Harare, Zimbabwe | Bakers Inn, a subsidiary of Simbisa Brands, is facing backlash from employees who claim they are being coerced into accepting so-called ‘voluntary’ retrenchment packages.
The employees argue that the company’s actions violate their labor rights.
ZiMetro News investigation revealed that at least eight employees were retrenched in July 2024, and they are currently involved in a salary dispute with the company, which is facing strong competition from rival bakery Mr. Chingwaa.
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“The employer is only offering to pay the workers their outstanding salaries from July and August,” said a source. “The workers have refused to sign management’s letter, insisting they should also receive their accumulated allowances and benefits for the years they have worked, with some having served the company for over ten years.”
The employees further accuse the company of pressuring them into signing voluntary retrenchment agreements, claiming it is an attempt to remove long-serving staff.
The retrenchment process, which began in May, has met with strong opposition from veteran employees, who resist being, in their words, ‘baked alive.’
This situation has reportedly led to a significant loss of experienced workers, many of whom are seeking better opportunities elsewhere, which has negatively impacted the quality of Bakers Inn’s products.
Efforts to obtain a comment from company officials were unsuccessful.
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