Air Zimbabwe pilots strike over owed salaries

Air Zimbabwe cancelled most of its domestic and regional services on 22-Mar-2011 after pilots conducted strike action over demands for payment of outstanding salaries and allowances (News Day, 22-Mar-2011). The carrier reportedly owes approximately USD9 million in unpaid salaries and allowances. Air Zimbabwe board chairman Jonathan Kadzura confirmed the development, but declined to disclose the number of services affected. A similar strike by the pilots was conducted in Sep-2010, costing the carrier approximately USD3.5 million.

Air Zimababwe: "Yes, I have heard that they are on strike and it's the same old story about money which I do not have. The only way forward is for them to get back to work because there is no money, that is the reality. We lost a lot of business and confidence the last time they went on strike. We were only beginning to pick up business and confidence from travellers and they strike, it's really unfortunate and I would like to apologise to our travellers for the inconvenience,". Board chairman, Jonathan Kadzura. Source: News Day, 22-Mar-2011.