By Burnett Munthali
The recent postponement of the Concerned Civil Servants’ demonstrations in Lilongwe has left many frustrated and disillusioned, especially in light of the Civil Service Trade Union (CSTU), Teachers Union of Malawi (TUM), and Malawi Congress of Trade Union (MCTU) distancing themselves from the planned protests.
While the response from Dr. Lawford Palani, the District Commissioner for Lilongwe, has led to a disruption in the civil servants’ right to demonstrate, alternative solutions can still be considered to address the grievances of civil servants effectively and within the confines of the law.
Firstly, one of the key concerns raised by the civil servants is their dissatisfaction with the 20% salary hike and the lack of consultation regarding the decision.
Instead of resorting to demonstrations, which have faced legal and logistical barriers, civil servants can explore the option of establishing an open dialogue platform with the government.
This could involve regular consultations with the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), the Department of Human Resources, and the Ministry of Labour.
These consultations would create a space for civil servants to voice their concerns, seek clarifications, and engage with government representatives to better understand the rationale behind decisions like the salary increase and other working conditions.
Secondly, a critical issue raised by Dr. Palani’s response is the lack of official consultation and backing by the recognized unions like CSTU, TUM, and MCTU.
Civil servants could consider seeking more active involvement from these registered unions.
Instead of circumventing official channels, unions can be empowered to represent the concerns of civil servants more effectively.
This could be done by holding joint meetings between union leadership and government officials to address concerns, such as the perceived inadequacy of the 20% salary increase.
Through these formal and structured engagements, civil servants can ensure that their grievances are communicated in a way that is both legal and productive.
Thirdly, another alternative would be the creation of an independent Civil Servants’ Welfare Committee composed of representatives from different sectors, including teachers, health workers, administrative staff, and other public service employees.
This committee could serve as a platform for civil servants to discuss their grievances and propose solutions in a collaborative manner.
The committee could engage with government representatives to present findings, make recommendations, and negotiate for better terms of service.
This independent body could help ensure that the concerns of civil servants are heard without disrupting public order or resorting to illegal demonstrations.
Fourthly, instead of demonstrations that are often met with resistance and legal implications, civil servants can consider launching a public awareness campaign to educate the public and stakeholders about their rights and the need for better working conditions.
Through media campaigns, social media platforms, and public forums, civil servants can raise awareness about issues like the devaluation of the local currency, inadequate salary increases, and other concerns.
Such campaigns could put pressure on the government to revisit certain decisions without resorting to confrontational actions.
Fifthly, in light of the suspension of the demonstrations, it may be beneficial for the government and civil servants to consider alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms.
ADR processes, such as mediation or arbitration, could provide an opportunity for both parties to reach an amicable solution outside of court or public demonstrations.
An independent mediator could help facilitate discussions between government officials and the civil servants’ representatives to address their concerns and find a resolution that is mutually beneficial.
These processes could be less contentious and provide an opportunity for long-term, sustainable solutions.
Sixthly, another way to address the frustration among civil servants would be to organize town hall meetings between government officials and civil servants.
These meetings would give civil servants an opportunity to express their grievances directly to the people in charge of decision-making.
They could also ask questions, seek clarifications, and suggest alternatives to government policies that they find problematic.
Such town halls can be conducted periodically leading up to the elections, allowing civil servants to feel heard and valued, while ensuring that their concerns are taken seriously by the government.
Seventhly, to counter the allegations of financial compensation between the government and unions, there needs to be greater transparency in the government’s decision-making process.
Civil servants are entitled to full transparency regarding the negotiations and the rationale behind the decisions made about their pay and working conditions.
Ensuring that civil servants are kept informed about the processes, discussions, and budget allocations involved in determining their salary increases can go a long way in building trust and reducing suspicion of corruption or unfair practices.
In the absence of demonstrations, civil servants can also engage in legal and political advocacy through formal channels.
This can involve seeking legal counsel to understand their rights and exploring avenues for redress through the courts.
Additionally, civil servants can consider lobbying political parties and individual lawmakers to raise their concerns in Parliament.
By using legal and political advocacy tools, civil servants can ensure their voices are heard at the highest levels of government without resorting to disruptive actions.
In conclusion, while the disruption of the planned demonstrations may have caused frustration among civil servants, there are multiple alternatives available to ensure their voices are heard.
By pursuing legal, diplomatic, and constructive channels, civil servants can still achieve their goals of securing better working conditions, fair wages, and greater representation.
These alternative solutions can foster a more cooperative approach between the government and civil servants, ultimately contributing to the welfare of both parties as Malawi moves toward the 2025 elections.
