Ex-Zisco workers get outstanding salaries

Published: 03 October 2017

Former employees of the defunct Zimbabwe Iron and Steel Company have received part of their outstanding salaries backdated to 2009 following an agreement with Government to settle their pay arrears in tranches beginning last month.

Deputy Sheriff of the High Court recently attached vehicles, machinery and other movable property worth thousands of dollars from the former giant iron and steel manufacturing company following an execution order granted by the High Court after workers had dragged the firm to court.

Zisco's former employees, who were represented by Matsikidze-Mucheche and Partners Legal Practitioners, claimed that they were being owed more than $ 60 million in unpaid salaries dating back to eight years ago.

On Friday the former Zisco workers received part of the payment from Government after entering into an agreement to pay the outstanding salaries in tranches.

Ex-Zisco workers union chairperson, Mr Benedict Moyo, confirmed that the former employees had received part of their payment.

Mr Moyo said the workers received one month salary but would not disclose the actual figures.

"I can confirm that former Zisco Steel employees have started getting their outstanding salaries. They recently received one month salary," he said.

Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister, Chiratidzo Mabuwa is on record saying that Government was resolving the issue after they were dragged to court by Zisco's former employees.

"Well the administration of the ministry cannot be discussed in the newspaper. What I can say to you is that the Zisco situation is under control and that it will be resuscitated regardless of the existing challenges. We are not going to fold hands because of the issues of the Messenger of Court.

"Resuscitation of Zisco is part of the ministry's priorities. We are not saying there are no challenges, they are there but we are addressing them," she said then.

During his 2016 budget presentation Finance and Economic Development Minister, Patrick Chinamasa, announced that the steel giant had relieved duties of more than 1500 workers on three months' notice.

Government and Zisco workers have been at loggerheads with the workers demanding that Government follows proper procedures of terminating contracts as stipulated by the Labour Act and also emphasized that there was a need for Government to pay the outstanding salaries before retrenching the workers.
- zimpapers

Tags: Zisco,