AMH embarks on phase three retrenchment

Published: 04 February 2014

At least 51 employees have voluntarily left Alpha Media Holdings, the publishers of NewsDay, The Southern Eye, The Zimbabwe Independent and The Standard newspapers, after the company announced it can no longer sustain its salary bill.

The firm is still calling for more workers to tender their resignations and receive voluntary severance packages.

In a memorandum sent to employees updating the workers on exercise, AMH publisher Ms Rita Chinyoka said the company had embarked on phase three of the voluntary retrenchment programme which came in effect on Monday.

"This is an update on our Voluntary Severance Offer; so far 51 members of the team have successfully applied and left AMH employ," she said.

"We wish them well in their endeavours. Please note that we have now embarked on phase three of the voluntary retrenchment programme. This comes into effect from today, Monday 3 February 2014, and anyone wishing to apply is welcome to do so."

Ms Chinyoka said the voluntary package on offer remained as follows: Statutory payment - three months' notice pay plus full benefits (airtime, fuel, medical aid, school fees), cash in lieu of leave with a cap of 90 leave days, severance package redundancy/ severance pay - 1 month's salary, service pay - 1 week's salary for every year served and relocation - 1 month's salary.

She said if any of the staff members wished to be considered they should submit applications directly to the general manager: human capital Edith Kayinga in person or via email by the 28th of this month.

Ms Chinyoka said if any staff member submitted an application last year and wished to be re-considered under phase three they should contact the human resources department to register their interest.

"Please note that AMH reserves the right to decline any applications," she said.

Reports indicate that western donors who had been propping up the group cut funding to the group in the wake of MDC-T's dismal loss in the July 31 harmonised elections.

AMH titles flew the MDC-T flag ahead of the harmonised elections that saw the opposition party crash to its worst defeat since its launch in 1999.
- herald