Business / Local
Minister Gumbo lied, we have not been paid - NRZ workers
09 May 2016 at 10:38hrs | Views
STRIKING National Railways of Zimbabwe workers have this morning accused Transport Minister Jorum Gumbo of claiming that they have been 15 months outstanding salaries.
Gumbo told parliament last week that about $3 million has been released to the workers.
"The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has agreed to this and we got about $3 million (from companies like Zisco, Zimasco, Makomo, ZPC, Tongaat Hullet and GMB) that we've managed to pay the NRZ workers.
"We've paid them at least $3 million and we're requesting that they should come back to work and to continue working for the government by bringing in produce from GMB," Gumbo said.
However, striking workers today (Monday) disputed Gumbo's account.
They said they are now in trouble with their various landlords.
"Am one of the striking employees and that articles (Chronicle) lacks the trueth' a senior insider told Bulawayo24.com.
"I think the nation needs some clarification otherwise we are already in trouble with those we owe eg landlords.
"That $3 million, actually $2,1million which was said to have been paid by GMB was disbursed on 13/04/2016.
"It was enough for 70-80% of one month salary per employeee.
"A significant number of employees did not access it as it was taken by the bank loans" said the official.
Added another, "NRZ has now resorted to paying only those not on strike.
"On 29/04/16 they segregationally paid one month transport allowance, $33 yet its 6 months in arrears.
"On 05/05/16 they paid a range of $175-$450 to those not on strike only yet we are 15 months in arrears.
"Landlords after reading the article started calling for their rentals which are mostly three months in arrears ,accounts holders such as Edgars thought we have been given something also .
"The chronicle article is causing chaos"
A bulk of NRZ workers downed tools two months ago demanding unpaid salaries dating back 15 months.
Gumbo told parliament last week that about $3 million has been released to the workers.
"The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has agreed to this and we got about $3 million (from companies like Zisco, Zimasco, Makomo, ZPC, Tongaat Hullet and GMB) that we've managed to pay the NRZ workers.
"We've paid them at least $3 million and we're requesting that they should come back to work and to continue working for the government by bringing in produce from GMB," Gumbo said.
However, striking workers today (Monday) disputed Gumbo's account.
They said they are now in trouble with their various landlords.
"Am one of the striking employees and that articles (Chronicle) lacks the trueth' a senior insider told Bulawayo24.com.
"I think the nation needs some clarification otherwise we are already in trouble with those we owe eg landlords.
"It was enough for 70-80% of one month salary per employeee.
"A significant number of employees did not access it as it was taken by the bank loans" said the official.
Added another, "NRZ has now resorted to paying only those not on strike.
"On 29/04/16 they segregationally paid one month transport allowance, $33 yet its 6 months in arrears.
"On 05/05/16 they paid a range of $175-$450 to those not on strike only yet we are 15 months in arrears.
"Landlords after reading the article started calling for their rentals which are mostly three months in arrears ,accounts holders such as Edgars thought we have been given something also .
"The chronicle article is causing chaos"
A bulk of NRZ workers downed tools two months ago demanding unpaid salaries dating back 15 months.
Source - Byo24News
