The Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) has demanded that the proposed minimum wage of K100.000 be increased again with 44 percent so as to further cushion workers against implications of the 44 percent devaluation of kwacha.
In a statement signed by MCTU president Charles Kumchenga and Secretary General Madalitso Njolomole, the body said the devaluation of Kwacha has caused public panic, as cost of living is likely to double.
Further, MCTU has called on government to reduce taxes on basic goods and services including those that are imported in order to cushion workers against the tough times ahead.
It has also directed employers and trade union representative at enterprise level to immediately call for meetings where salary revisions must be the main agenda.
MCTU has proposed a minimum revision of salaries with 44 percent.
“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 like food, shelter and hospital bills.
“MCTU is also greatly concerned that in the absence of immediate government intervention, the devaluation might also lead to retrenchments and eventually many companies will close down hence further destabilizing the economy. It is unfortunate that majority of businesses in Malawi depend on importing materials for production hence the 44% devaluation has implications that go beyond the cost of living.
“Government must therefore focus on measures that will assist in increasing exports and also at the same time reducing imports as a way of making our currency to be stable against major trading currencies. As a workers’ representative organization, we also feel that the devaluation of the kwacha will further promote socio-economic injustice in Malawi.
“It is demotivating that income for average Malawians, especially salaries have remained the same for a very long time while the cost of living continues to change now and then.
“We recall that in May 2023, we held a Tripartite Labour Advisory Council (TLAC) Meeting in Lilongwe where among other issues, we discussed on the cost of living and recommended a revised National Minimum wage from MWK 50,000 to MWK 100,000 representing 100 % increase, in order to cushion workers against the economic hardship. It is unfortunate and disappointing that since then, government has not shown any commitment towards the implementation of the resolutions.
“This is an insult to workers in Malawi who work hard for their families and our nation Malawi. MCTU therefore calls upon government and employers to immediately act on this issue, otherwise workers will not have any choice but to declare a dispute,” reads the statement released Friday.
