The Organization of Mozambican Workers (OTM) wants negotiations on the increase of the minimum wage to resume this year. However, the Minister of Labor has already stated that she did not promise that this will happen in 2021.
The Covid-19 pandemic has further aggravated the country’s economy, having driven 57,000 workers into unemployment. Currently, an estimated 50,000 have returned to work.
“On the other hand, we have been for two years with successive increases in the prices of goods and services, which has worsened the cost of living for workers who, as is known, their incomes are low,” shared OTM Secretary General Alexandre Munguambe.
The same source assured that, “as representative of the workers, we will remain engaged so that the minimum wage negotiation process takes place and brings concrete results.”
The lowest minimum wage in Mozambique is 4,200 meticais, practiced in the fishing subsector of Capenta. The highest minimum is 11,600 meticais, practiced in banks and insurance companies, against a basket valued this year at 25,300 meticais, based on a family of five members.
In reaction to this issue, the Minister of Labor said that she would not promise increases. “Starting in May we will begin to analyze, so that in June we can meet in an advisory committee and make a definitive decision. So I’m not going to make any promises,” she clarified.
