Central Region Water Board staff issue fresh strike notice
Central Region Water Board (CRWB) Workers Union has issued a fresh strike notice following continued disagreements with some senior executives.
The union last week won a court case when its lawyers successfully vacated an injunction which management obtained earlier, restraining employees from holding a strike to demand the resignation of CRWB director of finance and administration Ernest Mtawali and director of technical services John Makwenda by February 12.
In a letter The Nation has seen, the union issued a 21-day notice to management to address their grievances, failing which, the workers will hold a strike on February 13.
The letter alleges that the two are responsible for poor operations and financial decline and failure to remit pensions funds, among others.
Reads part of the letter: “Reference is made to our various discussions from 4th October 2018 up to 17th December 2019 with our Board Chairman Apostle Dr Madalitso Mbewe which Central Region Water Board Trade Union gave seven days (7) 11 December 2019 to 18 December 2019 and twenty one (21) days which ended on 8 January 2019 ultimatum for Director of Finance and Administration [DOFA].”
The union’s representative Ganizani Thyangathyanga confirmed writing the letter, saying the two officials should leave CRWB.
“Yes, we have sent the letter, but you can speak to the secretary general for further details,” he said.
In a separate interview, CRWB spokesperson Zephaniah Mitunda said he did not see the letter.
“Again, management has not told me anything as regards the letter. So, management cannot respond to a letter not directed to it,” he said.
