The Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) has started engaging workers and employers on the issue of what could be the appropriate minimum wage for workers in Malawi, citing the rising cost of living.
MCTU Secretary General Charles Kumchenga said the union was worried that some economic recovery measures the government was implementing were increasing pressure “on the already meagre income which the majority of workers get in the country”.
With the recent increase in fuel and electricity tariffs, Kumchenga said there was panic among workers, who fear that “prices will continue to rise while their income remains the same”.
He said the situation was negatively affecting people’s economic rights.
“This is why today [Wednesday], we invited stakeholders [in Mangochi] to offer suggestions and views on what they think should be the minimum wage which can sustain people in this economic environment. We want to present the same to the government ahead of the budget sitting of the National Assembly,” Kumchenga said.
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He said MCTU was of the view that employers, including the government, needed to “quickly find ways” of cushioning workers from economic shocks.
“We also want the Government Negotiating Team to quickly meet and start negotiations for new salaries for civil servants because civil servant salary reviews will start very soon. The cost of living is becoming unbearable every day and there is a need for a serious solution to be provided by the government,” he said.
Kumchenga could, however, not disclose the rate that MCTU was eyeing.
The Government Negotiating Team was yet to respond to our questionnaire as we went to press.
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Earlier this week, the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority approved 42 percent and 12 percent upward adjustment of the fuel and electricity tariff, respectively.
