The Civil Servants Trade Union (CSTU) and the Teachers Union of Malawi (TUM) have threatened to take industrial action if the government fails to respond to their demands.
The two unions have given an ultimatum to the Office of the President and Cabinet, effective from February 5 to February 24, 2025.
In a joint statement released on Wednesday, the unions expressed frustration over the government’s failure to acknowledge or act on their concerns. Their key demands include the revision of allowances, leave grants, and salary restructuring for civil servants.
Union officials have been pushing for a meeting with the government’s negotiating team since August 2024 and formally submitted a letter to the Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC) on January 13, 2025.
“When we submitted the letter outlining pressing issues affecting civil servants, there was no action or acknowledgment from the authorities,” the statement reads.
CSTU President Lameck Magawa emphasized that the rising cost of living has made the situation for civil servants and teachers unsustainable.
“We, as trade unions representing hardworking civil servants and teachers, find it disheartening that our repeated attempts at constructive dialogue have been ignored,” Magawa said.
He added that the unions have given the government 14 days to outline its plans for civil servants in the 2025/2026 financial year.
In December, the government increased its wage bill by 18%, raising hopes that workers’ concerns would be addressed. However, the unions say no concrete steps have been taken.
They have since warned of a nationwide strike if the government does not act by February 24, 2025.
“Should the government fail to respond to our demands, we will have no choice but to take industrial action to ensure our concerns are heard and addressed,” Magawa stated.
Other union leaders present during the media briefing included TUM President Willy Malimba, CSTU General Secretary Titha Gomani, and TUM Secretary General Charles Kumchenga.
The government has yet to comment on the matter.
