BCC workers gone strike, vows not to return to work

HUNDREDS of Bulawayo City Council workers yesterday went on strike and vowed not to return to work until they have been paid their November salaries and bonuses.

Representatives of the workers' committee held a six-hour long meeting, which yielded nothing as their bosses only promised to pay them next week on Thursday.

This is despite initial claims by the council officials in a statement signed by the Town Clerk Mr Middleton Nyoni last month and given to all workers, that workers would get their salaries yesterday.

Workers in Grades 1 to 3, the lowest grades in the council, went to the banks in anticipation of getting their salaries only to be told by bank officials that there was no money from the council.

In anger, the workers then went and sat outside the Revenue Hall while others gathered at housing offices in different suburbs until they dispersed at about 4.30pm.

The secretary for the workers union, Mr Nkosiyabo Masuku, said they would not return to work unless they are paid their outstanding salaries.

Mr Masuku said life was now difficult for them as their employer was not making any tangible commitment.