SYDNEY MUBAIWA
MASVINGO-The Zimbabwe Diamond Mineral and Allied Workers Union (ZIDAMWU) has petitioned Riozim Ltd over five months salary arrears.
The union wrote letters to the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Edgar Moyo and the Chairperson of the Parliamentary portfolio committee of Mines and Mining Development Remigious Matangira calling for an urgent intervention to address the pressing grievances.
The letters dated April 4, 2025 were also copied to the Ministry of Finance.
In the letter, ZIDAMWU secretary general Justice Chinhema wrote: “We act and represent our members employed by Riozim in all its mines, namely Cam and Motor in Kadoma ,Renco mine in Masvingo and Murowa Diamonds in Zvishavane.
“We are writing to urgently bring your attention to the dire situation faced by the workers at the above mentioned mines who have been without a salary for the past five months.
“This prolonged period of unpaid wages has created a humanitarian crisis for workers and their families, the surrounding communities and their families leading to severe financial hardships and emotional distress,” reads part of the petition.
Chinhema said workers are struggling to meet basic needs including providing meals for their families and paying school fees for their children.
“The workers are struggling to meet basic needs including providing meals for their families, paying school fees and examination fees for their children.
“We believe that your intervention is crucial at this juncture. We urge you to prioritise this matter and summon shareholders of this company to explain their short-term, mid-term and long-term plans with their operations as well as welfare of workers and their families,” he said.
He requested for an urgent intervention by the social welfare department in providing the workers basic food hampers so that they can survive.
“We kindly request you to facilitate urgent assistance through the department of social welfare to the families of these workers in form of financial payments and basic food hampers that address their needs.
“Our efforts to engage the management have not been successful, leaving us with no option but to approach your office,” he said.
Last year in October, over 1 200 workers at Renco mine in Masvingo were dragged to court by the company for striking over unpaid dues.
