Zupco workers to get their dues

Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (Zupco) CEO, George Chigora, has assured both current and former workers that the company is committed to settling outstanding salary payments before the festive season.

In a candid interview with NewsDay this week, Chigora addressed concerns raised by disgruntled former employees who have threatened legal action over unpaid US dollar salaries, despite some workers receiving payments in local currency. The workers also expressed frustration over the lack of communication from management.

Chigora acknowledged the issue, confirming that salaries were owed to both former and current employees, and reassured workers that steps were being taken to resolve the matter. "I can confirm that we owe outstanding salaries to our former workers and those currently employed. We are making frantic efforts to settle outstanding salaries ahead of the festive season, especially the US dollar component," he said.

The CEO emphasized that Zupco values its workers and is dedicated to ensuring they are paid in time for the holidays. "We value our workers' contribution to the company, and we look forward to paying the US dollar component that we owe them so that their families enjoy the festive season like everyone else," Chigora added. He further promised that workers would receive their New Year salaries on time, addressing their financial needs for the upcoming period.

Zupco, which operates over 300 buses across both urban and rural routes in Zimbabwe, currently employs over 1,200 workers. Chigora said his priority has been to improve workers' welfare and morale. "My priority has been centered on workers' welfare, and we are making strides to make it happen. I have dedicated most of my time to visiting every depot countrywide and updating everyone on the real situation we are facing," he explained.

Chigora also expressed hope that Zupco would be able to service all rural routes during the festive season, as the company aims to provide affordable and reliable transport services to the public. He stressed that this goal could only be achieved if workers felt appreciated for their dedication.

Regarding the company's financial health, Chigora revealed that Zupco's cash flow situation is improving, with debtors now paying their dues. "Admittedly, Zupco is owed some monies by debtors, but they are personally pushing to pay up what is due to us," he said.

While some workers have acknowledged improved communication between management and staff, they remain cautious, with some hoping that the promises made by management will soon be fulfilled. "We are getting some updates from management and the workers' committee, but some of us want to be confrontational. We look forward to the execution of promises made so far," a worker stated.

Zupco is among public entities under the Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF). MIF CEO John Mangudya recently mentioned that they are closely monitoring Zupco's operations, particularly through the recapitalization model, to ensure profitability and long-term sustainability.

Chigora's commitment to resolving the salary issue and improving workers' conditions comes as part of Zupco's broader efforts to enhance service delivery and ensure that employees are motivated and well-compensated, especially as the country enters the festive season.