Mediamax Networks has been in the headlines for sacking 160 employees in October 30, 2019, after they were declared redundant.
The firm had promised a generous package to the affected workers including salaries for the month of November as well as severance and leave pay.
The money, which was to be settled two days after they were axed, is, however, yet to hit their bank accounts.
Speaking to media, one of the affected workers confirmed that he had not received the payment, explaining that the firm’s human resource manager promised to settle the dues by end of the second week of November.
“The pay was supposed to come after two days but three weeks later, we are yet to receive it. When I asked the HR, he told me that I would receive the money by the end of this week,” he revealed.
He further intimated that the company was facing challenges because it was not financially prepared for the retrenchment and therefore solicited the services of an insurance company for advice.
The amount of money owed to the former employees is estimated to run into millions.
Another source intimated that he would pursue legal action if the promised Friday, November 15, elapses before the company clears its dues.
“No one has been paid yet but we are still waiting. As much as I had a job on the side, most people did not and also, they are lawfully supposed to remit that money to me. They are not doing me a favour.
“If being civil is becoming a problem, then we shall explore legal action. Personally, if they do not pay me tomorrow (Friday), I will reach out on Monday because I think they are playing games with us,” he vowed.
The DSM Place-based station made its biggest layoff yet and sent home some of its senior staff including highly salaried editors and senior news reporters.
Some of those who were shown the door include news anchor Mwanaisha Chidzuga, Swahili Managing Editor Franklin Wambugu, Deputy Managing Editor Ali Mtenzi, Head of Sports Torome Tirike, Head of Business Tony Timase, senior reporter Frankilin Macharia and Swahili anchor Juma Bhalo.
The station’s executives resorted to the move, explaining that it was repositioning itself in the wake of the prevailing economic downturn and loss of major revenue streams.
