BINDURA — Workers at a farm owned by the late former Zanu PF deputy political commissar Ephraim Masawi’s son, Johnson, are set to receive $13 monthly wages as their employer struggles to clear a two-year wages backlog.
The workers said they last received their $59 monthly wages in 2010. But Masawi has reportedly offered to pay $2 000 per month, which he wants shared among the 150 employees.
In papers filed at the Labour Court in Bindura, the 150 workers at Masawi’s Pasango Farm claimed they were owed $107 250 in wage arrears accumulated over the past two years.
The workers are being represented by the Joseph Chinotimba-led Zimbabwe Federation of Trade Unions.
“We resolved to approach the Labour Court which has since referred the case for arbitration because of the dispute,” said an employee who spoke on condition of anonymity.
“We are saying he (Masawi) should give us our dues in full, not in instalments as he is suggesting. We last got paid in 2010 and since then he has been giving us promises. Last year he promised to pay us after harvesting wheat.
“This year he is saying he will pay us after harvesting bananas and we are saying enough is enough. The farm is producing and we know that because we are the producers. He is playing games with us,” said the employee recently.
The farm administrator, who identified himself only as Nyamangara, confirmed the wrangle, but declined to give more details.
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“It is true that things of that nature are happening, but I need to consult my directors first before giving you details. Call me tomorrow after I have had a meeting with my superiors,” said Nyamangara.
Masawi could not be reached for comment last night as his mobile phone went unanswered.
