National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has started recalling retired enginemen to man their trains, as the strike by the parastatal’s workers enters its second week.
By Khanyile Mlotshwa
The retired enginemen were called yesterday, amid indications that some were refusing to take up the offer, saying it would be tantamount to betraying their striking former colleagues.
The striking workers have on the other hand vowed not to return to work until their outstanding salaries were paid in full.
NRZ acting general manager, Lewis Mukwada, told Southern Eye that management was weighing a number of options as measures to minimise losses caused by the industrial action.
“We have not yet called the retired engine men back to work,” he said.
“That is something that we are considering, but not yet. Generally, the impact of the strike has been that it has put us in a difficult position.
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“The issue is about us not paying salaries on time. The strike, is therefore, making it worse because we are not moving any business, which means we are not collecting any revenue.”
According to a contract shared with Southern Eye, the NRZ is hiring senior enginemen on a short term contract, where they will be paid $100 per turn of duty.
At least 4 000 NRZ workers downed tools last Tuesday in protest over non-payment of their salaries for the past 15 months.
NRZ board chairman, Larry Mavima on Monday alleged that some of the striking workers were behind the derailment of a goods train in Gweru last week.
The derailed train was carrying more than 1 000 tonnes of nickel bound for South Africa.
According to reports, the NRZ is saddled with a $144 million debt, with workers owed more than $68 million in unpaid salaries and allowances.
