The National Federation of Trade Unions (NAFETU) has called on government to involve labor unions in the recruitment of Malawian workers for Israel jobs
The federation has made the call at a press briefing held in Blantyre today where it has raised a number of key issues that government must address to uplift the welfare of Malawians.
Speaking to MIJ Online, Ken Williams Mhango President for the National Federation of Trade Unions described the Malawi-Israeli labor agreement as a good development but was quick to note that lack of involvement of labour organizations has led to some challenges in the recruitment process.
“Currently none of the country’s labour organizations are involved, only recruiting agencies, that is why problems are arising where we hear reports that some of our boys and girls have run away in Israel with some even arrested. These young people must be told clearly what to expect once in Israel and for that you need expertise from experienced labor organizations to be involved in the recruitment process,” said Mhango
Meanwhile the federation has also appealed to government to reduce tax on food items in order to address high food inflation.
According to Mhango, the high cost of living is as a result of high commodity process, especially food items therefore calling on government to reduce the tax which will translate in reduced food prices.
The federation has also appealed to government to fast-track the implementation of the new tax-free band which was introduced in the 2024/2025 national budget.
“Government changed the tax-free band that people are supposed to be paying under the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) from K100, 000 to K150, 000 but until now there is no gazette. For that employees are still paying using the old tax band something we would want government to look into as quickly as possible,” Mhango explained.
