Mine workers union drags Chinese firm to court

ELIAS MAGINYA IN GWERU

The Mine Workers Union of Zimbabwe has dragged Gweru-based Sino Zimbabwe and Transtech Engineering to the Labour Court following ill treatment of workers, it has been learnt.

Business Times first reported last week that more than 30 Transtech Engineering workers contracted to Sino Zimbabwe were left stranded after the employer fled the mine following a confrontation over poor working conditions.

The workers are said to have been subjected to long working hours, low salaries, unpaid leave and lack of safety wear, among other grievances.

The case is still to be determined by the Labour Court.

However, the parties have come up with a labour settlement certificate which needs to be signed by both parties.

But this has not happened as the employer has demanded that the employees should apologise.

No official comment could be obtained from Sino Zimbabwe, Transtech Engineering, by the time of going to press.

Contacted for a comment, the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce president, Tinashe Manzungu said: “What apology, I do wonder why and how they would set such a condition in order to settle a labour issue. There is always a channel in resolving disputes.”

He added: “As ZNCC such actions attract our attention as a chamber,   we expect employees to respect their employers and not fear them. Also employers must not fear their employees. This is uncalled for. As ZNCC, we are going to lobby for this issue to come to book. ”

Employees were supposed to resume duty this week.

But, that did not happen.

Contacted for a comment, Transtech Engineering human resources manager, Anesu Chauraya, said the workers would be reinstated soon.