adminPamela Shumba, Senior Reporter
OLD Nic Mine workers who were sent home last year after the mine was placed on care and maintenance picketed their workplace for the third consecutive day yesterday protesting against conditions set by a new investor.
A new Chinese investor, operating as Imviga Mines took over the mine about three months ago.
The new mine owner allegedly told workers to drop demands for any outstanding payments and discontinue any litigation against the mine if they are to keep their jobs.
Scores of workers have been gathering at the mine since Thursday.
They accused the mine management of being insensitive to their plight and vowed not to sign new contracts until their grievances have been addressed.
Anti- riot police were called to the mine on Thursday as management feared that there would be violence.
In a letter addressed to Old Nic Mine, Imviga Mines said it was taking over the mine on certain conditions.
“Imviga Mines is ready to buy the mine if the workers of Old Nic Mine agree to withdraw all litigation related to the care and maintenance wages and benefits (unpaid leave period) and that no future litigation will arise in relation to these two matters.
“We propose that the mine moves into operations starting with 40 employees on NEC minimums and other employees to be employed as the start up process goes on,” reads part of the letter.
In the letter, Imviga Mines advised Old Nic Mine to inform its workers that the conditions reflect the best deal on offer.
When contacted for comment, the mine manager, Mr Ovasy Mudoni acknowledged that it was him speaking, but later said it was a wrong number.
Human resources manager Mr Yacob Mbewe also declined to comment, saying he was not allowed to speak to the media.
The mine workers described the new conditions as unjust and demanded their dues from their employer.
About 40 workers who agreed with the new conditions are back at work.
Disgruntled workers castigated Old Nic Mine for handing over the mine to a new investor without paying them their outstanding salaries and other benefits.
They said while their original employer had a right to handover the mine to a new investor, it was unfair for him to leave them at the mercy of the new employer.
“We want our employer to address our grievances instead of pushing us to the investor.
“Right now about 40 people have been working for the past three months and gold is being produced but they refuse to pay us our money. We know that the money is there,” said one of the the workers.
—@pamelashumba1.
Online Reporter