering the slow economic progress in rebuilding after the COVID-19 pandemic, the Western Cape can ill afford to witness the closure of this factory often praised for being the biggest canning operation in Africa.
The Western Cape needs to applaud this positive outcome and the fact that workers will be able to sustain their lives and livelihoods for another year, and that the community still positively benefits from the associated opportunities.
As GOOD we are hopeful that the next steps and search for interested buyers will soon lead to a permanent solution.
Media Enquiries:
Shaun August, GOOD: National Organiser & Member of Western Cape Provincial Parliament
Cell: 074 746 7378
Email: shauna@forgood.org.za
Janke Tolmay, GOOD: Media Manager
Cell: 0733671223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za