Cear, union sign bargaining pact

The Central East African Railways (Cear) Company Limited and the Railways Workers Union of Malawi on Tuesday signed a collective bargaining agreement to enhance their relationship.

Cear managing director Hendry Chimwaza, speaking during the signing ceremony at their office in Limbe, said the pact sets the pace for other organisations in Malawi to do the same.

The union president Luther Mambala said the signing of the agreement signifies the type of relationship that exists between the workers and Cear.

He said their relationship with the company is cordial and they avoid strikes which are costly because of collective bargaining.

“Our trade union and Cear are in very good terms and understand each other and avoid strikes that are costly to organisations. Management is very considerate and transparent when dealing with us,” said Mambala.

He said soon after the 49 percent devaluation of the kwacha and its subsequent floatation, Cear raised workers’ salaries by an average of 20 percent.

This was after the company had also increased the salaries by an average of 30 percent in January, said Mambala.

He advised other organisations to engage in collective bargaining before staging sit-ins to avoid the associated costs.