Africa-Press – Mozambique. The increase in minimum wages in Mozambique, ranging from 2.9% to 9% depending on the economic sector, will have retroactive effect from 1 July, according to ministerial decrees seen by Lusa today.
According to the decrees dated 22 September, these salary adjustments affect eight different sectors of the Mozambican economy. The last increase in the minimum wage took effect on 1 April 2024, with the previous adjustment occurring in April 2023.
The new adjustments stem from proposals discussed since August by the Labour Consultative Commission, which brings together the government, employers, and trade unions.
Specifically:
In the agriculture, livestock, hunting, and forestry sectors, the minimum wage increases by 5.5%, to 6,688 meticais (approx. €89.30).
In marine, industrial, and semi-industrial fishing, it increases by 2.9%, to 6,726.88 meticais (€89.70).
In the mineral extraction industry:
Workers in large companies will see a 7% increase to 15,176.66 meticais (€202.50).
In quarries, sand pits, and medium-sized companies, the increase is 4%, to 8,008 meticais (€106.80).
In salt mines and micro/small companies, wages rise 3.2%, to 6,538.44 meticais (€87.30).
In the manufacturing industry, the new minimum wage is 10,147.50 meticais (€135.40), up 6.8%, with some exceptions:
Bakery workers: up 5.9%, to 7,200 meticais (€96.10).
Cashew sector: up 6%, to 6,653.21 meticais (€88.00).
In the electricity, gas, and water production and distribution sector:
Workers in large companies will receive 12,275 meticais (€163.80), a 5.9% increase.
All other workers in the sector will receive 9,960.62 meticais (€133.00), up 5.6%.
In construction, the minimum wage increases by 5%, to 8,400 meticais (€112.10).
In the non-financial services sector, the minimum wage rises 7.8% to 10,310 meticais (€137.60), with exceptions:
In hotels, tourism, and related industries, it increases 9%, to 9,700 meticais.
Private security workers will receive 8,465 meticais (€113.00), up 3.4%.
Fuel retail workers will now earn 9,739 meticais (€130.00), up 5.8%.
Finally, in financial services:
Bank and insurance company workers will receive 19,043.61 meticais (€254.20).
Microfinance and microinsurance workers will earn 16,764 meticais (€223.70), with a 6.5% increase in both categories.
At the Labour Consultative Commission’s most recent meeting on 1 September in Maputo, the Confederation of Economic Associations (CTA) — Mozambique’s largest business association — said that “possible results” had been achieved through “calm and flexible” negotiations.
“Given the need to maintain jobs, the possible results were achieved — perhaps undesirable, but possible — recognising the difficulties that exist for each of us. Naturally, life is difficult, not only for ordinary citizens, but also for employers,” said CTA representative Victor Miguel.
At the time, the specific figures had not yet been disclosed. However, the National Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Mozambique (Consilmo) considered the outcome unsatisfactory, but called for its implementation.
“The results achieved in the negotiated minimum wages are not satisfactory, but they were the best we could achieve. Our joy as a union is not in achieving the results, but in fulfilling what was achieved,” said Boaventura Simbide, representing Consilmo.
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