Nokia Siemens Networks is slashing its local workforce by 28%, Business Day reported on Wednesday. The joint venture was cutting jobs as part of its global strategy to reduce cost and focus on mobile broadband.
Nokia, once the world’s dominant cellphone provider, was also shedding jobs after losing ground in the smartphone market to Apple and Samsung.
Nokia Siemens Networks’ global restructuring included cutting about 17 000 jobs from its 74 000-strong workforce. In SA, 160 workers out of 570 would lose their jobs.
According to trade union Solidarity, more than half of the 160 had accepted severance packages.
Rufus Andrew, MD of Nokia Siemens SA, said the restructuring was part of a global reduction process and “does not reflect our business in SA”. — Sapa