Staff workers at the Malawi University of Science and Technology have declared a labour dispute and rejected a salary adjustment approved by the University Council. The unions are demanding a 60 percent salary increase for the 2026/2027 financial year.

Staff Union of MUST President Mulonyeni Chisi says management approved a staggered adjustment of 5 to 25 percent, which falls short of the 60 percent increment proposed by staff.

Chisi says members are currently conducting demonstration activities during their free time to express their frustration over the council’s decision.

The union leader also accused management of bypassing negotiations. 

“We are deeply concerned by the University Management and Council’s continued pursuit of unilateral implementation of salary-related decisions before the conclusion of negotiations with recognised staff unions,” Chisi said.

He argued that such actions have far-reaching consequences for labour relations at the institution.

“Such actions undermine the principles of good-faith collective bargaining, weaken established labour relations structures, and create unnecessary mistrust between Management and employees,” he added.

Meanwhile, MUST Academic Staff Union President Stanley Chindikani Msiska said academic staff are in full solidarity with SUMUST over what he described as an average 10 percent salary adjustment.

Msiska said MUSTASU completely rejects the proposals tabled by management.

“MUSTASU stands with SUMUST in firmly and unequivocally rejecting the salary adjustment proposals communicated in the previous two memos,” Msiska said.

He was referring to management’s offer of a average 10 percent staggered adjustment ranging from 5 percent to 25 percent.

The academic union insists its position has not changed.

“MUSTASU reaffirms its demand for a 60 percent salary adjustment for the 2026/2027 financial year, payable with arrears from 1 April 2026,” Msiska stated.

He said members remain united and determined to sustain the pressure until Monday next week until their demand is met.

“Our membership remains united, mobilised, and resolute. We shall not be divided by unilateral pronouncements, nor shall we be intimidated into accepting outcomes that have not been negotiated and agreed upon,” he said.

The MUSTASU president also criticised management for communicating directly with staff before negotiations concluded.

“Equally concerning is Management’s decision to communicate the proposed adjustment directly to the wider MUSTASU membership before negotiations had been concluded and before agreement had been reached with the recognised unions,” Msiska said.

Meanwhile, MUST Communications Manager James Mphande has confirmed that the unions have declared a dispute over salary increments. 

He says discussions between the two parties are ongoing and management remains optimistic.

“It is management’s belief that there will be an amicable resolution very soon,” Mphande said.