CWU warns SABC against the suspension of protesting journalists

On Friday, some SABC employees joined the union and the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League in a protest at the public broadcaster’s Auckland Park headquarters.

They are unhappy with the SABC’s decision to retrench some 400 employees as part of moves to improve its financial position.

At the 11th hour, the public broadcaster released a statement saying the retrenchment process has been suspended for seven days.

CWU spokesperson Aubrey Tshabalala says the SABC invited them to a meeting on Monday morning to discuss the demands made at the protest.

"We have not deviated from our original position that before anything else there must be a complete withdrawal of retrenchment letters and secondly we must abound the restructuring that includes retrenchments.

"We have also heard some of the news members might be charged or suspended, we warn against action saying workers should not be penalised for anything,” warns Tshabalala.

He adds that the union would not be doing any TV or radio interviews with the public broadcaster until the matters at the SABC are resolved.

The union is set to meet with SABC top management at 10 am on Monday.

CWU members are expected to continue picketing outside the public broadcaster's Auckland Park Head Quarters.