Court stops Zomba City workers’ strike

Zomba City Council (ZCC) has obtained an injunction restraining its staff from proceeding with a strike that started last week Monday.

The workers are asking management to pay them outstanding salary increments and pension arrears. They are also demanding the removal of the council’s chief executive officer Charles Thombozi.

Spot-checks at Zomba Civic Centre yesterday revealed that the workers had resumed work as the Workers Union was locked up in discussion with management to resolve their grievances.

In an interview, one of the workers, who pleaded for anonymity, threatened that they would down their tools again if management will not address their grievances by tomorrow.

The strike affected services such as refuse collection in the city.

 In a telephone interview, ZCC Workers Union chairperson Patrick Manyalo said they would hold a meeting with authorities yesterday.

“We have just been served with the injunction. After the discussions, we will be guided on the next course of action,” he said.

Last week, discussions between the workers and the mayor ended in a deadlock.

Yesterday, the two sides were in discussions until late afternoon.

ZCC public relations officer Mercy Chaluma said she was in a meeting; hence, could not give the council’s position.

Besides increment, the workers are also asking the council to revise their salary structures, saying the cost of living has gone up.

The strike affected services such as refuse collection and sweeping, among others.