The strike is to force their authorities Mota Engil to increase their salaries among others.

Secretary for Marine Transport and General Workers Union, Emmanuel Wisiki told Zodiak Online that for instance 70% of workers receive a minimum salary of MK40, 000 per month, which they say is close to nothing considering the economic hardships the country is facing currently.

Wisiki confirms suspending all marine travels including the only MV Ilala, until their management addresses all their salary concerns.

He says they have resorted to a strike after several failed attempts to have their management revise their salaries since July 2019.

Some quarters fear this will negatively impact on the lives of people on Likoma and Chizumulu Islands as the lake is the only mode of transport for the islanders.

Malawi Shipping Company and Malawi Ports Company (MPC) operate under the management of Mota Engil Company. 

Spokesperson for Mota Engil Thomas Chafunya asked for more time before commenting on the development.

Of recent, the country has seen a spate of protests among both the private and public sector where staff are demanding pay rise among others.

Meanwhile, aviation staff in the countries airports are on strike demanding salary rise and risk allowances among others. This happens only days to the country's fresh Presidential elections.