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Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
WORKERS at Haddon and Sly Supermarket in Bulawayo yesterday accused management of forcing them to sign new three-month contracts that say that they have just joined the company even after they have served for years.

They told The Chronicle that they were threatened with dismissal if they didn’t sign the contracts.

They said managers said those who refused to sign the contracts would be given three months notice and fired, pursuant to a recent Supreme Court ruling.

The ruling allows companies to fire workers without benefits, regardless of the number of years they have been employed, provided they give them three months’ notice.

The workers, who refused to be named for fear of victimisation, said they were called by management to sign the contracts last week.

“We were not even given the opportunity to go through the contract. When we requested to take it home so that we could scrutinise it, we were given an ultimatum to ether sign or go home forever,” said one of the workers.

The workers said they were puzzled about the new development as it might spell doom to their future.

“I’ve worked for the company for years but nothing of that nature has ever happened. It’s a three-month contract and stipulates that we recently joined the company,” said a worker.

“It doesn’t make sense for us because we’ve been part of the company for years. Why the sudden change and what’s their motive?” asked the worker.

Another said they were being overworked yet not being paid enough.

“Sometimes we work double shifts, during holidays but they don’t pay for that. We’re sometimes forced to offload delivery trucks. You’ll see a till operator offloading a truck, cleaning and merchandising. We’re not paid for all the extra chores,” he said.

The workers said they understood that the country’s economy was not stable but the company should not use that to exploit them.

“They’re taking advantage of us because there are no jobs in the market and it’s now very easy to fire people,” said one of the workers.

Haddon and Sly manager, Oneous Ncube said there was nothing amiss on the new contracts.

“People want to exaggerate issues. They were just renewing their contracts,” said Ncube.

He admitted that the company was struggling to pay workers their dues.

“Things are tight but we’re working towards paying them their allowances,” he said.

The recent Supreme Court ruling has left workers at the mercy of employers who have used the law to exploit them.

Companies that include Econet, Pelhams, Grain Bag and Regency Group have literally joined the stampede that has resulted in thousands of workers getting unceremoniously dismissed.

President Robert Mugabe on Wednesday assured the nation that “this madness” will soon end as the law would be amended so that it caters for the needs of the people.