Harare — INTERFRESH Private Limited, a processor and marketer of agricultural and allied products, has been ordered to reinstate 14 workers it dismissed three years ago for demanding allowances.

In a ruling made available last week, Labour Court president Mr Custom Kachambwa upheld the workers contention that they were unfairly dismissed.

He allowed the workers application for reinstatement.

"The respondent (Interfresh) is hereby ordered to reinstate the workers without loss of salary or benefits.

"The respondent is free to reinstate fresh proceedings but shall do so while the appellants are not on suspension.

"Respondent (Interfresh) is also ordered to pay the costs of suit," read the operative part of the judgement.

The 14 workers were dismissed on allegations of misconduct after they wrote a letter to the chairman of Interfresh complaining about some managers.

The workers also threatened to suspend operational meetings until they were paid all outstanding amounts in transport fares and food allowances.

The workers were charged with misconduct and were dismissed from employment in 2006.

Interfresh, in its letters to the workers, said their action was likely to compromise the company's relationship with customers.