Indians, Chinese shops to remain closed as they fail to resolve wages conditions in Mzuzu

By Simion Newa…….

Indians and Chinese shops will remain closed in Mzuzu City for at least a week as the negotiations meeting between Labour Officials, District Commissioner, Workers Union, Workers and representative from of Indian and Chinese shops ended in vain after failing to come into agreement as Workers are demanding increments.

During the meeting that took place at Mzuzu DC’s offices, Indian and Chinese community representatives asked to be given a period of week as their Chairperson Bano is currently not available.

Speaking on behalf of the Chinese and Indian shops representative, John Kudzala said the meeting ended because they are not agreeing each other.

“We understand what our workers are complaining and it’s true life become so expensive comparing with the wages our workers currently receiving, but the problem is devaluation of [Malawi] Kwacha [which] is giving us tough time as rentals and other services have gone up.

“We agreed to meet Indian Chinese community today this afternoon, and presenting what we agreed to the labour Officials and DC tomorrow Thursday at around 9:30 am,”.

According to Workers representative, (name withheld) said that he asked the committee that if they fail to resolve the matter at hand, then the shops will remain closed.

“Will not allow them to conduct and open shops until the matter resolved, we will make sure all shops are closed until the day the matter come to an end, whether it’s today, tomorrow or even next week, but no one will open the shop to conduct business,” he said.

Lesman Nyangulu one of the workers says they have tried holding talks with their employers which have yielded nothing hence the decided to boycott work.

They were demanding better salaries and working conditions.

Another meeting scheduled to take place on Thursday July 6, from 9:30 am at DC’s offices.

Government put the wage bills of K50,000 as the minimum wage for labour workers.