Bulawayo City Council workers, who were on strike since Monday demanding payment of their outstanding three months’ salary arrears, returned to work Friday after failing to reach an agreement with the local authority. They have now referred their grievances to the ministry of labour.
The strike had halted the local authority’s service delivery system in the face of the on-going Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in the city.
Secretary General Moses Mahlangu of the Zimbabwe Urban Council Workers’ Union says the employees hope the arbitration process will see the attachment of council property so workers can receive their outstanding salaries.
Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Amen Mpofu tells reporter Sithandekile Mhlanga the local authority cannot meet the workers’ demands because of economic problems, worsened by the closure of industries in the city.