By Burnett Munthali
The Professional Drivers Union of Malawi has announced plans to stage a nationwide boycott in protest against the government’s recent decision to raise the minimum wage by 40 percent.
The union argues that the increase is insufficient to meet the rising cost of living and fails to reflect the economic hardships faced by drivers across the country.
Speaking in an interview with Capital FM, the union’s Secretary General, Mphatso Mollen, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the wage adjustment announced by the government on Tuesday.
Mollen stated that the union is demanding a 100 percent increase in wages to cope with the relentless rise in prices of goods and services.
He pointed to the continued depreciation of the Malawian kwacha as a major contributor to the economic pressure being experienced by professional drivers.
“The 40 percent increase is not enough for us,” Mollen emphasized. “Prices of goods and services keep going up, and drivers are struggling to make ends meet. We are disappointed with the government’s decision.”
Mollen urged all truck drivers in the country to unite in solidarity and prepare to fight collectively for a more realistic and dignified wage adjustment.
He stressed the need for cooperation and collective action among drivers if they are to secure the financial improvements they seek.
The government announced the 40 percent increase to the national minimum wage on Tuesday, stating that it would take effect immediately.
However, the Professional Drivers Union has rejected the measure outright, describing it as out of touch with the economic realities facing workers.
The proposed boycott, if implemented, could disrupt transport and logistics services across Malawi, with potential ripple effects on the economy.
