Trade union condemns MCP

Malawi Congress of Trade Union (MCTU) has faulted the conduct of some Malawi Congress Party (MCP) supporters who on Tuesday disrupted government operations at Capital Hill in Lilongwe in protest against the May 21 Tripartite Elections results.

In a statement dated June 4 2019 signed by MCTU secretary general Denis Kalekeni, the union condemned the conduct, saying: “MCTU wishes to condemn in its strongest terms, the behaviour by purported MCP supporters of invading the Capital Hill and chasing government officers out of their offices.

“We wish to reiterate that all workers in Malawi, including public servants, have a right to a working environment that free from intimidation and harassment.”

MCTU said the disruption of government operations may have negative repercussions on the smooth delivery of critical government services such as health, education and security.

But in a written response yesterday, MCP spokesperson the Reverend Maurice Munthali refused to be drawn to comment on whether the action by the supporters was sanctioned by the party.

He said: “Peaceful demonstrations are provided for in the Republican Constitution.”

MCTU’s condemnation comes barely a day after Ministry of Information and Communications Technology condemned the conduct, saying it was deplorable.

Civil Servants Trade Union (CSTU) condemned what it described as “the harassment” of its members who it says were not elected.

Capital Hill is home to head offices of key ministries, among them Education, Finance, Agriculture and Health as well as the Office of the President and Cabinet and the Office of the Vice-President.

A statement signed by Chief Secretary to the Government Lloyd Muhara assured the public that the rule of law would take its course.