The council took on board the workers in 2010 after the government unbundled ZINWA and handed back water operations to urban councils. They are demanding salary scales equivalent to what their former employer was paying them.
However, the council, through Finance Director Edgar Mwedzi, said the local authority was unable to meet the demand. Despite having won the case last year at arbitration, the workers’ demands have subsequently failed to be fulfilled, prompting them to approach the labour court. In a document seen by The Zimbabwean, the workers have officially asked the local labour court to hear their matter. The letter has also been put forward to the city council. In response, the court has issued a notification to Gweru council lawyers, Danziger and Partners, informing them that the labour court hearing will be on February 13.
The latest development is set to end the dispute between the council and the workers, which has resulted in victimisation of some workers.
Last year the council was forced by the same court to reinstate with all benefits 12 workers who led a demonstration against late payment of 2011 annual bonuses.
Post published in: News