Pray the News
Monday 18 August - Goodyear SA plant closes as workers accept boosted payout
Abstract
The Goodyear SA plant in Kariega shuts it’s doors on Friday after unions secured an improved severance deal in terms of which each retrenched employee would receive R100 000 plus four weeks’ pay for every year worked. The workers will also get their August salary and 2025 bonus entitlement accrual. More than 900 people were employed at the plant, whose closure is a significant blow to the Nelson Mandela Bay economy. The company announced in June that it would shut down it’s manufacturing operations in SA, retaining only it’s sales, distribution and Hi-Q retail presence in the country. Solidarity and Numsa represent the workers. Solidarity metal and engineering deputy general Willie Venter said the company informed union officials during settlements talks that it would no longer close down operations in phases. “The unforeseen was that people would stop work (on Friday). So, no more production and no-one was to report for work on Monday. However he said bout 60 workers, picked by the company, would stay on to perform maintenance. Venter said the union’s members accepted the offer. Goodyear SA confirms it has reached an agreement with labour on the terms of the closure of its manufacturing plant and restructuring of it’s sales, administration and general workforce.
Prayer Pointers
Comfort and Peace
1. The sudden loss of jobs for over 900 workers likely brings shock, anxiety, and grief. Pray for God’s peace to envelop them.
Prayer Point: Ask God to comfort the retrenched workers, calming their fears and restoring their hope amid uncertainty.
Scripture: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27, NIV)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we lift up the 900 workers who have lost their jobs at the Goodyear plant. Wrap them in Your peace that surpasses understanding. Ease their anxieties and fill their hearts with Your comfort. Let them feel Your presence as they navigate this sudden change, trusting in Your promise to never leave nor forsake them. Amen.
Provision and New Opportunities
2. The severance package (R100,000, four weeks’ pay per year of service, August salary, and 2025 bonus accrual) provides temporary relief, but workers face an uncertain future. The 60 retained for maintenance also need job security.
Prayer Point: Pray for God’s provision for each worker’s financial needs and for new employment opportunities to emerge.
Scripture: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, NIV)
Prayer: Lord, You are Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. We pray for every worker affected by the Goodyear closure, that You would meet their financial needs and open doors to new jobs. Guide them to opportunities that align with Your purpose for their lives. For the 60 workers retained, grant them stability and favor. Provide for their families, and let Your abundance flow in their lives. Amen.
3. Strength and Resilience
The emotional toll of job loss can lead to despair or loss of identity. Pray for strength to persevere and hope to endure.
Prayer Point: Ask God to renew the workers’ strength, helping them to trust in His plan and remain steadfast.
Scripture: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, NIV)
Prayer: Almighty God, we pray for the Goodyear workers facing this painful transition. Renew their strength as they hope in You. Help them rise above discouragement, trusting that You have a future and a hope for them (Jeremiah 29:11). Grant them resilience to face each day with courage, knowing You are their rock and refuge. Amen.
4. Nelson Mandela Bay Community
The closure is a “significant blow” to the local economy, affecting businesses, families, and community morale. Pray for healing and restoration.
Prayer Point: Intercede for the community’s economic recovery and unity, asking God to inspire new initiatives and opportunities.
Scripture: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18, NIV)
Prayer: Father, we bring the Nelson Mandela Bay community before You. This closure has shaken their economy and spirits. Draw near to those who are brokenhearted, and restore hope to this region. Inspire leaders, businesses, and residents to come together, creating new pathways for growth and prosperity. Let Your healing touch revive this community. Amen.
5. Wisdom for Unions and Leaders
Solidarity and Numsa secured an improved severance deal, and Goodyear will retain some operations. Pray for continued wisdom in navigating the aftermath.
Prayer Point: Ask God to guide union leaders, company management, and local authorities in making decisions that benefit the workers and community.
Scripture: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5, NIV)
Prayer: Lord, we thank You for the efforts of Solidarity, Numsa, and Goodyear in reaching an agreement. Grant wisdom to union leaders, company management, and local officials as they address the fallout of this closure. Guide their decisions to support the workers and strengthen the community, reflecting Your justice and compassion. Amen.
6. Faith and Trust in God’s Plan
The uncertainty of the future may challenge the faith of workers and residents. Pray for deepened trust in God’s sovereignty.
Prayer Point: Pray that individuals and the community grow in faith, trusting God’s purpose even in hardship.
Scripture: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)
Prayer: Gracious God, we pray for the workers and families of Kariega to trust in You with all their hearts. When the path ahead seems unclear, help them lean on Your understanding. Strengthen their faith, reminding them that You are working all things for their good (Romans 8:28). Lead them into Your perfect plan. Amen.
7. Unity and Support
The closure may strain relationships and community cohesion. Pray for mutual support and unity.
Prayer Point: Ask God to foster solidarity among workers, families, and residents, encouraging them to uplift one another.
Scripture: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NIV)
Prayer: Lord, unite the Kariega community in this time of loss. Inspire them to carry each other’s burdens through encouragement, practical help, and love. Let churches, organizations, and neighbors rally around the affected workers, creating a network of support that reflects Your heart for community. Amen.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts as we lift up the workers and the community of Nelson Mandela Bay affected by the closure of the Goodyear SA plant in Kariega. We ask for Your comfort and peace to surround the more than 900 workers facing sudden job loss. Please calm their fears and ease their anxieties, as promised in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” Wrap them in Your love, soothing their shock and grief.
Lord, You are Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. We pray for Your provision for each worker's financial needs, as assured in Philippians 4:19: “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” Open doors to new employment opportunities for those who have been retrenched and grant stability to the 60 workers retained for maintenance. Renew their strength, Father, as they hope in You, according to Isaiah 40:31, so they may “soar on wings like eagles” and face each day with resilience.
Draw near to the brokenhearted in Nelson Mandela Bay, as declared in Psalm 34:18, restoring hope and inspiring new economic pathways for a community shaken by this loss. Grant wisdom to union leaders, company management, and local authorities, as You generously provide wisdom to those who ask (James 1:5). Guide their decisions to support the workers and strengthen the region with justice and compassion.
Above all, deepen the faith of every worker and resident, helping them to trust in You with all their hearts, as instructed in Proverbs 3:5-6, knowing You will make their paths straight. Unite this community to support one another as they carry each other's burdens (Galatians 6:2), fostering love and support through churches, neighbors, and organizations.
We trust in Your sovereign plan, Lord, and thank You for Your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Compiled by GAP Ministries - Free to share
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