NFRA workers strike

Malawi’s National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) employees on Wednesday afternoon went on strike, demanding a pay rise of at least 21 percent.

NFRA raised the salaries of its employees by 5 percent which the workers turned down, arguing they need at least 21 percent increment which government gave civil servants after the 49 percent devaluation.

In an interview on Thursday, NFRA chief executive officer Nasinuku Saukira said management has asked the employees to go back to work while their concerns are being addressed.

“These issues are sensitive. We are engaging them [staff] amicably. At the moment, we have reached a point where they understand our position. We do not dictate the increases because this is a government agency.

“We are directing the issue to relevant channels, but we are continuing to engage them to have an amicable situation,” said Saukira.

The staff resumed their work later in the afternoon after a series of meetings with management.