Tea farmers allied to Nyansiongo Tea Company have accused the company of delaying their August and September salaries despite having promised to clear the dues.
The farmers mainly from Gesima and Borabu regions accused the management of playing sideshows with the trivial issue and threatened to go on strike if the money fails to reflect in their bank accounts by Tuesday next week.
According to them, the management had ignored an earlier communication that assured them of being paid by the close of business on Wednesday.
“As farmers from Gesima, we are sad that we haven’t been paid for August and September even after the factory’s management promised to effect the payment by Wednesday this week. It’s shocking that over 48hrs after the decision, someone has not honoured the promise. They have till Tuesday or face the music,” said Mr Evans Monda on their behalf.
They further blamed the management of planning to slash the salaries in payment of fertilizers that had been issued to all farmers in August contrary to the existing rules of the company.
“We also have a hint that they are planning to slash money for the fertilizers that were recently distributed before the elapsing of three months period. We dare them to do that. They will have to consult us but the most important thing is that they should clear our pending dues,” Mr Monda added.
However, Mrs Rachael Orina, who represents the region in the factory confirmed that the factory had issued cheques to respective banks and wondered why payments have not been made.
“As far as I know, we facilitated payment and as their representative, I want to confirm that the factory cleared with them. I don’t know why banks have not cleared them yet,” she said on phone.