LWB employees threaten to strike

Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) employees have threatened to down their tools if government implements a 10 percent increment and not the 30 percent they asked for.

The threats come almost a month after Blantyre Water Board (BWB) employees also turned down a 10 percent increment government offered them, arguing the pay hike does not match the rise in prices of goods following the devaluation of the kwacha.

LWB workers have since written the Ministry of Labour, giving it 21 days to respond to their demands.

The letter, dated July 19 2012, said the current economic situation has made life tough and that it was only prudent that they get the 30 percent increment.

“Members of staff working for Lilongwe Water Board stay in expensive houses most of which have gone up by 35 percent. Water, fuel and electricity tariffs have also gone up, making our life tough,” reads the letter in part.

LWB public relations officer Trevor Phoya confirmed the discussions between the workers and their management, saying the matter was reported to the Ministry of Irrigation and Water Development.

“I know the issue, but it was reported to the Ministry of Water. I think the ministry is in a better position to give you the details,” said Phoya.

Minister of Water Richie Muheya confirmed the issue was reported to his office, but asked to be contacted later.