This archive report was first published on 25 September 2019.
Published on September 25, 2019, thousands of South African bank employees are set to stage a massive protest on Friday, citing ongoing retrenchment in the banking sector.
The planned strike, which has been in the works since June, is expected to impact bank customers, making it difficult for them to transact on the day of the protest.
According to Joe Kokela, an official with the South African Bank Staff Association (SABSA), the union has lost trust in the banks' promises and actions towards its members.
It's estimated that between 45,000 to 50,000 workers will join the protest, a significant number that reflects the growing discontent among bank employees.
South African banks have been undergoing restructuring, resulting in numerous job cuts over the years. Standard Bank has closed some branches this year, affecting 1,200 jobs, while Absa Bank has warned of potential job losses due to its restructuring plans.
