KENYA: Government Gives President Chakwera 14 Days To Address Civil Servants’ Demands

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi 

Civil servants in Malawi have given President Lazarus Chakwera a 14-day ultimatum to address their demands, which include a salary increase to mitigate the effects of the 44% devaluation of the Kwacha.

The civil servants, through their union, are also demanding a 200% increase in their transport allowance, special allowance, and leave grant.

The demands come after the government’s initial allocation of K70 billion for annual salary increments, which the civil servants deemed insufficient.

However, after negotiations, the government agreed to increase the allocation to K100 billion, resulting in a 12% salary increase for civil servants.

The Civil Servants Trade Union and the Teachers Union of Malawi have expressed frustration with the government’s negotiating team, citing their failure to provide a clear response to their demands since August last year.

The unions are now calling on the President to intervene and address their concerns within the given timeframe.

The 14-day ultimatum has sparked concerns about the potential impact on public services if the demands are not met.

Civil servants play a crucial role in delivering essential services, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.

Any disruptions to these services could have far-reaching consequences for the country.

The government has been urged to take the demands of the civil servants seriously and engage in meaningful negotiations to resolve the issue.

Failure to do so could lead to industrial action, which would not only affect public services but also the economy as a whole.

In a statement, the Civil Servants Trade Union and the Teachers Union of Malawi emphasized that they are committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

However, they also made it clear that they will not hesitate to take action if their demands are not met within the specified timeframe.

The development has sparked widespread debate, with many Malawians expressing solidarity with the civil servants.

Others have called on the government to prioritize the welfare of its employees, arguing that a motivated and well-compensated workforce is essential for delivering quality public services.