By Isaac Salima
Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) has suspended some of its employees for allegedly leading and staging a sit-in for staff members.
On Thursday last week, some Blantyre-based employees went on strike demanding pay increase.
Those that have been suspended include Staff Union President Charity Harawa, Secretary General William Mnyamula, Vice President Alex Harawa and others.
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In a suspension letter to Mnyamula— correspondence we have seen— the corporation accuses him of leading what it calls an “illegal” sit-in and march for staff.
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“Your actions were in contrast to provisions of the law as enshrined in the Labour Relations Act, which stipulates the right procedure for such actions,” reads the letter which Escom Chief Executive Officer Kamkwamba Kumwenda has signed.
The letter further says, during the strike, there was unauthorised use of company vehicles and resources, describing it as a violation of the corporation’s disciplinary code. Mnyamula confirmed that he has received the letter.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that about 24 workers, most of whom are drivers, have been suspended. Escom Public Relations Officer Peter Kanjere confirmed to The Daily Times in a separate interview that some of the company’s employees have been suspended.
The employees took to the streets to protest the 10 percent increment which the company effected, saying it is on the lower side against the 44 percent devaluation of the Kwacha
