In a rare show of solidarity, both employers and labour leaders have issued a blunt warning to the government: Malawi’s current labour laws and minimum wage are no longer grounded in reality.
Speaking at the International Labour Day commemorations at Masintha ground in Lilongwe yesterday, Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) president Kelvin Chafunda and Employers Consultative Association of Malawi (Ecam) president Anne Chavula painted a grim picture of an economy pushing workers to the brink.
overhauled: Chavula
Chafunda took aim at the hyper-inflation of essential goods, triggered by a staggering 150 percent surge in fuel prices since 2024.
“The cost of living hasn’t just risen; it has exploded,” Chafunda declared.
“We are demanding a 100 percent increase in the minimum wage and at least a 50 percent salary hike across the board. Without this, the average worker is simply being left behind.,” he said.
The MCTU president issued a stinging rebuke on companies that deduct pension and compensation funds from salaries but fail to remit them, leaving injured workers stranded.
Meanwhile, Chafunda has signalled that patience has run out regarding ILO Convention 190; after exhaustive dialogue with the government, workers are demanding the immediate ratification of these workplace anti-violence protections.
Adding to the call for reform, Chavula noted that the vision of “decent work” is being choked by a lack of forex and sky-rocketing inflation.
She pressed the government to stop stalling on the National Child Labour Policy and the Workers’ Compensation Fund.
“We must fast-track the overhaul of our labour laws,” Chavula insisted.
“Our frameworks are stuck in the past. We specifically urge the Ministry of Labour to finalise the Employment Act review—particularly for seasonal workers—and to modernise the Workers’ Compensation Act to reflect today’s economic realities.
In a unified front for workers’ rights, Minister of Labour, Skills, and Innovation Joel Chigona—joined by Minister of Justice Charles Mhango—announced that salary negotiations are reaching a breakthrough.
Chigona emphasised a high-level collaboration between their ministries to overhaul outdated labour laws.
“The Minister of Justice’s presence here today is a testament to our synergy,” he said.
To ensure these protections aren’t just on paper, Chigona declared an aggressive nationwide inspection sweep, starting next week.
The mission is clear: enforce best labour practices and hold employers to the highest legal standards.
President Peter Mutharika echoed this commitment in his Labour Day statement, championing a vision of fair workplaces and a surge in youth skills development.
By bridging the gap between modern education and industry demands, the President noted that Malawi is priming its workforce to spearhead a bold industrialisation drive.
The spirit of progress was further bolstered by Wellington Chibebe, ILO Country Director, who lauded Malawi’s momentum toward ratifying ILO Convention 190, the global benchmark for a workplace free from violence and harassment.
The celebrations, which kicked off with a solidarity march from Lilongwe Town Hall to Masintha Ground, were held under the theme: ‘Achieving Decent Work and Inclusive Growth Through Promoting Workers’ Rights and Skills Development’.
