Workers’ conditions are pathetic’

In this interview,Paida Mpaso talks with newly-elected Malawi Congress of Trade Union (MCTU) president Chauluka Muwake on his vision for the organisation.

Now that you have ascended to the high office of MCTU president, what will be your priority areas?

My priority areas are to strengthen unions in the country so that they are able to bargain with their employers right in their sectors. Secondly, I will strive to improve membership of MCTU and sectoral unions.

One of MCTU’s guiding principles is to fight for better remuneration and working conditions of workers. Do you think your organisation has so far successfully played this role?

Yes, the organisation is fulfilling the motto ‘to fight for better remunerations and working conditions of workers’.

So far, how many workers has MCTU assisted to have their salaries and working conditions change for the better?

We have assisted many. The way we work is that we do not assist individuals. We represent workers at tripartite meetings where issues of salaries are discussed. At one point the minimum wage in the country was K179, but now it is K317 per day. We have also fought for severance pay for many workers.

 

What is your general comment on workers’ conditions at their workplaces throughout the country?

They are pathetic. The current situation is tough since prices of commodities are rising every day following the devaluation and flotation of the kwacha. The scarcity of the local currency and fuel shortages are making the situation even worse.

 

What new ideas do you have to improve the situation?

We will negotiate so that the minimum wage should be determined according to sector. All this time, the minimum wage has been calculated based on the plantation sector.

 

Do you think employers in the country are doing their best to improve workers’ welfare?

Yes, but not all of them and [their efforts are] not enough. As a union, we need to keep on reminding them. That is why unions exist.

 

How would you describe your working relationship with government, the country’s major employer?

It is very good and I am sure there’s room for improvement. I am, however, calling upon all workers in the country to unite as we strive to represent them to our level best as we build our country. United we stand, divided we fall!