Civil servants have given government a 14-day ultimatum to address their grievances, failing which they will go on a nationwide strike from February 25.
Among other things, the about-300,000 civil servants are demanding a 44 percent salary hike, salary restructuring, as well as a 200 percent rise in transport and special allowances and leave grant.
The government workers note that they presented their concerns to the Government Negotiation Team on August 16 last year and that, since then, there has been deafening silence from the government.
The civil servants note that aside from being advised to exercise patience, no tangible step has been taken to address the issues raised and that the rising cost of living has left them struggling and destitute.
In a joint statement released Wednesday, Civil Servants Trade Union (CSTU) and Teachers Union of Malawi (Tum) leaders said the ultimatum was in response to the lack of acknowledgment or meaningful action from their employers, the Malawi Government, regarding their demands.
“Our concerns were first communicated on 13th January 2025, when we submitted a letter to the Secretary to the President and Cabinet, outlining the pressing issues affecting civil servants.
“Unfortunately, despite the deadline for a response having passed on 31st January 2025, no action or acknowledgment has been received. This follows months of previous communications, including letters sent on 2nd September 2024, 3rd October 2024, and 23rd October 2024, all of which were met with silence.
“The delay in addressing our grievances, coupled with the ever-increasing cost of living, has left our members in a difficult and unsustainable position,” the statement reads.
The statement—signed by CSTU President Lameck Magawa, Tum President Willy Malimba, CSTU General Secretary Titha Gomani and Tum General Secretary Charles Kumchenga—says they find it disheartening that their repeated attempts to engage in constructive dialogue have been disregarded.
“We have made every effort to follow due processes and, yet, our concerns continue to fall on deaf ears. It is with a sense of urgency that we now find ourselves compelled to issue this 14-day ultimatum,” the statement reads.
Efforts to speak to head of the civil service Collen Zamba proved futile Wednesday.
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