Hotel fires worker over ice mints

Gibson Mhaka

ISN’T this a little over the top?

A worker’s bid to satisfy his “sweet tooth” at a leading hotel in Bulawayo cost him his job when he was allegedly sacked for helping himself to 15 ice mints which had been reportedly left behind by guests after a workshop.

It is reported that the dismissal was harsh for the worker (name supplied) who had 32 years of loyal service under his belt.

Sources from the hotel alleged that after firing the worker in question, management argued that the monetary value of the sweets was irrelevant as it had a zero tolerance policy towards theft.

Surprisingly, the dismissal, which some workers argue was a warning shot to other long serving employees came two months before the worker’s retirement.

“From the look of things, it seems he was framed so that he won’t get his benefits since he was left with two months before his retirement.

“After being caught he admitted that he had made a mistake, but denied that it was theft.

“Although the company has a zero tolerance policy towards theft, as workers we felt the dismissal was rather harsh for someone who had loyally served the organisation for 32 years.

“After all, the sweets have been left behind by guests who were conducting a workshop,” said a worker who declined to be named for fear of victimisation.

The worker insisted that the move by the company was a very heavy handed way to treat its employees who sometimes treat themselves with “food items” left behind by guests.

It is reported that the sacked worker who also felt his sacking was inconsiderate had since appealed against his dismissal. Although the worker could not be reached for comment, the hotel manager confirmed the incident.

He, however, couldn’t share fuller details with this publication arguing that he wasn’t around when the incident happened.