Zimbabwe: Dealer Agreements Differences or Racism

It is alleged that logistics manager, Nigel Westwood was racially abusing employees and that some black fuel dealers were on the verge of losing their licences to their white counterparts. Lilien Gora, Chevron's country representative told media that claims of racism were unfounded. "Workers have a grievances procedure including hotlines where they channel their grievances.

Ishe Mugadza, Chevron's retail business consultant said employees go through anti-harassment training where they are equipped with etiquettes of working relations. Mugadza said Chevron operates lease agreements with fuel dealers. The agreements run for a year and are renewable based on performance. The agreements expired in December and Chevron has not yet approached dealers to renew the lease agreements, Gora said adding that in its network only four white dealers had lease agreements.

Chevron has 77 operating service stations. Of those stations, 33 are company-owned and dealers have to obtain annual licences. The remainder is owned by individuals. Mugadza said renewal of leases depends on the volume of fuel sold adding that some dealers were failing to pay rentals.

Tafadzwa Musarara, the AAG secretary general said meeting was cordial and the lobby group had been requested to cite examples which the fuel company can use to deal with the matter.

PetrolWorld 020210  Source: SBusiness