WEST NICHOLSON Workers at West Nicholson Mine have downed tools following a wage dispute with the management.The disgruntled workers have disrupted the mining activities at the mine adding that they were also working under unfavourable working environment. Last week, the workers marched in protest to the management offices before the police came to intervene.
The workers allege that they are being owed a lot of money from the mine and vowed not to return to work until their grievances were addressed.
We are owed salaries back dated to 2009. The working conditions leave a lot to be desired. Recently the mine was told to suspend the underground mining activities because of its poor safety insurance, said a worker from the workers committee who requested not to be named.
No comment could be obtained from the West Nicholson management.
The Branch Manager for National Union of Mining, Quarry, Iron and Steel Workers of Zimbabwe (NUMQISWZ), Tapiwa Dhliwayo, confirmed the strike.
The workers do not have medical aid as enshrined in NSSA (National Social Security Authority) regulations. The workers are working under poor conditions where there are no ablution facilities and running water. There is no proper grading system as all the workers receive US$120.00 per month. The issue needs to be addressed urgently, he said.
Following the closure of the underground operations many workers were left jobless and are still owed large sums of money in wages.
Post published in: News