Health Workers, Government Salary Dispute Ends
The National Organisation of Nurses and Midwives (Nonm) and the Physician Assistants Union of Malawi (Paum) have reached an agreement with the government, putting an end to their salary dispute. In a joint communique, Nonm and Paum confirmed that they have accepted the government’s offer of a 15 percent salary raise, aligning their salaries with those of other civil servants.
Initially, the two organizations had demanded a 44 percent salary adjustment to compensate for the 44 percent devaluation of the Kwacha by the Reserve Bank of Malawi in November last year. However, they have now agreed to the government’s proposed 15 percent increase.
While this marks a resolution to the salary dispute, Nonm and Paum have put forward a proposal for the government to raise allowances for all health workers across the country. The key proposals include a significant increase in risk allowances, from K20,000 to K150,000 for senior professionals and from K20,000 to K60,000 per month for junior staff.
The president of Paum, Solomon Chomba, confirmed the development and stated that the Secretary for Health has committed to engaging the Secretary of Treasury to address the issue of health sector-specific allowances. These allowances are expected to be adjusted with arrears effective from November 1, 2023.
Habiba Osman, Executive Secretary of the Malawi Human Rights Commission, which served as the conciliator during the discussions, has expressed her belief that the agreement is a win-win for both parties. Osman commended the commitment made by the Secretary for Health to take the issues to the Treasury, deeming the demands put forward by the health workers as reasonable.
The joint communique issued by all parties involved indicates that the Secretary for Health has further committed to engaging the Secretary for Human Resource Management and Development in order to adjust and safeguard all health sector-specific allowances. Additionally, the Secretary for Health has pledged to conduct promotional interviews for eligible health workers by the end of July 2024 and deploy additional health workers to central hospitals and district councils within six months of signing the agreement on August 13, 2024.
The communique also emphasizes the Secretary for Health’s commitment to engaging the Secretary of Local Government to ensure that staff deployed to district councils are properly assigned to health centers.
The resolution of the salary dispute between Nonm, Paum, and the government brings relief to the health workers in Malawi. It signifies a step towards equitable compensation for the vital services provided by these professionals. With the proposed adjustments and increased allowances, health workers can continue their essential work with the knowledge that their contributions are valued and recognized.
This agreement serves as an example of successful negotiation between the government and labor unions, showcasing the importance of open dialogue and compromise. By addressing the concerns of health workers, the government demonstrates its commitment to improving healthcare services and supporting the well-being of its citizens.
As the Secretary for Health proceeds to engage relevant departments and implement the agreed-upon measures, the impact of these decisions on the healthcare system and the welfare of health workers will be closely observed.
In conclusion, the resolution of the dispute over health workers’ salaries signifies a significant milestone in ensuring fair remuneration for their crucial contributions. With the commitment of both parties to address the concerns raised, it is hoped that this agreement will foster a positive working environment and promote the delivery of quality healthcare services in Malawi.
