International giant plans to cut 600 jobs in South Africa

A bottler for Coca-Cola plans to cut more than 600 jobs in South Africa, Business Day reported, citing Food and Allied Workers Union spokesperson Dominique Swartz.

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa has sent workers a notice of possible retrenchment and started a consultation process, the newspaper reported. A final decision hasn’t been made, it said. 

The labor union is opposed to the job cuts. Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa began operating in its current form in July 2016 after the merger of six non-alcoholic bottling operations.

The proposed cuts are another blow to the nation, which has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world. Ford, Glencore and ArcelorMittal have also announced plans to slash thousands of jobs in Africa’s biggest economy. 

US President Donald Trump’s 30% tariffs on exports from South Africa may also add to the crisis. The central bank estimates the increased levies may cost about 100,000 jobs, with the automotive and agricultural industries most vulnerable.