Mhondoro Ngezi Crosspondent
Ngezi Zimplats workers are crying foul after management allegedly failed to hounor its obligation of paying them monthly safety bonuses backdated from November last year, The Blast has learnt.
Workers who spoke on condition of anonymity fearing victimization, told The Blast that those working under contract basis were also affected as they are yet to be paid their December monthly safety bonuses.
“Permanent workers have not been receiving their monthly safety bonus allowances since November until now…it was a bleak festive season.
What is painful is that over the years, we have been receiving that safety bonus allowance on a monthly basis but company has not given us a clear feedback over the issue,” alleged the workers.
“Contract workers were only informed that they will not receive their monthly safety allowances that were due to be paid in December last year.”
Other workers told The Blast that permanently employed workers are at times not provided with safety clothing, thereby compromising their health and safety.
“The other issue is that management has been erratic in providing protective clothing such as overalls.They used to be give soap in addition but they have not been receiving this as per contractual obligations.Contract workers at times spent more than three months without getting their salaries ..this is not the Zimplats we used to know,” said the workers.
Zimbabwe Mining Workers president, Kurebwa Javangwe Nhomboka told The Blast that he will have to carry out some investigations first before giving a comprehensive response.
“Can i have their (workers) contracts first so that i will respond accordingly or will have to enquire first from Ngezi management to get first hand information before I respond,” he said.
Ngezi Zimplats corporate affairs manager, Hama Saburi told The Blast to put questions in writing.
“Can you kindly send the questions in writing so that I will able to respond accordingly,”said Saburi.
Ngezi Zimplats Private Ltd, last year launched a voluntary staff retrenchment program to cut costs in light of weak platinum group metals (PGM) prices.