Minister wants strict enforcement of new minimum wage

Minister of Labour Agnes NyaLonje yesterday challenged labour inspectors to strictly inspect and enforce compliance to the newly gazette minimum wages.

On January 24, the minister signed a gazetted notice on the new minimum wages, with general minimum wage moving from  K50 000 per month to K90 000 per month.

On the other hand, the new minimum wage for domestic workers increased from K38 000 to K52 000 per month.

In her statement during the opening  of a five-day training for labour inspectors under the European Union (EU)-funded Zantchito Skills for Jobs project in Lilongwe, NyaLonje said it is imperative that employers comply with the new minimum wages.

Employers Consultative Association of Malawi executive director George Khaki said employers are ready to comply with the minimum wages, observing that doing so will improve productivity of employees.

EU occupation safety and health for the project Johannes Mandowa encouraged the ministry to increase the number of labour inspectors to achieve decent work in the country.

“The aim of this project is to promote safety of workers and improve the work environment,” he said.

Malawi Congress of Trade Union secretary general Madalitso Njolomole said commended the government and the EU for the training.