eNCA staff in distress amid allegations of 'constructed retrenchments'

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Published Mar 2, 2018

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Distress and anxiety

has struck at e.tv and eNCA studios with some staff reportedly leaving the

channels amid allegations of “constructed retrenchments”. 

Employees at the Hyde Park studios have told The Star that eMedia

Investments, which owns the channels, has been unfair to them by formulating

retrenchments “fronted as reconstruction”.

“People are being

exploited here. The team I’ve worked with for the past three years was told

yesterday that they will not be needed by end of March but they are employed as

permanent staff. The same was done at archives and IT departments. Reporters at

eNCA are in distress. It’s a mess,” said an e.tv programme anchor.

The Star has also been

told that some employees have already started packing while others have not

reported for work since the new changes were communicated.

These new developments

follow the sudden resignations of the head of current affairs Debbie Meyer and

the news channel court reporter last month. It’s believed that

Meyer’s exit was sealed as part of a retrenchment deal but she has publicly

rejected this. 

Mark Rosin, chief

operating officer of eMedia Investments, said that they were considering making

changes that would benefit the business. 

“At times in the life cycle of a business, it is necessary to look at a

company’s needs and requirements. eMedia Investments is currently considering

its structure and making necessary changes to ensure it continues to be a

profitable and strong business,” said Rosin.

 However, he was cagey

and did not want to explain how these changes would impact on staff or

programming.

 “This is an internal

matter between the Company and employees and we will not discuss or debate it

in the media. eMedia Investments is committed to ensuring that employees are

treated fairly and respectfully during this process, which is of course

difficult for everyone,” said Rosin.

@lindilesifile  

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