Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Air Zimbabwe pilots continue strike

Air Zimbabwe pilots are still on industrial action as they had not reached an agreement with their employer to end the week long industrial action.

Air Zimbabwe pilots downed tools on the 23rd of this month, demanding payment of salary and allowance arrears dating back to the beginning of the year.

The strike by the pilots follows similar industrial action last September to press for better salaries and payment of salary arrears.

Air Zimbabwe Board Chairman, Mr. Jonathan Kadzura told reporters that so far the national airline has not been able to agree with the pilots on the way forward as it is unable to pay salary and allowance arrears owed to the pilots.

Mr. Kadzura said due to the impasse Air Zimbabwe planes are grounded and travellers who had booked flights with the national airline are being transferred to other airlines.

A passenger at the Harare International Airport said she was supposed to fly from London on Thursday last week, but was told that the flight had been cancelled and had to make alternative travel arrangements.

Aviation industry experts say the use of other airlines to ferry Air Zimbabwe passengers is more costly and adds to the national airline's financial challenges.