A luxurious travel bus company, Intercape, has sent letters to its employees in Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe notifying them it will temporarily lay them off starting 1 May 2020.
The letter dated 15 April says that the employees will receive their salaries for April and the temporary layoff will be for 3 months, May, June and July 2020
The letter reads in part:
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO INTRODUCE A TEMPORARY LAY-OFF
Due to the COVID–19 lockdown and Intercape not allowed to operate, the employer is considering implementing a Temporary Lay-Off for an estimated period of 3 months (May, June and July 2020).
All employees in Intercape BOTSWANA, ZIMBABWE AND MOZAMBIQUE will be affected by this temporary layoff.
A consultation meeting between management and employees is not possible due to the COVID –19 lockdowns. Accordingly, Management would allow the opportunity for each employee to provide their written reaction to this as soon as possible, but no later than 17h00 on 20/04/2020.
Should you have any alternative suggestions to avoid the introduction of a Temporary lay-off, we would gladly consider it. All alternative suggestions can be sent in writing to HC.Care@intercape.co.za.
Should a temporary lay-off be introduced the following will apply:
1. The temporary lay-off comes into effect on 01 May 2020.
2. Employees affected will not receive a salary for May, June and July 2020.
3. Employees are allowed to work for other employers during this period and will not transgress their contracts of service should this be done.
4. Employees are allowed to claim unemployment benefits during this period from their
respective government institutions.
5. The temporary lay-off is proposed until 31 July 2020 and should the need arise to extend, cancel or shorten the period, management will contact the affected employees.
6. Employees must return to work on 03 August 2020.The employer holds the view that a temporary lay-off is in the interest of the workforce since it ensures the retention of job opportunities and the prevention of retrenchments. Please note that Management has attempted to avoid this situation, but unfortunately have no other alternatives at present.
Should no proposal be received it would be interpreted that you do not have a proposal on avoidance and that you agree and support the proposal by management.
Meanwhile, South African Airways might just shut down after the South African Government has, according to SABC, declined to give it a further R10 billion rescue package.