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Sugarcane producer, Tongaat Hullet said yesterday workers have returned to work and sugar ethanol supplies to the market have resumed after a three-week strike over a wage dispute ended on Friday pending negotiations. About 16 000 workers went on strike late last month demanding a salary increment.
In its letter dated December 15, 2015 Tongaat Hulett offered $10 as maximum wage increase but employees demanded $10 as the minimum, subject to further negotiations.
The Government last week intervened and resolved that the strike be stopped forthwith and the $10 offered by the employer be accepted as the minimum offer while negotiations continue.
In a statement company corporate affairs and communications manager Adelaide Chikunguru said workers had returned to work.
“Further to previous notices, we are pleased to advise our valued stakeholders that the collective job action was terminated on December 18, 2015 and all employees have returned to work.
“In line with the agreed terms to terminate the strike, negotiations with the Zimbabwe Sugar Milling Workers Union (ZISMIWU) will resume as soon as possible and are expected to be concluded amicably.
“Sugar ethanol supplies to the market have resumed on an accelerated basis and there are sufficient stocks to meet demand during and after the festive period,” she said.
Ms Chikunguru said the company values and appreciates the support received from key stakeholders. The workers are demanding a minimum wage of $300 per month, up from $173 per month. — New Ziana.
Online Reporter