Association comments on closure of textile factories

"Our information is that the majority of workers who are being affected are not in favour of the factories being closed. It is also clear, that this is a systematic and specific target campaign towards the Newcastle Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry who has been a needle in the side of the clothing union SACTWU," said the UCTA in a statement.

The Association regrets the statement made by Patrick Craven of COSATU, in his May Day Message. It has never encouraged its members to relocate to neighbouring countries. The clothing union has been aware for a long time that this is one option for employers if no amicable solution is found. "However, we do find it hypocritical that COSATU finds the space to criticize the UCTA when its affiliate, SACTWU, has financial interests in a clothing company that has manufacturing plants in Lesotho," said the UCTA.

It still firmly believes that there is an opportunity to find an amicable solution to this ongoing issue facing the clothing sector. Its stance is to find mechanisms and space to work in collaboration with the union and bargaining council. It believes if such collaborative mutualism can be found, jobs will be saved, and business development in the clothing and textile sector encouraged.

The UCTA says it has always maintained that the current impasse is more than just wages and will be monitoring the developments closely and engaging with its members, as this situation unfolds. We sincerely hope that further factory closures can be stopped and the concerned parties can meet and discuss the situation in an amicable and honest manner where all parties can apply their collective minds to a feasible solution that will make the clothing and textile sector a vibrant contributor to the economic success of South Africa.