Health workers pay dispute taken to MHRC
The Ministry of Health and health workers’ labour dispute over demands for 44 percent pay rise has hit stalemate, forcing the two sides to refer the matter to the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) for conciliation.
In a letter addressed to MHRC signed by the Secretary for Health Samson Mndolo, the ministry accuses the workers representatives the National Organisation of Nurses and Midwives of Malawi (NONM) and Physicians Assistants Union of Malawi (Paum)) of lacking patience.
The letter, dated December 22 2023, reference number MH/ADM/1/1(3), reads in part: “The ministry reminded the two bodies about a recent government commitment during the recent budget mid-year review to implement measures aimed at cushioning civil servants against the effects of devaluation.
“The ministry, therefore, expected patience from the two bodies as the extent of their requests may, therefore, depend on what measures government has planned to implement.”
The pay rise demands follow the Reserve Bank of Malawi devaluation of the kwacha by 44 percent. NONM and Paum have warned that they will strike if their demands are not met.
The two institutions responded to the ministry’s position last Monday, expressing dissatisfaction with the responses.
“They, therefore, threatened to withdraw labour if their concerns were not addressed to their gratification. In light of the escalating disagreement and in accordance with Section 43 (2) of the Labour Relations Act…
“The two parties agreed that the matter be referred for conciliation and proposed the office of the executive director [Habiba Osman] of MHRC to be the conciliator.
“I am, therefore, writing your office to consider undertaking the role of the conciliator between the ministry and NONM/PAUM in this dispute,” the letter to MHRC further reads.
The ministry, quoting Section 44 (4) of the Labour Relations Act, stated that it expects conciliation process to be concluded within 21 days of “your receipt of this report.”
Meanwhile, Paum president Solomon Chomba confirmed the resolution to take the matter to MHRC but warned if there is no breakthrough they will proceed with plans to stage the strike.
“We will monitor what will be tabled at the Government Negotiating Team and if we don’t agree we shall proceed with industrial action for the good of our membership. However we are optimistic that government will listen to our demands.
“We are glad that some of the issues government has started addressing them like recruitment of additional staff.
“Now we are waiting for promotion adverts, a better salary increase of between 20 to 44 percent as well as upward revision and safeguard of professional allowance,” Chomba emphasised in a response to our questionnaire yesterday.
