By Own Correspondent

THE ongoing retrenchment exercise at Harare based prestigious medical institution, Avenues Clinic has reached a crescendo on the back of allegations that an estimated US$750, 00 has been placed on offer for the least paid retrenchees.

The health group, which falls under Medical Investments Limited (MIL) recently tabled plans to lay off 50 workers as part of a strategic decision in the best interests of the company.

Following the decision, documents leaked to this publication confirmed that the company offered to pay Service Pay of one month’s salary for every year served, Notice Pay of three months’ salary in Lieu of Notice, Payment of Accrued Leave Days and Medical Aid Cover for three months up to December 31 2025.

Over and above the conditions, the company has announced a payment timeframe of six months.

“Considering that the least-serving employees facing the chop had served for just two and a half years while earning very small salaries, what this offer effectively means is that workers under such a bracket are set to take home just an estimated US$750, 00 before tax. The highest paid workers who had served for about 27 years will be taking home an estimated US$8 500 and this is before tax,” alleged one of the affected employees who preferred anonymity.

Another retrenched employee questioned the management’s rationale arguing that there was need to appreciate the services they extended to the organization over the years by treating them with dignity.

A Notice of Retrenchment filed by the MIL to the Retrenchment Board which was also gleaned by our publication contains three main reasons behind the job cuts.

“We are embarking on the retrenchment exercise because of restructuring and remodeling of the business for prudent cash flow, management and cost containment. Positions being laid off have been outsourced to support financial and operational viability of the business as well as consolidation of the jobs for cost and headcount management,” reads the notice in part.

In contrast, the affected workers are pushing for a reasonable package, at least decent enough for one kick-starting a viable project reflecting the years of committed service at a prestigious and well-oiled health facility.

“What is going on right now at the MIL is a deliberate ploy of sacrificing lowly paid workers. In fact whose salaries are way lesser than some of the executives’ airtime allowances in the name of easing financial pressures on the entity? If the company is not performing as alleged, why target small jobs and exclude top management who cream off bigger salaries and benefits?” alleged one of the workers.