AirZim workers appeal

that their strike is illegal.
The Labour Court on Wednesday ruled that the industrial action by the pilots and flight crews was illegal as the workers had not followed laid down procedures before embarking on the industrial action.
Air Zimbabwe board chairman Mr Jonathan Kadzura told New Ziana that the pilots had appealed the Labour Court judgment.
“They have launched an appeal and are sadly still on industrial action,” he said.
Mr Kadzura said the industrial action was worsening the woes of the airline, which runs losses of more than US$3 million monthly.
No comment could be obtained from the striking workers.
Efforts by the airline, saddled with debts, to become profitable continue to hit a brick wall.
An offer of a 60 percent stake to the private sector is yet to find takers.
“We are losing revenue everyday and our credibility,” said Mr Kadzura.
Though the national carrier continues to face financial challenges, it has over the years managed to maintain safety standards that have been recognised internationally.
But the continued industrial action, Mr Kadzura said, “was impacting negatively on the image of the airline”.
The loss-making carrier, whose survival is being guaranteed by Government bailouts, is presently losing an average of US$100 000 per day.
Workers embarked on the strike last month to press for payment of outstanding allowances and salaries amounting to US$US12 million. – New Ziana