Danie de Wet, Solidarity's chief secretary in the telecommunications industry, said: "We are extremely disappointed that Telkom refuses to be part of the process, which will use outside expertise to seek solutions.

"It would appear that Telkom is scared of solutions."

De Wet said the commission would also investigate alternative options to prevent workers being dismissed.

The commission is to employ independent advisers, including some of South Africa's foremost legal experts, economists and investment advisers.

The trade unions within Telkom plan to announce the names of the members of the commission within a few days and had hoped the selection could take place with Telkom's input.

According to reports, Telkom plans to shed over four thousand jobs within the next three years.

The move to shed jobs comes despite the fact that it recorded a profit of R4,5-billion this year.

All the trade unions within Telkom, including the Communications Workers Union, the South African Communications Union and Solidarity, established a joint forum yesterday to oppose the Telkom lay-offs.

- Business Report

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