Escom staff threaten power cuts over low perks

Employees of the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) on Tuesday entered second day of their sit-in pushing for a 40 percent salary increase.

Inside sources told the media that the institution’s management gave a 5 percent increment, which the workers describe as an insult considering the rising cost of living originating from the devaluation of the Malawi Kwacha.

They said following the sit-in, management assured the workers that they would revise the figures, but the government has allegedly ordered it not to bow down to pressure.

The strikers have since threatened to switch off power, if their demands are not met by the end of the day.

Meanwhile, top managers of the institution were meeting energy authorities in Lilongwe to find a way forward on the issue.