Business almost came to a standstill at Zimasco’s main smelting plant on Thursday when nearly 300 workers retrenched by the company on July 31 besieged their former employer’s premises demanding their outstanding dues.
by BLESSED MHLANGA
The workers barricaded all six entrances and blocked management and vehicles from entering or leaving the premises.
The former workers were demanding their June and July salaries which were still outstanding before they were sent home.
“We are not here for the package, but for salaries which the company owes us. The company owed us two months’ salaries before our dismissal. We want the money to pay rentals and buy food,” one of the demonstrators, Tafara Mushonga, said.
Police had to be called in to facilitate negations between the angry workers and management represented by human resources manager Tinago Tinago after threats of violence were issued.
Tinago was forced to address workers at the main gate.
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He said the company would pay the outstanding salaries and packages at the end of this month.
“I want to tell you that the company will pay your salaries by the end of month. Next Friday we will have dispatched your dues. This is a promise,” he said.
However, the restive workers refused to budge, saying they had been misled too many times.
“We were told first that the salaries would be paid on September 7, then the date was moved to 15th and now month end. So without any commitment from the company in writing we will not move,” another worker who refused to be named said.
Workers accused management of insensitivity.
“We have been receiving half salaries since November last year, translating to $150 per month for most of us,” another former employee said.
Zimasco retrenched 643 workers and offered them what appeared to be a reasonable package compared to most companies which fired over 30 000 workers on three months’ notice.
The company was, however, struggling to settle the packages and has since offered residential stands and houses to some of the ex-workers, including senior managers.
