8th October 1998

To: Managing Director - EDGARS
From: Office of the General Secretary - SACP
Subject: The position of EDGARS on the workers strike

As the SACP, we are seriously concerned over the manner in which EDGARS has dealt with its employees in relation to the issues of company profits and employee wages. The SACP categorically rejects the decision by EDGARS to unilaterally freeze the wages of its employees based on the rationale of a drop in company profits. This kind of action sets a dangerous precedent and lends itself to an undermining of collective bargaining institutions that South Africans have fought so long to achieve.

Likewise, the SACP rejects the process of unilateral restructuring that EDGARS is undertaking. The decisions to force employees to re-apply for positions - most often resulting in what is commonly referred to as casualisation - is unacceptable. Not only will EDGARS employees lose out on accumulated wages and benefits, but the entire process lacks any proper consultation as has been enshrined in labour legislation.

The SACP demands that EDGARS and its management structures undertake to negotiate with the relevant unions in good faith and with transparency. Failure to do so can only lead to further confrontation and all of its associated consequences.

Sincerely yours,

Blade Nzimande
SACP General Secretary