NRZ re-introduce deadly working regime for enginemen

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) management has been accused of re-introducing outlawed dangerous working conditions for train drivers.

The drivers known as enginemen are now said to be subjected to a

Cross Tripper method which sees them working ten straight days without a day off.

Some enginemen told Bulawayo24.com that the system contributes to accidents.

Enginemen who have returned to work after two months on strike are the targets, they said.

"For fear of dismissal and victimization the workers are accepting this hazardous method of trains working despite it having been outlawed by the High Court of Zimbabwe" said an insider.

"Employees are worried that they will continue to be targeted one by one and are likely to face the worst working conditions including dismissals".

Explained another on what constitutes Cross Tripper method.

"It's when drivers take turns to run the train for 10 continuous days without signing off or going home.

"A caboose which is something like a passenger coach is attached next to the locomotive then the goods train load is attached to it.

"Usually on a derailment it results in casualties. Due to fatigue, error is high and head on collusions occur frequently.

"Crews will die. The last train accident at Bromley siding involved a crosstripper and three Enginemen died.

Only one escaped. The High Court outlawed it and gave an award to RAE. Currently trains are run on flexi link terms. You take your train to Harare then rest for eight hours.

"You take it back to home depot then you are rostered after 16 hours.

"Then you have rest days after 7-8 days".