Renco Mine Workers Denounce RioZim’s 50% Pay Offer, Threaten Legal Action
The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU), representing Renco Mineworkers, has rejected Rio Zim’s decision to pay only 50% of workers’ salaries for the period they were on strike, threatening legal action against the company.
By Ryan Chigoche and Hazel Gara
Over 1,200 workers at Renco Mine went on strike on October 9, demanding payment of outstanding salaries that had been unpaid since July. After the workers dissolved their internal Workers Union, which was allegedly aligned with the company, RioZim escalated the matter to court. The court ruled that the workers must return to work by November 2.
Following their return, RioZim Group HR Manager Jasmine Njanike informed the workers that the company was not obligated to pay salaries for the strike period, as the court had deemed the strike unlawful. Njanike stated that, as a goodwill gesture, the company would pay 50% of the salaries for the strike period, citing Section 12A(6)(a) of the Labour Act Chapter 25.01.
In response, ZIDAMWU Secretary General Justice Chinhema told Mining Zimbabwe that the union would file for contempt of court, arguing that RioZim’s actions violate the court order requiring the workers to return to work.
“What RioZim has done contradicts the court order, which clearly outlined the terms for resolving the dispute. If they are dissatisfied, they should appeal, not impose arbitrary measures. Workers will not accept this, and we will file for contempt of court,” Chinhema said.
The court had declared the strike unlawful but also mandated that RioZim pay all outstanding salaries by December 10, 2024. RioZim’s decision to pay only 50% for the strike period directly contradicts this ruling.
This move has exacerbated tensions among workers, who are already frustrated by delayed payments and ongoing disputes with Renco Mine management.
As previously reported by Mining Zimbabwe, a petition signed by 716 workers and delivered on November 5, 2024, called for changes in management, citing issues such as persistent salary delays, alleged financial mismanagement, and theft. Despite these concerns, RioZim has opted to retain the current management team.
Chinhema emphasized that ZIDAMWU would escalate the matter to Parliament if necessary.
“Workers have raised serious allegations against management. Under normal circumstances, directors and shareholders should act transparently, initiate investigations, and disclose the outcomes. If this does not happen, workers are prepared to involve Parliament. For years, employees have endured financial hardships caused by management’s failure to pay salaries on time. This cannot continue. We will take all lawful measures to protect our members,” he said.
For more than five years, Renco Mine workers have voiced concerns about delayed salary payments despite meeting production targets. This ongoing issue has led to significant financial hardship and low morale among employees.
As tensions continue to rise, the future of Renco Mine’s operations and leadership remains uncertain. The resolution of this dispute is expected to have far-reaching implications for both RioZim and its workforce.