CSC to pay 205 workers over $453 100

COLD STORAGE COMPANY has been ordered to pay 205 workers a total of $453 110 which it owes them in salary arrears.

The workers took the company to the arbitrator on May 27, 2014 demanding their outstanding salaries and wages as at 2013 April.

The arbitrator a P Chirongoma ordered the company pay to pay workers a total of $453 110. The workers took the award for registration to the Bulawayo High court.

Bulawayo High Court Judge Justice Lawrence Kamocha ordered the company pay the workers the money awarded by the arbitrator.

Kamocha's order states that CSC must show cause why the arbitration award done by the arbitrator should not be registered by filing its papers of opposition within 48 hours of receiving the order.

"The arbitration award done by P Chirongoma dated May 27 2014 be and is hereby registered as the judgment of this honourable court. If the respondent fails to comply with this order within 14 days deputy sheriff or his lawful assistant is directed to issue a warrant of execution against property for an amount of $453 110 as specified in the arbitration award certification, attach without any further restrain from the respondent," he ruled.

"Should the respondent wish to oppose the confirmation of the order the respondent is called upon to file his opposing papers within 48 hours from the date in which the order was served upon."

CSC started facing serious problems during the years of Economic Structural Adjustment Programmes (ESAP) and the situation worsened in 2008 when the country faced hyperinflationary situation leading to the closure of many companies and loss of many jobs. In 2011 the company engaged in a deal with Botswana Meat Commission where it purchased cattle from the foot and mouth affected areas in that country. The deal has since ceased amid after Zimbabwe reportedly failed to owner its party of the bargain by settling some money it woes to that country in time, hence the company is said to be struggling to meet its wage bill.