adminuntil they were given US$200 000 promised by the Government early this year.
Air Zim acting chief executive officer, Mr Innocent Mavhunga and Zimbabwe Flight Crew Association chairperson, Captain Ortis Shonhai last night confirmed that there was still a deadlock. They, however, refused to disclose how much the pilots wanted, saying the issue was confidential.
“We haven’t resolved the impasse because we haven’t been able to get the money. They are saying they want the money first before going back to work.
“What I know is that we owe all workers June and July salaries, including pilots,” Mr Mavhunga said.
Capt Shonhai could neither confirm nor deny that the pilots wanted US$200 000.
“I wouldn’t say yes or no on that because I am not at liberty to disclose the figures, but what I can say is that we are not demanding the money.
“We are requesting them to honour their contractual obligation of paying us,” he said.
Capt Shonhai said talks were “progressing well” despite the deadlock, expressing hope an agreement would be reached.
The pilots downed tools on Friday demanding that they be paid their June and July allowances and salaries. The strike has crippled operations at the airline, forcing it to suspend all flights.
This is the second time within a month that the national airline’s cabin crew has gone on strike over unpaid allowances. A source close to the talks between management and the pilots said the meetings
were conducted in a “frank manner”.
“The meetings are not as antagonistic as some people might think. We are actually talking to each other nicely.
“The pilots are only saying give us what is due to us and that is what we are looking at,” said the source.
Online Reporter