The government approved minimum wage increases ranging from 3% to 9.8%, but excluded civil servants and the small-scale fishing sector, justifying the decision with economic constraints and a lack of consensus in negotiations, the Lusa news agency reported on Tuesday, April 28.
The measure, effective as of April 1, is presented by the Executive as a “possible balance” between companies’ capacity and workers’ expectations.
Wage Adjustments Determined by the Economy
The spokesperson for the Council of Ministers, Inocêncio Impissa, explained that the new figures were set taking into account the economic reality of the sectors and the sustainability of employers. “The approved adjustments represent the best possible balance aligned with national productive capacity without ignoring the legitimate expectations of workers,” he stated.
According to the government, the decision took into account factors such as productivity, companies’ financial capacity, and the impact of domestic and international economic conditions.
The government also emphasizes that wage increases should occur gradually, in line with growth in production and investment.
Civil Service and Fisheries: No Consensus
The civil service and the small-scale fishing sector (semi-industrial fishing activities) were excluded from the pay raises due to a lack of agreement among the parties involved. “These sectors have not reached any consensus. Improvements in the economy are expected in the case of the civil service,” explained Inocêncio Impissa.
On the union side, the National Confederation of Independent and Free Trade Unions of Mozambique acknowledges progress but believes the raises do not keep pace with the cost of living. “We are satisfied, but aware that they do not match workers’ purchasing power,” stated representative Boaventura Sibinde.
The unions also point to structural difficulties in some sectors, such as fishing, where factors like pollution, low production, and operational constraints limit the ability to negotiate wages.
The negotiation process involved the Government, the Confederation of Economic Associations, and the Mozambican Workers’ Organization, and has been ongoing since March.
Despite the approved increases, the debate over purchasing power and the sustainability of wages is expected to continue in the coming years.
