Managers lock themselves in boardroom after angry workers protest over unpaid wages
Published: 2013 April 30 17:40:00 (4791 Views)
Managers at Pigott Maskew in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe were forced to lock themselves in the company's boardroom when about 160 workers stormed the company offices demanding their 10 months' outstanding salaries.
The company's general manager, Mr Joseph Gunda reportedly fled the company premises soon after getting wind that the workers wanted to confront management.
The workers who were last paid in June last 2013, are reportedly owed a combined $480 000 in unpaid salaries.
Pigott Maskew is a division of General Beltings Limited, a leading manufacturer of rubber products with branches in Bulawayo, Harare and Mutare.
The company produces for both local and export markets.
Its clients include mining, transport, agriculture and the construction industry.
"When we demanded our money, managers locked themselves in the boardroom and said they were in a meeting. They promised to give us part of the money last week but they reneged on their promise," said a worker.
He said they will only resume work after being paid part of their outstanding salaries.
"We are not going to work until they pay us because we cannot continue offering free labour.
"As it is, schools would be opening soon and we do not know when we will get our money," said the worker.
It is understood that Pigott Maskew is one of the companies short-listed for the Distressed Industries and Marginalised Areas Fund (Dimaf) meant to revive ailing Bulawayo companies.
The workers said the fact that they were working overtime meant that the company was doing well.
The managers only came out of the boardroom at about 12 noon and told the workers that their protest was illegal.
This is the second time this year that the workers have demonstrated to protest against unpaid salaries.
- Chronicle
The company's general manager, Mr Joseph Gunda reportedly fled the company premises soon after getting wind that the workers wanted to confront management.
The workers who were last paid in June last 2013, are reportedly owed a combined $480 000 in unpaid salaries.
Pigott Maskew is a division of General Beltings Limited, a leading manufacturer of rubber products with branches in Bulawayo, Harare and Mutare.
The company produces for both local and export markets.
Its clients include mining, transport, agriculture and the construction industry.
"When we demanded our money, managers locked themselves in the boardroom and said they were in a meeting. They promised to give us part of the money last week but they reneged on their promise," said a worker.
He said they will only resume work after being paid part of their outstanding salaries.
"We are not going to work until they pay us because we cannot continue offering free labour.
"As it is, schools would be opening soon and we do not know when we will get our money," said the worker.
It is understood that Pigott Maskew is one of the companies short-listed for the Distressed Industries and Marginalised Areas Fund (Dimaf) meant to revive ailing Bulawayo companies.
The workers said the fact that they were working overtime meant that the company was doing well.
The managers only came out of the boardroom at about 12 noon and told the workers that their protest was illegal.
This is the second time this year that the workers have demonstrated to protest against unpaid salaries.
- Chronicle
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