Solidarity declares formal dispute with government over retrenchments [SOUND]

# Trade union Solidarity has declared a formal dispute with government at the National Economic Development and Labour Council over mass retrenchments, citing poor infrastructure, power instability, and policy failures. The union says about 350-thousand jobs are already affected, with more at risk in coming months. Solidarity accuses president Cyril Ramaphosa of ignoring repeated warnings and proposals. Spokesperson Dirk Hermann says a formal mediation is required to protect South African jobs: