NRZ trains grounded as engineers press for money money(06-06-07)

are on a go slow over low salaries refused to run the trains demanding audience with management.

Thousands of people, mostly school children and factory workers were forced to walk over 10 km to the city center and the industrial areas after the trains failed to turn at the usual times.

The two trains service the Emgwanwini and Luveve routes, which cater for most of the high density suburbs in Bulawayo. Of late commuters have resorted to using the trains because they are relatively cheap compared to commuter omnibuses.

Trains charge $1000 for distances of up to about 10 km, while fares for commuter omnibuses are pegged at $15 000 for a similar trip. This has led to overcrowding on the inner city trains with reports that two women were seriously injured, while trying to board trains which were already full last month.

An NRZ engineman said workers refused to operate the trains demanding assurances from management that they will be given a salary increment of 750 percent backdated to January. He said salaries of $250 000 a month for the lowest paid worker had become unsustainable.

“We have been on a go slow since 1 May and management has not shown any willingness to look into our grievances,” said the employee who requested anonymity. “The workers had no choice but to take this drastic action.”

But NRZ public relations manager, Fanuel Masikati dismissed reports that the go slow forced the suspension of the trains, blaming it “on a technical fault that has since been rectified.”

The Zimbabwe Railway Workers Union (ZWRU) deputy secretary, Washington Chitima confirmed that workers and management were locked in a wage dispute but refused to comment further.

NRZ says it plans to move 3, 3 million intercity passengers and 11,8 million city commuters this year.

But critics argue the targets are too ambitious following years of shortcomings in the shipping of coal, minerals, tobacco, maize, sugar and cotton due to operational constraints- CAJ News.