Lobel fires over 400 workers fired for challenging...

Lobel fires over 400 workers fired for challenging sexual harassment

Zim Now Writer

Over 400 employees at Lobels Biscuits’ Belmont factory have been fired over their participation in demonstrations over sexual harassment, nepotism and low wages among other things.

One worker sensationally claimed that 98,7 percent of female employees at the company had been abused.

“About 97,8 percent of female women at the company have been abused. The Gender Commission has got all the information," the worker said.

In November last year, the workers staged demonstrations, calling for the dismissal Chief operations officer, Andrew Dinhidza, whom they accused of being oppressive.

The workers also claimed that he gave his relatives senior positions at the company over and above sexually harassing female employees at the firm.

Some of the affected workers said problems started when the workers reported the company to the Biscuits Manufactures Industry National Employment Council for underpaying them.

“Our problem started when NEC ordered the company to pay the lowest paid worker the statutory US$270 per month.

“Prior to the NEC order, some workers were being paid as little as US$60 per month.

“Workers were also not happy with the company’s decision to deduct 15 percent of our salaries following a robbery at the company’s premises in March this year,” said Moses Matupise, a former member of the workers committee.

Thieves broke into the company’s offices in March and stole R16,7 million and US$80 000 in cash during the break-in.

The workers also claimed that management was angered by the workers' decision to report Dinhidza and one of his cousins to the police for alleged sexual harassment.

“It seems the company management was not happy with the workers' decision to report the chief operations officer to the Gender Commission, Zanu-PF and the police.

“Dinhidza and his cousin, who is also a worker at the company, have been sexually molesting female workers.

“Actually, five cases of rape have been reported at various police stations against Dinhidza, while his cousin is also accused of raping a female worker.

“There are case numbers to prove these allegations,” said another worker who refused to be named for fear of victimisation.

The workers, who said they are wondering why nothing has been done since the recommendations of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission that Dinhidza should be sacked, added that they are challenging the dismissal.

“Our lawyers are challenging the dismissal. Our dismissal was clearly unlawful,” said Matupise.