Swift workers down tools

Arron Nyamayaro

SWIFT (Pvt) Ltd workers yesterday downed tools demanding a meeting with management over their remuneration.

A number of workers gathered at the company’s headquarters, demanding a quick response from company chief operations officer, Richard Clarke.

They were threatening to unleash a full-blown strike if their grievances were not met.

Chief among their grievances, was the decision by management to remove salaries paid in foreign currency, a reduction of basic salary and the suspension of food hampers.

Workers committee chairperson, Ronald Kutadzaushe, told H-Metro they were keen to meet Clarke.

“As workers, we are not demonstrating or going on strike,” said Ronald.

“We are gathered here to allow our chief operations officer to address our issues of concern.

“Workers want management to respect and uphold what we have agreed in black and white.

“Some of the workers closed RTGS accounts to open Nostro accounts and they are aware that every transaction the company is doing, it is charging in foreign currency.

“It is known that those generating money in foreign currency must pay their workers in foreign currency,” he said.

In his email, which provoked workers, Clarke, said

“Dear Unifreight family, I hope this mail finds you well.

“Please note, there will be changes to the basic salaries each of you have become accustomed to over the last three months.

“The basic salary each of you received was well above the NEC minimums per grade and while we strive to pay our employees well, we made payments at unsustainable levels.

“This, unfortunately, was an error which was brought about by the incorrect application of the NEC notice #3 of 2022.”