The country’s increased industrial strikes would be reduced following new bargaining measures government and worker’s representatives have drawn.

Unionists, employers and the labour ministry met last week in Lilongwe where a communiqué was issued to ensure the mainstreaming of collective bargaining among the stakeholders.

“Both parties committed themselves to ensure that we mainstream for collective bargaining measures to avoid and stop industrial actions and strikes,” said Robert Mkwezalamba, Malawi Congress of Trade Union – MCTU – general secretary.

Industrial strikes have been rife in Malawi in the recent past with employees calling increased salaries due to the devaluation of the local currency.

“We may not avoid people asking or demanding for a better pay but we can manage to control strikes,” said Mr Mkwezalamba.

Among other statutory cooperation’s whose workers downed tools include Malawi Postal Corporation-MPC-Escom, and Blantyre Water Board.