Air Zimbabwe puts 600 workers on forced leave

HARARE – Air Zimbabwe has sent over 600 employees on forced leave as the parastatal rationalises staff levels in a frantic bid to turn around the ailing company and restore customer confidence. 

The national airline said it is implementing a restructuring programme which will see about 307 workers being retained while over 600 are laid off to facilitate streamlining of operations.

The parastatal is aiming for optimum use of personnel for the next six months after which it will review progress in revitalisaion and recapitalisation. Air Zimbabwe had 1 020 employees manning its limited route network, but the bloated workforce was bleeding the airline resulting in delayed salary payments and recurring job actions.

“… The company has had to send over 600 employees on vacation (leave),” said Air Zimbabwe public relations executive officer Shingai Taruvinga. “This company position has been communicated to all stakeholders including the unions with whom several consultative meetings have been held.”

Senior Air Zimbabwe officials insisted the restructuring exercise would see the parastatal’s performance improving. The airline has announced plans to re-launch the Harare-London route in July, 14 months after abandoning the route due to viability challenges. Zimbabwe Independent