Workers at a white-owned commercial ranch in Matabeleland
South have accused the proprietors of unfair labour practices and unhealthy
working conditions.
According to letters between Drummond Ranch Estate lawyers,
Majoko and Majoko Legal Practitioners and the Zimbabwe Federation of Trade
Unions, representing the workers, the farm was reportedly providing unhealthy
water to its staff and failing to provide protective clothing.
“The workers are complaining that they are drinking water
which comes straight from the dam. Surely, the water is unsafe and unhealthy to
drink. It exposes the lives of the workers and their families to danger,” part
of the letters signed by one V Mashingaidze on behalf of the federation, read.
Also the federation, which is represented by the
Horticulture, General Agriculture and Plantation Workers’ Union of Zimbabwe,
alleged workers at the farm did not enjoy holidays because they were forced to
work with no extra pay.
“The employer must provide toilets to avoid dangers to the
health of the workers. We heard that most of the toilets are full,” the letter
added.
The matter, according to the letters, has dragged on since
May 2018 and last month, the union requested that an inspection in loco be
undertaken under the supervision of officials from the Labour ministry as well
as the National Social Security Authority.
In response to the allegation, Drummond, through their
lawyers, accused the union of attempting to soil their image by raising the
allegations.
“Our clients are well-established in business, have a
reputation to protect and will do everything within the confines of the law to
remain in business and protect their reputation and goodwill,” part of the
letter from Majoko and Majoko Legal Practitioners read.
Drummond stated that on the water issue, management at the
farm was also drinking from the same source without any consequences.
“We would have thought, with respect, that you would have
afforded our client an opportunity to respond to the issues you raise and importantly,
time to address those issues which need to be addressed and rectified,” the
lawyers stated. Newsday
0 comments:
Post a Comment