Some 150 workers at Diamond Cement, a Chinese run company
near Kwekwe have allegedly not seen their families for the past five months
because their managers fear that if they go home, they will bring back
Covid-19.
This was confirmed by one of the employees who cannot be
named for fear of victimization.
Workers called for a meeting recently in which they pleaded
with their employer to soften his position so they can go and see their
families but they were allegedly told that anyone who leaves the company will
not come back.
The workers said the living conditions were so inhumane
that they were sleeping in cargo containers.
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions secretary general Japhet
Moyo said it is unfair for companies to keep workers at the work place for more
than two weeks and he will send a delegation to go and look into the matter.
Diamond Cement spokesperson George Makonese confirmed the
situation but told The Mirror that it was out of their choice that the workers
were not going home. He added that
workers get bonuses for staying at the plant, food and their welfare is taken
care of.
“Yes we have employees staying at the plant but they signed
indemnity forms. No one was forced to stay at the plant. However, if one
leaves, there is a process by which one will come back because of the Covid-19
pandemic.
“It is true that the workers had a meeting with the
Managing Director over the issue recently and everything was resolved,” said
Makonese.
“Around 150 employees have been staying at the plant and at
one point we thought of taking legal action but we are afraid of losing the
case.
“We are not getting enough food, we sleep in containers and
above all we miss our children and spouses dearly,” said a worker. Masvingo
Mirror
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