Drama as NRZ workers' wives stage demo in tears

Published: 10 June 2013

THERE was drama yesterday at Parkade Centre in Bulawayo, a building that houses the headquarters of the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), when wives of the parastatal's workers burst into tears in protest over their spouses' outstanding salaries.

NRZ workers have gone for almost nine months without getting full salaries.

An estimated $1,4 million is owed to the workers through unpaid salaries.

The demonstration was triggered by the failure of the NRZ management to meet the workers' wives on Wednesday for the immediate release of their husbands' unpaid salaries.

In separate interviews, the women, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the reluctance by NRZ management as "ridiculous" since they needed a push for them to act.

"After almost nine months without pay with only $172 being given out which is far below the poverty datum line (PDL), life is unbearable. How can we pay water and electricity bills, buy food and pay school fees for our children? This is ridiculous," said one woman.

"It has become a culture to conduct demonstrations for the management to act on the salaries. Those guys need a push for action to take place."

Another woman who could not hold back her tears said she had given up hope since there was nothing that she could do to alleviate the challenges she faced daily.

"We have suffered for too long and life has become unbearable in our homes as children cannot go to school because we have no money for fees," said the woman.

Workers who were seen at the NRZ buildings applauded the women for staging the demonstration.

"These women are doing a good job. They are fighting the battle with us. We are tired of being treated as slaves by working for no pay. It is a nationwide crisis because there are about 7 000 workers who remain unpaid up to today and the lowest paid worker gets an average of $200," he said.

Responding to the situation, NRZ public relations manager, Mr Fanuel Masikati promised to resolve the matter.

"I want you to erase the unguided misconception that as management, we are inconsiderate. We have been working on the salary issue and we are still working on ways to address your grievances.

"However, you must be aware that we are not allowed to conduct meetings with those who are not our employees according to the laws that govern this country. All I can say for now is NRZ does not have the money to pay our workers. For now, we are trying our best to relay your problem to the department responsible," he said.

Last year the Labour Court in Bulawayo ordered NRZ to put its house in order.

The parastatal is affected by under investment with much of its equipment and infrastructure outdated.
- TC

Tags: NRZ,