A cloud of uncertainty hangs over operations in next year’s tripartite elections, following indications that support staff of the Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) are considering staging a strike over pay dispute.
A Mec delegation that recently appeared before the Legal Affairs, Public Appointments and Privileges cluster of Parliament hinted that support staff has threatened to take industrial action if government refuses to consider their pay raise plea.
Mec officials, led by Sam Alufandika, told the committee that the employees are not happy with a 15 percent salary hike, arguing for the past four years, they have not had a significant salary increment.
The 15 percent increment was announced by Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Goodall Gondwe, during the presentation of the 2018/19 National Budget. However, Mec staff are demanding a 30 percent hike.
“The minimum of 30 percent was arrived at after taking into account the period since the last increment, members of staff of the commission last had a salary increment in July 2014, the cost of living has risen significantly and the kwacha has depreciated.
“Members of staff at the commission are suffering and have been pleading for such a review for a long time now at each budget hearing over the past four years. The commission has requested the review of salaries, but this has not been considered,” Alufandika said.
According to Alufandika, Mec management is struggling to motivate the staff in light of the stagnation of salaries.
He added that Mec and Ministry of Finance Officials met on several occasions to discuss the situation between November 2017 and March 2018.
The commission submitted its personal emoluments (PE) budget, with a request of salary review.
“Election work involves long working hours as well as a very stressful and politically charged environment. The staffs believe in dialogue, but they have stated that their silence should not be taken for granted,” Alufandika said.
During the presentation, Mec officials disclosed it will require K1.6 billion extra in order to conduct the registration of voters as well as national registration, both of which are concurrently.
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