Milling industry workers have shelved their plans to down tools after threats from their employers that they would be fired if they took part in any strike action.
United Food and Allied Workers’ Union of Zimbabwe general secretary, Adoniah Mutero, said the unions were left with no option but to abandon the planned strike action as most members received threats from their employers.
The industry has more than 10,000 workers who are demanding poverty datum line-pegged salaries, which the employers are not willing to entertain.
Mutero said because of the intimidations workers have to decide through casting of ballots whether to go on strike or not.
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Interview With Adoniah Mutero
But Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe chairman, Tafadzwa Musarara, said employers were ready to fire any workers who heeded the union’s calls to strike.
Musarara said the strike was illegal because the union did not obtain a certificate of settlement as required by the law.
He said they went to see Labour Minister Nicholas Goche in order for him to issue a disposal order to stop the strike.
“Also ground rules agreed by both parties during negotiations provide that no party shall go on strike or collective action until the full finalization of the negotiations ... whether with an agreement or with a deadlock. That had not happened,” Musarara added.
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Interview With Tafadzwa Musarara