A number of Air Zimbabwe’s non-technical workers are set to be sent on indefinite unpaid leave from April 23 as the national airline seeks to trim its losses after grounding operations due to the ongoing lock-down in most parts of the world.
The coronavirus outbreak has seen most countries slamming travel restrictions and lock-downs to minimise its spread, resulting in Airzim stopping its flights.
A staff notice dated April 9 seen by The Herald says Airzim will remain with a “skeletal team” identified by heads of department to ensure adhoc operations, airworthiness compliance, safety, security of aircraft and associated equipment within the airline.
However, all employees will receive their April salaries.
Airzim corporate affairs manager Mr Tafadzwa Mazonde confirmed the development but could not be drawn into revealing the actual number of those to be on unpaid leave.
“Numbers are still being worked out but quite a number will be affected especially non-technical staff since we have reduced operational levels,” he said.
The national airline said it hopes to resume normal operations with the deployment of its Boeing 737 and ERJ 145 once travel restrictions are lifted.
