Government condemns ‘illegal’ strikes

Minister of Labour and Manpower Development Henry Mussa has expressed concern over the growing number of what he calls ‘illegal’ strikes by workers from various sectors of the economy.

Mussa has since asked workers to follow procedures provided in the Labour Relations Act, Sections 42 to 46, before getting involved in strikes.

His remarks at a press briefing in Lilongwe last week follow a series of strikes that have been happening such as the ongoing strike by Judiciary staff over salary increment.

There have also been strikes by primary school teachers and Lilongwe teachers who worked for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) over delayed salaries and allowances.

According to Mussa, strikes negatively affect productivity as they can lead to job losses and scare away investors.

“By following the procedures as stipulated in the Labour Relations Act, it is possible to avert a majority of the strikes. A strike is supposed to be the last resort after all the procedures set out have been exhausted,” he said.

Mussa said his ministry will be conducting awareness campaigns on the procedures provided in the Act and increase its efforts to ensure that all workers observe the existing labour laws.

“We know that most workers do not know what the law says on strikes. Only 15 percent of workers belong to the Malawi Congress of Trade Unions [MCTU]. That is why we will re-double our efforts to educate workers on these procedures.” said the minister.

He also asked workers on strike to be responsible and refrain from damaging public property as they practise their right to strike.