Government, employers and workers' representatives have defended the recently gazetted minimum wage, describing it as a balanced measure aimed at protecting workers while safeguarding employment opportunities.
In
a joint statement signed by Secretary for Labour, Skills and Innovation Nwazi
T. Mnthambala, Employers Consultative Association of Malawi (ECAM) Executive
Director George Khaki, and Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) Secretary
General Charles Kumchenga, the social partners said the minimum wage was
determined after careful consideration of the interests of both employees and
employers.
According
to Kumchenga setting a minimum wage too low would fail to meet the needs of
workers and their families, while setting it too high could place excessive
pressure on businesses and potentially lead to job losses.
"If
the wage is set too high, employers may not afford and may resort to downsizing
which might have a negative effect on employment," reads part of the
statement.
Kumchenga
further clarified that once a minimum wage order has been gazetted, it becomes
legally binding and must be observed by all employers across the country.
"The minimum wage represents a wage floor
rather than a wage ceiling," he said.
He
has since emphasized that employers and employees remain free to negotiate
wages and conditions of service above the statutory minimum through collective
bargaining and other recognized negotiation platforms.
Kumchega
has acknowledged that differences in responsibilities, working conditions and
risks between local and long-distance transport operations require further
discussion to ensure fair remuneration for workers in the transport sector.
The
remarks follows concerns raised by the Professional Drivers Union of Malawi
(PRODUM) regarding wage harmonization between local and cross-border drivers, who
initially threatened to hold demonstrations on 8 June but postponed the
demonstrations due to other reasons .
In a separate
interview with Umunthu FM, Vice Chairperson of the Professional Drivers Union
of Malawi (PRODUM), McJones Navaya, indicated that what the drivers want is a
salary increase in line with their proposal of a 100 percent increment. He
cited the rising cost of living, the high risks associated with the job, and
supply chain demands as some of the factors necessitating the increase.
“The cost of
living is no longer the same. We have families to support, and the salaries we
currently receive do not adequately meet our needs. Increasing the wages will
help cushion us,” he said.
Navaya said
that before the minimum wages were announced, the union was asked to submit its
proposed salary structure. However, they were surprised that the final decision
was contrary to their recommendations. He added that one of the key issues they
raised was the harmonization of basic salaries for local and cross-border
drivers, with any differences for cross-border drivers being addressed through
allowances.
“We proposed
increasing the salaries to between K 500,000 and K 600,000, but we are
disappointed to see the adjustment from K 328,600 to only K 410,300,” he
explained.
The
joint position comes amid ongoing discussions on labour conditions and wage
structures in Malawi, with stakeholders expected to continue consultations
aimed at improving workers' welfare while maintaining business sustainability
and employment creation.
