AmeriWorld Mahindra Workers Cry Foul Over Unpaid Salaries

 

By Elizabeth Kucherera

In a shocking turn of events, workers at AmeriWorld Mahindra Zimbabwe have gone for five months without receiving salaries, leaving many employees and their families facing dire living conditions.

AmeriWorld Mahindra, an automobile dealer established in 2012, is located at 891 Willow Road, New Adbernie, Harare. The company’s failure to pay workers’ salaries has triggered frustration among employees, with some now homeless and others struggling to meet basic needs.

A visit by The Observer Zim this week revealed that the non-payment of salaries has left many workers unable to pay rent or provide for their families.

One aggrieved worker, who requested anonymity for fear of victimisation, narrated how he and his family were evicted from their rented home.

“I am now sleeping under a tent with my family after failing to pay rent for five months. I tried to engage our manager to speak to the owner so we can get something, but nothing is being done,” he said.

Another worker’s wife expressed her disappointment with tears in her eyes, saying her husband’s unpaid salary has forced their children out of school.

“My first son failed to register for his final exams last year. He is now spending time on the streets, and I fear he might get involved in drugs because of this situation,” she said.

In a telephone interview, Mrs Shailet Chikowore, who reportedly holds four positions at the company as manager, accountant, saleslady, and workshop manager, refused to comment on the matter.

“The owner of the company is there, look for his contact and call him. I am also a worker here,” she said.

However, the company’s owner, Mr Sanjay Babbar, promised to meet the workers on Monday to address the salary crisis.

“I have already spoken to Lameck. I don’t want to deal with ten journalists at once, but I will meet my workers to discuss the issue,” said Mr Babbar.

The National Union of Metal and Allied Industries in Zimbabwe (NUMAIZ) has condemned the company’s actions, describing them as a violation of workers’ rights.

“As NUMAIZ, we regard non-payment of salaries as unacceptable. Workers are struggling to pay rent, school fees, and buy basic necessities. This situation is affecting innocent children who are forced out of school,” said NUMAIZ General Secretary Henry Tarumbira.

Tarumbira urged workers to join unions of their choice and not fear victimisation, adding that the union would stand with all affected workers.

The workers are now appealing to the relevant authorities to intervene and ensure they receive what is rightfully theirs.