By Staff Writer
Businessman and philanthropist Tinashe Mutarisi, founder of Nash Paints in 2006, is embroiled in controversy for failing to pay terminal benefits to 60 workers dismissed in April after they demanded safety clothing and payslips.
The affected employees are owed a total of US$39,000.
Mutarisi is the chairman of Nash Holdings, which includes several companies such as Nash Paints, Eastlea Paints, and Nash Furnitures, with operations extending to Zambia, South Africa, and Botswana.
A termination letter sent to one of the affected workers, signed by Nash Furniture’s Human Resources Manager Rumbidzai Marere, stated:
“Our records indicate that your contract is expiring on 30 April 2024. We regret to inform you that we will not be renewing it. Your last working day will be 30 April 2024. We appreciate your hard work and dedication during your time with Nash Furnishers.”
Despite Marere’s commitment on 10 July to the Progressive Furniture, Timber and Allied Workers Union to pay the owed amounts, no payments have been made, despite multiple follow-ups. The letter from Marere indicated:
“We will be paying the terminal benefits in batches according to the availability of funds. Any inconveniences caused are sincerely regretted.”
Artingson Magune, the union’s general secretary, expressed concern for the former workers, who struggle to pay rent due to the unpaid benefits. “Deadlines for agreed payment dates have lapsed. Many workers want to relocate to rural areas but cannot afford to travel because of the non-payment,” he stated.
Workers also discovered that their employer failed to remit funeral and NSSA contributions deducted from their salaries when they visited the relevant offices.
Efforts to engage Mutarisi directly have been unsuccessful. Magune explained, “We wanted to resolve this matter amicably with his lawyer, Mr. Auther Marara.”
Attempts by this publication to reach Mutarisi have also been fruitless. His personal assistant stated that only Mutarisi is authorized to speak to the media.
Workers expressed frustration at Mutarisi’s philanthropic activities while neglecting their needs. “We were fired for demanding basic safety clothing. I went over a year without a worksuit, which is essential in our industry. It feels unjust that the bosses at Nash Holdings thrive while we suffer,” said one worker.
A letter from Magune to Nash Furnitures highlights a history of labor injustices surrounding the unpaid benefits dispute. The letter states:
“We represent the 60 terminated employees of Nash Furnitures Pvt Ltd, who were suspended on 9 April 2024. They were informed on 30 April 2024 of their termination while awaiting the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings. According to Statutory Instrument 57 of 2017, all contract workers should be recognized as permanent employees after two years of continuous employment.”
The situation is poised to escalate into a court battle as the 60 workers endure significant hardships amidst ongoing disputes with Mutarisi.
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