Chikwawa Council staff demand pay hike, seal offices
Chikwawa District Council staff have demanded immediate transfer of the chief accountant and the director of finance, claiming the two have continuously made life tough for them.
Yesterday, the staff sealed off an entrance to the two’s offices and those for human resources and the Integrated Financial Management and Information System (Ifmis).
The staff’s concerns include lack of revision of their salaries since 2013, not being paid salaries for three months, overdue arrears and ill-treatment.
black during the stand-off
“All we need is the immediate transfer of these officers because they are making our lives unbearable. We don’t know anything about leave grants because no one has received such.
“At the same time, we are tired of negotiating with these people whenever we want to receive our monthly salaries,” said one officer.
She said the officers turn down almost each and every financial request they make and as staff, they are aware that the district has enough money to give to them.
“The offices shall remain closed until our revised salaries are ready. We don’t want to see anyone working here and we will not entertain it,” added another employee.
According to an inside source, council workers receive gross pay of between K44 000 and K69 000 per month and after deductions, their take home pay ranges from K37 000 to MK55 000.
Chikwawa district commissioner (DC) Bester Mandere said he was inviting the council chair to address the issue.
The council has 75 permanent employees. n
