BY SAMUEL NJINGA IN RENCO.
Over 1 200 workers at Renco Mine have been on strike since the 9th of October this year, demanding the settlement of their outstanding salaries, which have not been paid since July. The workers, frustrated with the ongoing financial instability, voted to dissolve their Workers Council Committee through a vote of no confidence, accusing it of failing to represent their interests effectively.
Tensions reached a boiling point when General Manager, Irvine Taurayi Nyamukondiwa, was forced out of the mine premises and told to mediate the salary dispute with RioZim’s top management in Harare. The workers have made it clear that no mining operations will resume until their demands are met. However, essential services, such as the clinic, sanitation, and water treatment, have been allowed to continue functioning to maintain the mine’s basic needs.
This is not the first time the workers at Renco Mine have resorted to industrial action. Since the 1st of April 2021, workers have gone on strike every year over salary issues. In 2022, the mine’s parent company, RioZim, received a $19 billion injection from shareholders in a bid to stabilise its operations, yet workers continue to face irregular salary payments and financial hardships.
“We’ve had enough of empty promises. We can’t continue working without being paid for months on end,” said one worker who wished to remain anonymous. “Management needs to resolve this once and for all.”
The strike highlights the ongoing financial struggles within RioZim’s operations, despite efforts to revive the company’s fortunes. While workers continue their strike, RioZim’s leadership remains under pressure to provide a lasting solution to the labor crisis. The situation at Renco Mine remains tense, with workers vowing not to bow down until their dues are fully paid.
Nyamukondiwa declined to comment and referred this reporter to the corporate communications department. Efforts to get comment from the corporate communications department were fruitless.