MBC staff rebuff salary increment: TV workers better paid than radio
Employees of Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) have penned management and government questioning a salary increment the institution effected in line with current economic hardship.
The employees, in a letter copied to MBC director general, principal secretary in the ministry of information and civic education, which Nyasa Times has a copy, have also demanded the harmonization salaries for both radio and television, arguing the TV staffs are well paid than those working for radio.
According to the letter, MBC management in September this year effected salary increment without justification on how it was done and with minimal percentages the disgruntled employees said described as not enough to cushion them from the effects of Kwacha devaluation.
“In September, 2012, management wrote members of staff through notice boards that it understood the economic hard times and pleaded with staff members to exercise patience as management was trying its best doing something for its staff. In October, 2012, without receiving any letters as to how increment was done, we saw a change on our pay slips.
“But up to now we are still in suspense because we were expecting each member of staff to receive a letter explaining to them their percent increase and their new salary. After thoroughly checking our pay slips, the so called increment is far below the current inflation,” reads part of the letter copied to Minister of Information and Civic Education, Moses Kunkuyu.
MBC Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ruth Gama has not responded to the questionnaire sent to her office on the matter and Kunkuyu was reportedly locked up in a meeting each time we called for comment.
In the letter, the employees wondered how the increment was done saying those on MB7 before increment were receiving a net salary of around K79,000 (this includes the salary advance) but after the increments their gross is K10,9000, if taxed, they will be getting same K79,000.
“Radio and television is one entity (MBC), yet the salaries have not been harmonized. Television guys are far much better than the radio guys. Parliament passed one budget for radio and television (MBC) so why should we be receiving different salaries (same position)”.
Management Salaries
The employees, in the letter argue that MBC top management has given themselves better salaries following the merger of MBC radio and television last year.
Before the merger of MBC radio and television, government through Ministry of Statutory Corporations passed a salary structure effective February 1, 2011. In July, 2011, management started receiving the new salaries and they also got 5 months arrears.
“Early September, 2011, each member of staff was given a letter letting each member know whether they are in the merged entity or not. For those staying the letter showed your new position and your new salary effective 1st July, 2011.To our surprise the salaries on the letters were not given as reflected on the new salary structure passed by Government.
“For example someone on MB8 was allocated MB9 salary and MB9 was given MB10.The salary given was below their position. This was like a double blow to the members of staff: 1, not being allocated salaries with respect to their positions, 2, not being given arrears with the fake salaries allocated to them. We don’t know what kind of management you are who does not put the welfare of their staff at heart.
“We know you are receiving a good real salary that’s why you are not complaining. You should know that we are the ones who work on the ground so you have to appreciate for that not frustrating us. We feel demotivated by your so called increment this October. Our current salaries are so pathetic as compared to other organizations,” complained the employees.
The workers have since demanded MBC management to revise and clarify the effected increments while warning to seek intervention of President Joyce Banda on the matter if no action is taken by end of this month.
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