Zimbabwe Glass Industries (Zimglass), Zimbabwe’s sole glass manufacturer, has failed to re-open as planned, throwing the future of hundreds of employees into jeopardy.
The Gweru-based company ceased operations in 2010 to allow for the relining of its only functional furnace, forcing 472 workers to go on
unpaid leave.
It was reportedly expected that operations would resume in March 2011 with an increase in production.
However, only some 100 workers returned to work at the plant on half salary, while the company extended the unpaid leave for other employees indefinitely.
The company needs to raise between US$10 million and $19 million to rebuild its second furnace, according to reports.
Jacob Dube, Zimglass’ Managing Director, said it had not resumed operations as scheduled due to delays in the delivery of equipment from Europe. The equipment was reportedly sourced from Italian supplier BDF Industries at an estimated cost of $4 million. BDF was also due to supervise the refurbishment.
Despite the fact that Zimglass' works council agreed on the extension of workers’ unpaid leave, those who had reported for duty were said to be unhappy with the latest developments.
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions’ Central Region Chairperson, Martin Tazvivinga, said the forced leave was an unfair labour practice and urged Zimglass to follow proper retrenchment procedures if it was failing to re-open.
