Workers at a plastic-manufacturing firm co-owned by Zanu PF Harare provincial chairman Ambassador Amos Midzi and Noah Chikwaiti say they have not been paid their salaries in full over the past 18 months.
The firm, Manpac, is based in the Msasa industrial site in Harare.
“We haven’t been paid for almost two years now and it seems Ambassador Midzi and his counterpart Chikwaiti, the managing director, seem not worried over the matter,” said an employee who declined to be named for fear of victimisation.
“We have sought assistance from workers’ unions, but it seems all our efforts are going down the drain because we are not being given any positive response,” the employee said.
Contacted for comment yesterday, both Midzi and Chikwaiti declined to discuss the issue, describing it as an internal matter.
“I am at a funeral in Marondera right now so I cannot comment on the issue. All I can do is to refer you to Noah, the managing director,” said Midzi.
But Chikwaiti said: “I do not comment on such issues on the phone. Our problems with our employees are solved locally and if they have any queries, they should seek advice with the workers’ union and not the Press.”
In a letter dated March 7, 2012, the secretary-general of the Zimbabwe Chemical, Plastic and Allied Workers’ Union, Steven Bushu, confirmed receipt of complaints about non-payment from Midzi’s employees.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“When the workers’ committee approached us in connection with their concerns, we wrote a memorandum which was verbally responded to, indicating that the management will act swiftly,” read part of the letter.
“The workers’ representatives highlighted to us that management’s failure to pay wages in full resulted in shortfalls totalling 18 months.
“The shortfall in monetary terms totals $43 155. The total does not include wages for January and February 2012. Failure by management to pay wages in full contravenes section 12 (i) of the Collective Bargaining Agreement for the industry,” said Bushu.
The workers also alleged they were not provided with protective clothing.
