Malawi: Civil servants' and teachers' trade unions to go on indefinite nationwide strike from Jan. 9

Event

The Civil Servants Trade Union (CSTU) and Teachers Union of Malawi (TUM) have announced they will go on an indefinite nationwide strike from Jan. 9. They are demanding a 35-percent salary increase in compensation for the increased cost of living attributed to the government's 25-percent devaluation of the national currency. The strike action follows the collapse of negotiations between the government and union representatives on Dec. 16.

Disruptions to public services and schools are likely. Other public or private sector labor unions could also participate in the strike. The CSTU and TUM could also organize localized protests, especially near government buildings in Lilongwe. Should protests materialize, police will almost certainly deploy to monitor all gatherings. Officials are also likely to close road routes near protest sites ahead of and during demonstrations. Clashes are possible if demonstrators are overly disruptive or ignore police orders to disperse.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations. Heed the instructions of local officials. Plan for increased public service absenteeism. Reconfirm public service appointments. Reconfirm the status of road routes before travel, particularly if traveling in or near possible protest areas.