GWERU — Top management and office staff at the Industrial Development Corporation’s glass-making unit in Gweru were held hostage by angry workers demanding to be paid outstanding salaries, company officials said on Tuesday.
By The Source
Workers at the Zimbabwe Glass Company (Zimglass) blocked management from exiting the company premises after knocking off at 5pm on Monday, demanding that the company pay salary arrears dating back to September this year.
Since resuming production two years ago, Zimglass has been paying its employees’ salaries in instalments, but has failed to pay at all since September.
The company suspended production in October this year due to non-availability of capital to procure raw materials.
“They (workers) were demanding to be paid their outstanding salaries and said they would not let anyone out until their issue had been addressed.
“We were only freed after police intervention at around 10pm,” one of the managers told The Source, asking not to be named because they are not authorised to speak to the Press.
Police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident, but said there were no arrests.
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“The police just went in to quell the unrest,” he told The Source.
Zimglass acting chief executive officer Gilbert Tapfuma denied knowledge of the incident, saying he was out of town. IDC is seeking at least $15 million in the short to medium term to recapitalise the company.
