Former Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) executive director Mcdonald Chipenzi has sued his former employer, demanding payment of terminal benefits amounting to K453,750.
In a statement of claim filed in the Lusaka High Court, Wednesday, Chipenzi stated that he was at all material times employed by FODEP as an executive director.
He stated that he entered into a contract of employment with FODEP for the period January 2011 to December 19, 2011, which contract was renewed every year with the last renewal being for the period January 2015 to July 31, 2016.
Chipenzi stated that on February 13, 2016, five months before the end of the last contract, he was summarily dismissed.
He stated that he was and is entitled to a separation package comprising; salary arrears, personal to holder vehicle, leave days and school fees.
“Chipenzi’s salary arrears were partially paid for in cash and partially paid for through FODEP’s giving him ownership on his personal to holder vehicle which vehicle, FODEP also pledged to put in proper road worthy condition at their expense,” read the statement of claim.
Chipenzi stated that he was not paid leave days for a period January 20, 2011 to February 2016.
He further stated that FODEP also neglected or failed to pay back the balance on his school fees for his master degree program at the University of Zambia as pledged by them on September 3, 2014.
“Chipenzi from the date of dismissal to date, has tried to engage FODEP and impress upon them the need for them to expeditiously pay him his dues, more so, taking into account the manner of his dismissal which did not afford him the time and opportunity to make alternative financial arrangements for his family but to no avail,” read the statement of claim.
Chipenzi therefore claims terminal benefits in the sum of K453,750 as at December 31, 2018.
He is further claiming interest, costs and other relief the court may deem fit.