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Zimra loses half a million dollars over P0RN0GRAPHY

by Stephen Jakes
25 May 2015 at 07:18hrs | Views
Twelve workers who were unlawfully fired by the Zimbabwe Revenue Aunthority (ZIMRA) for allegedly watching adult movies at work will now get their outstanding salaries and benefits to the tune of US$414,363 after the High Court registered their two arbitrary awards.

In a judgment availed on Wednesday, Justice Joseph Mafusire ruled that the workers were entitled to their benefits.

"The arbitral awards dated June 4 2013 and February 28, 2014 by George Nasho and a P. Mutsinze, respectively be and are hereby registered as orders of this court. In terms of those awards, the respondents (Zimra) shall pay the applicants the sum of four hundred and fourteen thousand, three hundred and sixty-two dollars and fifty two cents (US$414,362.52). The costs of this application shall be borne by the respondent," Justice Mafusire ruled.

The workers were fired for allegedly watching p0rno and sending each other the adult material using Zimra computers, which the authority deemed to be misconduct.

Zimra fired the 12 in 2011, but an arbitrator quashed the decision and ordered the reinstatement of the workers.

Arbitrator Mr Nasho ruled that the allegations were concocted with the intention of victimising the employees who were members of the workers' union.

Labour lawyer Mr Rodgers Matsikidze of Matsikidze and Mucheche law firm represented the 12 workers while Sinyoro and Partners acted for Zimra.

Zimra noted an appeal out of time, but pleaded with the Labour Court to condone their delay.

Dismissing the application for condonation recently, Labour Court Judge, Justice Emilia Muchawa said the delay was caused by Zimra lawyers who should have a better appreciation of the rules of the court. She also held that Zimra had no prospects of success on an appeal.

The workers argued that Zimra's information department planted the emails with the p0rnographic material and that they had never sent each other such material.

The second arbitral award quantified the benefits and outstanding salaries for the 12 as US$414,362.


Source - Byo24News
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