Zimasco retrenches 200 workers

Zim Now Writer

Zimbabwe’s largest ferrochrome producer, with an annual output of 180 000 tonnes – the Zimbabwe Mining and Smelting Company - has today compulsorily retrenched over 200 workers from its various subsidiaries across the country.

Zimasco has subsidiaries in Mutorashanga, Shurugwi, Harare and Kwekwe.

In a notice of compulsory retrenchment written to each worker, the company offers no package and gives the workers May 31, 2024, as the last working day. However, the workers will not report for duty with effect from tomorrow, according to the notice.

The workers have reportedly refused to sign the retrenchment letters in the absence of any mention of packages and the short notice.

Zimasco said the retrenchments have been caused by poor prices on the international market and other challenges.

“Further to the brief from the executive chairman shared with you recently, the company hereby advises that your position was made redundant through restructuring and was declared excess to the company’s immediate requirements. You have thus been listed for compulsory retrenchment which processes are commencing with immediate effect,” reads part of the notice.

Zimasco Chief Operations Officer Namatai Mapfumo could not be reached for comment.

Last year, Zimasco switched off four of its six furnaces at the Kwekwe plant due to increased cost of power and declining prices on the world market.

Zimasco is a unit of China’s Sinosteel, and exports ferrochrome to Europe and Asia.