Kariba — The Kapenta Workers Union of Zimbabwe (KWUZ) is embroiled in a dispute with various fishing companies in Kariba over the dismissal of more than 100 employees who participated in a job action.
BY OUR CORRESPONDENT
KWUZ deputy secretary general Gerald Chimurewo said the strike which the workers are being accused of taking part in, never happened.
He said the workers had planned to stage a peaceful demonstration protesting against long working hours and poor salaries on October 26 this year.
But they were stopped by the police from going ahead.
“So for the employers to say they are firing our members for participating in an unlawful strike, it’s surprising,” Chimurewo said.
He said the union will take up the issue with the labour court if talks to reinstate the workers failed to yield results.
“What we can tell you is that this is the beginning of a fresh war with workers who are already suffering because of poor salaries and long working hours,” said Chimurewo. “We are not going to rest until the employers understand that it is the workers who make their business thrive.”
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Chimurewo said employees in the fishing industry worked up to 17 hours a day yet their monthly salaries were as low as US$200.
“These are the real issues which we are not happy with. Our members are being exploited. Remember they work during the night in Lake Kariba where they are also exposed to dangers associated with the lake,” he said.
The companies which allegedly fired the workers include Lake Fresh Fisheries, Matatu Kapenta and Droup Engineering P/L.
Some of the dismissal letters written by and signed by Lake Fresh Fisheries personnel manager Rejust Banda read: “Reference is made to the allegations of participating in an unlawful strike that you were facing and the subsequent hearing proceedings held on 9 November 2013 in respect of the matter. I now write to advise you that you have been found guilty as charged. You are therefore notified that the company is dismissing you with effect from Friday 15 November 2013.”
