President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by workers in Malawi, including economic hardships and violations of labour rights.
Speaking at Balaka Stadium on Thursday during the 2025 Labour Day commemoration, held under the theme “Democracy that works for decent work for all,” Chakwera acknowledged that many workers continue to suffer due to the high cost of living and unfair treatment in workplaces.
He noted that some traders take advantage of the struggling economy by inflating prices of essential goods, making them unaffordable for many citizens.
“When I assumed office, I aimed to improve the welfare of all workers, including civil servants. One of the measures I introduced was the K100,000 tax-free band to help uplift people’s livelihoods,” Chakwera said.
On the issue of labour injustice, he pledged that the government, through the Ministry of Labour, will continue engaging employers to ensure that workers’ rights are respected and upheld.
Meanwhile, President of the Malawi Congress of Trade Union (MCTU), Charles Kumchenga, urged the government to prioritize the promotion of civil servants across different grades. He also praised the Ministry of Labour for conducting inspections that led to the closure of companies found violating labour laws.
As part of the event, President Chakwera launched the National Code of Conduct on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work. The code, developed through extensive stakeholder consultations, aims to address violence and harassment in workplaces across various sectors in Malawi.
