Workers in the banking sector have issued a two-week ultimatum
to their employers demanding a 60% salary increase or they will embark on a
strike.
The workers, represented by the Zimbabwe Banks and Allied
Workers Union (Zibawu) have already rejected a 3,46% increase.
“Following the conclusion of the collective bargaining
session in our sector, wherein parties declared a deadlock, we write to serve
you notice of our intention to resort to collective job action,” Zibawu
secretary general, Peter Mutasa wrote in a letter dated May 18.
The letter, which was addressed to the Bankers Employers
Association of Zimbabwe (BEAZ) chairman, Victor Kwezera, said the workers will
embark on sit ins or demonstrate if their call for a 60% upward salary review
is not conceded to.
“The 14 days’ notice is issued in terms of section 104 of
the Labour Act (Chapter 28:01) as amended.
“Upon expiry of the 14 days’ notice and subject to other
mandatory provisions of the law, our members will embark on sit ins, sit outs,
demonstrations, call for boycotts and any other concerted actions.
“This action can be averted if you accede to our 60% salary
increase demand or opening of negotiations for a respectable salary increase
well above your 3,46% offer,” Mutasa said.
At least 3 700 non-managerial workers such as messengers,
tellers, customer service officers, loan officers and exchange control clerks
among others are set to embark on industrial action.
The Zimbabwe banking sector has a staff complement of about
4 000 workers.
Kwezera acknowledged receiving the letter, saying he was
working flat out to deal with the issue.
“They actually wrote the letter to me as the BEAZ
chairman,” he said.
“I am currently working on the response with my
colleagues.”
Kwezera was not at liberty to comment on the issues raised
by the employees, saying he was still consulting the Bankers Association of
Zimbabwe.
“Remember, we are a committee that reports directly to the
Bankers Association of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Zibawu said the least paid bank worker gets $636 per month.
Newsday
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