Pilots in salary battle

Fidelis Munyoro Chief Court Reporter
Three former Air Zimbabwe pilots are battling to recover more than US$200 000 outstanding salaries and benefits for services rendered to the national airline between February 2008 and August 2012.The pilots — Gerald Chiweshe, Sameer Khan and Bruce Thomas — have since left Airzim for greener pastures but sued Airzim at the High Court.

They are claiming that the national flag carrier owed them a combined US$219 763,76 in outstanding salaries, benefits and allowances.

Initially, the trio had brought separate claims but were later consolidated into a single case for purposes of a hearing.

Through their lawyer Advocate Fadzayi Mahere — instructed by Coghlen Welsh and Guest — the pilots argued their case before Justice November Mtshiya who reserved judgment to a later date.

The judge requested both parties’ lawyers to furnish the court with written closing submissions before he decides on the dispute.

According to the claims, Gweshe is owed $56 511-76 unpaid salaries and allowances for the period stretching from February 2009 to July 2012.

He was employed by Airzim as a pilot from June1 2003 to August 2012 when he resigned from employment.

Khan, who served in the employ of Airzim as a pilot, in the rank of Captain, from February 2009 to July 31 2012 is claiming payment of US$123 473,00 while Thomas is demanding US$39 779,00 after repudiating their contracts.

In her argument, Adv Mahere told the court that the critical question, which judge should decide is whether or not the High Court has jurisdiction to determine a civil claim for outstanding salaries, benefits and allowances owing to former workers from their former employer.