BY JAMES MUTASA

Davison Gwese recently sued his former employer Farchis Panel Beaters and Spray Painters Private Limited for failing to pay him his December 2023 salary amounting to US$420.

Gwese, who is represented by his workers’ union, the National Union of Metal and Allied Industries in Zimbabwe (NUMAIZ) has approached the civil court claiming that Farchis had deliberately declined to pay him his unpaid December 2023 salary despite initially agreeing to pay.

The General Secretary of NUMAIZ Hennery Tarumbira told The Worker that Farchis is proving to be elusive regarding the payment of the remaining balance despite acknowledging the debit, a move which has forced Gwese, who is under the union’s watchful eye, to approach the civil court for remedy.

“In May we had agreed with Farchis that they will pay Gwese his unpaid December salary totaling US$420 but the employer opted to pay a mere US$100 and promised to pay the remaining balance which is US$320 on or before 31 August 2024,” Tarumbira said.

Farchis Panel Beaters and Spray Painters Private Limited’s Human Resources Officer only identified as Zvoushe said that the Managing Director of the company was out of the country.

‘We will forward Gwese’s demand from the civil court to the Managing Director Mr. Mufute   who is currently outside the country,’ she said.

“We are reliably informed that the company employees more than 30 workers who needs to be unionized and be members of NUMAIZ for the protection of their rights and also advancement of their interests. We intend to use the Gwese case as a recruitment tool,” Tarumbira said.

“NUMAIZ will not rest until workers’ rights are respected at all workplaces,” he added.

The National Union of Metal and Allied Industries in Zimbabwe is the appropriate union which covers employees employed by companies operating in the metal, automotive, Ferro chrome, electronics and iron and steel industries.