By Ricardo Dias
Maputo (MOZTIMES) – Workers of Mozambique’s public administration began a partial strike on Monday in protest against the non-payment of the traditional New Year bonus, increasing pressure on the new Head of State even before the formation of his cabinet has been finalised.
The bonus is commonly known as “the 13th month”, because it is equivalent to an extra month’s payment of the basic wage. The strikers claim they have a right to this bonus, but, in reality, there is no legal or contractual obligation on the state to pay it.
The strike was announced last Friday (17 January) by four professional associations, including those claiming to represent teachers, nurses, and health technicians. Isac Marrengula, President of the National Association of Teachers (ANAPRO), stated on the occasion that “the non-payment of the 13th month demonstrates a blatant lack of respect and devaluation of public sector workers.”
The following Saturday, the Council of Ministers held its first ordinary session, during which it reviewed the situation regarding the payment of the bonus.
However, the Government reported “difficulties in its immediate implementation, given the negative impacts on revenue collection caused by disruptions resulting from violent demonstrations and the destruction of public and private assets,” according to an official statement issued by the Council of Ministers.
This Monday, activities were paralysed in several public institutions, including Maputo Central Hospital (HCM), the country’s largest healthcare facility; the International School of Maputo, a primary and secondary education institution attended by the children of Maputo’s elite; and the state-owned mobile phone company TMCEL.
In many public schools where special exams were taking place on Monday, teachers refused to supervise the tests, creating an atmosphere of disorder.
Since 2020, the Mozambican Government has faced challenges in ensuring the regular payment of salaries to public servants, with frequent delays and debts owed to workers who perform overtime. (RD)
