South Africa

The South African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union (SACTWU) says that a growing number of garment and textile factory owners have been hastily liquidating their companies in the weeks leading up to the Christmas holidays in order to avoid paying bonuses. SACTWU says that 36 facilities have closed their doors between October and December in 2012, 2013, and 2014, which left an estimated 10,000 people without jobs over the holidays. The union also says that many of these owners set up shop again shortly after the new year and that the only way to combat the issue is through legislation. (Independent Online)