Metair subsidiary First Battery’s decision to retrench 165 workers has ignited a heated debate between the company and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa).

Numsa general secretary Irvin Jim accused management of failing to align with Masterplan Vision 2035, which promotes localisation in the automotive industry.

He argued that the retrenchments were avoidable due to poor strategic decisions, such as relying on imported batteries instead of supporting local production.The company defended its actions, stating it followed an extensive consultation process and had contingency plans for potential strikes.Numsa rejected the offered voluntary severance package of R10,000, citing inconsistencies with the company’s reported financial health.

The union threatened a protected strike starting July 6, 2026, after management dismissed their proposed alternatives, including import tariff protections and cost-cutting measures.

Jim emphasized that every imported battery represents lost local manufacturing opportunities, highlighting the broader economic impact of the retrenchments on South African workers and industries.