Diamond Mine Workers Strike over Unpaid Salaries
October 14, 24
(IDEX Online) - Over 300 workers at the RZM Murowa diamond mine, in Zimbabwe, have gone on strike after two months without pay, according to local media reports.
The company has been operating at full capacity, but has failed to provide workers with pay or other benefits, said Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Mineral Workers Union (ZDAMWU).
According to the ZimLive news platform, workers have submitted written demands for the full payment of outstanding salaries and bonuses, as well as the adequate personal protective equipment as part of a long list of grievances.
It cited the ZDAMWU as saying "Productivity by mine workers at Murowa Diamonds has been at full capacity with the company operating at full throttle. However, this has not translated to salary disbursements and other benefits for the workers."
Full-scale production at the mine began in 2004. RioZim took over management in 2015, leading to a comprehensive strategic overhaul aimed at revitalizing operations and expanding capacity.
The mine employs around 820 people, including full-time contractors, and produced 419,042 carats in 2022.
We have contacted RioZim for comment.
Pic courtesy RioZim shows RZM Murowa.