The National Organisation of Nurses and Midwives of Malawi (Nonm) and the Physician Assistant Union of Malawi (Paum) have given government seven days to hike their salaries by 44 percent failing which they would go on strike from December 29.
The ultimatum follows failed talks between the two groups and the Ministry of Health on the matter after the 44 percent devaluation of the Kwacha early last month.
Briefing reporters in Lilongwe yesterday both Nonm and Paum described the planned 10 percent salary hike by the government as too little and “utter mockery” to civil servants, in particular, clinicians, nurses and midwives who form the backbone of the healthcare delivery system.
“Paum and Nonm are at pains with this decision by the government as it comes in the wake of a significant 44 percent currency devaluation which, understandably, through the speech of the State President, was meant to align our currency in the quest for economic stability.
“In this statement, Paum and Nonm would like to position themselves as they bargain for the welfare and affairs of the civil servants in general, and the clinicians and the nurses and midwives, in particular,” the two organisations say in a statement read out during the briefing.
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It is signed by Nonm president Shouts Simeza, Nonm Executive Director Peter Mvuma, Paum president Solomon David Chomba and Paum Secretary General Daniel Nasimba.
The two groups are also calling for a revision of all special allowances for healthcare workers which “have been eroded” by the devaluation.
They further argue that the government should immediately review and revise downwards the current Pay As You Earn tax to beef up citizens’ income.
Nonm and Paum are also calling on the government and all employers to immediately provide means of transportation such as buses from focal pick-up points.
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“If government fails to address these issues (by December 29 2023), all clinicians, nurses and midwives will be forced to withdraw their services and proceed with a nationwide protest over the situation,” the statement adds.
The two groups reportedly engaged the Ministry of Health on December 5 on the matter.
In its response to the demands, the ministry, through a letter signed by Principal Secretary for Administration Beston Chisamile, said the government appreciates their concerns and is taking appropriate steps to address them.
The ministry added that regarding the issue of provision of buses to transport healthcare workers to work, the ministry is in the process of estimating the cost implications of the undertaking for further engagement with relevant ministries, departments and agencies on the feasibility of the request.
“You will also recall that during the recent budget mid-year review, government made a commitment to implement measures aimed at cushioning civil servants against the effects of devaluation.
“The extent of your request may, therefore, depend on the outcome of the measures,” the response reads.
Last month, the Malawi Congress of Trade Unions also proposed a 44 percent minimum revision of salaries for workers to cushion them against effects of the devaluation of the Kwacha.
MCTU also asked government to increase, with 44 percent, the national minimum wage which currently stands at K50,000.
