Times Printpak Zambia has denied owing their former employee Anthony Mulowa K587,406.02 being claimed as benefits under the first and second separation package saying to the contrary, the company only owes him K524,656.02.
And Times contends that Mulowa is not entitled at all to the reliefs being sought; such as costs and any other reliefs.
Last month, Mulowa sued the newspaper in the Lusaka High Court claiming K587,406.2 gratuity and leave days, as well as, interest, costs and any other reliefs.
Mulowa, who is currently working for the Road Development Agency as deputy communications director, was claiming for payment of gratuity, service package, leave commutation, service bonus and repatriation benefits under the first contract amounting to K367,744.33.
He is also claiming for payment of gratuity, leave commutation and repatriation benefits under the second contract amounting to K219,661.69.
But in a defence filed in the Lusaka High Court, November 5, Times of Zambia denied owing Mulowa K367,744.33, saying they only owed him K312,744.33 for gratuity, service package, leave commutation, service bonus and repatriation benefits under the first contract.
They stated that K219,661.69 being claimed by Mulowa as payment of gratuity, leave commutation and repatriation benefits under the second contract was incorrect, as the right amount was K211,911.69.
Times stated that they had a schedule of payment based on the date of existing the company and this was the schedule being followed to pay those who had left the company.
They added that they had not chosen to ignore Mulowa’s claims.
“Going by the internal arrangements, he is to start receiving his monies in November, 2018 as priority is given to retirees followed by those who had resigned as the plaintiff did. The defendant contends that the plaintiff is not entitled to the reliefs sought herein namely; costs and any other reliefs at all,” read the statement of claim.