On Monday, the Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) led workers in the country in commemorating the World Day for Decent Work with calls for a pay rise for all workers regardless of their employment status.
The global trade union movement commemorated the day under the theme It’s Time for Pay Rise while MCTU held it under Ensuring Decent Work, Dignity and Respect for All theme.
“Indeed, Decent work is an important economic tool towards inclusive development. As MCTU we believe that promoting decent work in the world of work will strongly contribute towards the achievement of the aspirations of the Malawi Vision 2063.
“In Malawi majority of the active population depend on wages and salaries for survival. Therefore, our theme this year speaks for all workers in Malawi and as MCTU we demand decent work for all. We therefore strongly believe that promoting decent work in the world of work is a key to inclusive development.
“This year in particular our interest as trade unions is to see “A Pay Rise across the board” for all workers regardless of their employment status. We take note that over the year’s wages have been eroded by the rampant inflation that has seen workers struggling to meet the costs of basic needs including hospital bills,” reads part of the MCTU statement signed by its President Charles Kumchenga and Secretary General Madalitso Njolomole.
The commemoration came a few days after the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) devalued the Malawi Kwacha with 44 percent which means that the exchange rate has been adjusted from the selling rate of MWK 1180.29 to a selling rate of MWK 1700.00 to US Dollar.
“This development has caused public panic, as cost of living is likely to double. Currently the inflation rate stands at around 28.6 percent, which is already high for an average Malawian worker to afford basic needs. It is indeed, painful that the devaluation has come at a time when many Malawians are already struggling to meet the costs of basic needs due to low wages.
“The 44 percent devaluation of the kwacha further justify why wages must be revised upwards. In May this year MCTU through Tripartite Labour Advisory Council (TLAC) demanded that National Minimum wage be revised from MK 50,000 to MK 100,000 this was on the basis that the current minimum wage was not enough for an average Malawian family to survive for a month,” reads the statement further.
In addition, the statement said the recent Food Needs Basket from Center for Social Concern (CFSC) estimates that for a family of six may need approximately MK 406, 629 per month which is even way above the current proposed Minimum wage.
“Indeed, a pay rise is the only way towards promoting better living conditions for all workers in Malawi. It is important to mention that across Malawi, we have witnessed the resilience and determination of workers who, despite facing unprecedent challenges, continue to contribute their skills, talents, and hard work to fuel economic growth and development. MCTU believe that these workers are critical for our economies, and their concerns should be at the heart of economic and social policies.
“MCTU believe that now it’s time for a new social contract that would make sure that rights are respected, jobs are decent with minimum living wages, social protection is universal, due diligence and accountability are driving business operations, and that social dialogue ensures just transition measures for climate and technology.
“Today, we are all reminded of the urgent need to address Malawi working men and women’s social-economic hardships. Therefore, MCTU is calling on the government, employers and other stakeholders across the country to take decisive actions to address the wage gap and ensure that all workers receive a just and decent living wage. MCTU knows that the path to decent work includes genuine respect for workers’ fundamental principles and rights at work and unshackled space for utilizing collective bargaining spaces and processes.
“MCTU strongly urge Malawi government through Ministry of labour to implement the TLAC resolutions and further adjust the proposed National Minimum wage with 44 percent. Furthermore, we urge government to prioritize social protection measures that shield vulnerable workers from negative impacts of inflation and economic instability, including those in the informal economy. Access to quality healthcare, education, and affordable housing should be every workers and their families’ fundamental rights,” said the statement .
