Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Times News
Published on 2024-03-08 07:51:42
The Civil Service Trade Union has recently rejected an allocation of K70 billion in the 2024-25 financial year intended for salary increments in the civil service, as reported by The Daily Times. This decision comes after discussions led by a government taskforce focusing on salary increments and wage restructuring in the public sector.
Charles Kalemba, chairperson of the taskforce, shared that the engagement with trade union leaders regarding the salary increment allocation has been unsuccessful. Despite efforts to negotiate with the unions, they have rejected the K70 billion, deeming it inadequate. Kalemba stated, “We, as a taskforce, will report back to the Treasury and continue with the negotiations.”
Secretary to the Treasury, Betchani Tchereni, emphasized the government’s commitment to engaging with the unions until an agreement is reached. The K70 billion allocation aims to mitigate the impact of the 44 percent devaluation of the Kwacha announced by the Reserve Bank of Malawi in November last year.
Madalitso Njolomole, Secretary General of the Malawi Congress of Trade Unions, confirmed the union’s rejection of the offer, highlighting that the K70 billion only translates to a 7 percent salary increment. He expressed hope that the government would adjust the figures to better support civil service workers amid the devaluation effects.
Furthermore, Tchereni revealed that the salary increments would be distributed based on a system where employees receiving lower salaries would receive a higher percentage increase than those with higher salaries. This adjustment aims to address the significant salary disparities within the public sector, including discrepancies between civil service workers and those in parastatals.
Earlier this year, following protests from workers regarding a 10 percent raise, the government agreed to increase civil servants’ salaries by an average of 15 percent in January. The ongoing negotiations between the government and trade unions underscore the importance of fair and equitable salary structures within the public sector.
In conclusion, the rejection of the K70 billion allocation by the Civil Service Trade Union reflects a desire for more substantial support for civil service workers facing economic challenges. The government’s commitment to ongoing negotiations and efforts to address salary disparities within the public sector signal a potential for positive outcomes in the future. It remains to be seen how the parties will work together to ensure that salary increments adequately support all employees in the civil service.
Read the original article on The Times
