CHIPINGE-BASED ethanol fuel producer Green Fuel has reportedly dismissed nine employees, including members of the workers’ committee, accusing them of organising an illegal job action. OBEY MANAYITI
Last month, close to 100 employees were summoned to appear before a disciplinary hearing for embarking on an illegal job action before the majority of them were pardoned and ordered to resume their duties.
The workers had downed tools demanding payment of their outstanding salaries.
A dismissal letter given to one of the affected workers reads: “On June 30, a disciplinary hearing was held in regard [sic] to your behaviour performance.
“This letter confirms the disciplinary committee’s decision to dismiss you. The details are as follows.
“The disciplinary hearing found you guilty of the following charge: An act of conduct or omission inconsistent with the fulfilment of the express or implied conditions of your contract as per section 4 (a) of SI 2006 in that you engaged in unlawful collective action as defined under section 104 (3) of the Labour Act.”
The letter was signed by one of the company’s top executives identified as Eric Berejena.
The workers said they would appeal the decision saying the disciplinary hearing was not fairly conducted.
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“Many members of the workers’ committee were dismissed. They were dismissed on the basis that they led the job action yet it was clear that the workers had just gone to ask for their outstanding salaries,” one of the affected employees who spoke on condition of anonymity said.
“To us the company is trying to send a message that anyone who tries to stand for the rights of employees will face the music. “We are disappointed by this and we will seek redress.”
