COSATU general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi yesterday described retail giant Massmart's statement that it would create 15000 jobs in SA in the next five years as misleading.
"They are pulling the wool over our eyes," Vavi said.
"You might see 15000 jobs but you must start counting the job losses once they start outsourcing everything in their store. The cost to the economy will be massive."
Cosatu opposed the recently approved bid by US retailer Wal-Mart to acquire 51percent of Massmart. The federation's concern is that the deal will cause job losses.
Massmart chief executive Grant Patttisson says the company estimates that it will create 15000 jobs over the next five years, and source an additional R60billion worth of food and other consumer goods.
Vavi came out against Walmart's advertisements, which appeared yesterday, announcing major price cuts on retail goods .
"Saccawu is appealing and that merger will not go ahead until all appeal processes have been heard. Those advertisements are premature," he said. Vavi was speaking at Gallagher Estate, where Cosatu is to start its four-day central committee meeting today.
Asked whether President Jacob Zuma had performed well as a statesman, he said: "That is what we are going to discuss in the next four days, it's not up to me to decide."
But Vavi said those who thought the ANC leadership debate was on the agenda would be disappointed. He said he did not agree with the ANC Youth League and the Gauteng ANC that the leadership discussion should start now.
Massmart misleading us - Vavi
COSATU general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi yesterday described retail giant Massmart's statement that it would create 15000 jobs in SA in the next five years as misleading.
"They are pulling the wool over our eyes," Vavi said.
"You might see 15000 jobs but you must start counting the job losses once they start outsourcing everything in their store. The cost to the economy will be massive."
Cosatu opposed the recently approved bid by US retailer Wal-Mart to acquire 51percent of Massmart. The federation's concern is that the deal will cause job losses.
Massmart chief executive Grant Patttisson says the company estimates that it will create 15000 jobs over the next five years, and source an additional R60billion worth of food and other consumer goods.
Vavi came out against Walmart's advertisements, which appeared yesterday, announcing major price cuts on retail goods .
"Saccawu is appealing and that merger will not go ahead until all appeal processes have been heard. Those advertisements are premature," he said. Vavi was speaking at Gallagher Estate, where Cosatu is to start its four-day central committee meeting today.
Asked whether President Jacob Zuma had performed well as a statesman, he said: "That is what we are going to discuss in the next four days, it's not up to me to decide."
But Vavi said those who thought the ANC leadership debate was on the agenda would be disappointed. He said he did not agree with the ANC Youth League and the Gauteng ANC that the leadership discussion should start now.
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