MCTU leaders plead with Malawi Pres. Banda on diplomatic posts

Malawi Congress of Trade Union (MCTU) leaders on Monday pleaded with President Joyce Banda to include them in various diplomatic appointments as well as board members of parastatals.

In a meeting MCTU held with the Malawi leader at her Kamuzu Palace, the leaders in return pledged to work with the government of President Banda to ensure socio-economic development of the country.

“We would like to present the following issues for your consideration towards uplifting the standards of the labour movement in Malawi,” said MCTU Secretary General Pontius Kalichero before presenting a list of demands to the President.

One of the demands as per a statement made available reads: “Inclusion of Trade Unions in Foreign Missions/Attaches and delegation including Geneva ILO office. We very much appreciate the consideration accorded to other stakeholders like faith community leaders, traditional leaders, including celebrities for them to learn but also contribute to the development of our country.”

Leaders of MCTU confer at Kamuzu Palace during their meeting with President Joyce Banda
Leaders of MCTU confer at Kamuzu Palace during their meeting with President Joyce Banda

Kalichero also said that it was important that the union representatives should be appointed in boards of parastatals, steering committees and other government institutions.

He said currently MCTU is only represented in two boards TEVETA and Apprenticeship which he said was not enough.

Among other demands the labour movement also requested direct financial support from government on the construction of the union’s new offices, assistance with monthly subvention and also financial assistance in the purchase of at least three vehicles to ease mobility.

In an interview Kalichero also said the mother union body presented its concerns over the current minimum wage which currently stands at K317 per day despite the ever rising cost of living.

Also an area of concern is the failure by government to contribute to the K15 million budget towards this year’s Labour Day Celeblations on May 1, which the President promised.

The delegation included MCTU President Chauluka Muwake and various leaders of MCTU organs including the newly launched youth wing.

During the meeting the MCTU leaders also raised concerns that Malawi yet to adopt the Child Labour Policy and also pass the Tenancy Labor Bill.

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