Trade unions demand an adjustment to the Public Service salary, in the order of 250%.
Angolan public servants begin, this Wednesday, the first phase of the general strike called by the three unions, which will last three days, demanding salary increases and tax reductions.
The three Angolan trade unions unanimously approved an interpolated general strike starting on March 20th and which will take place in three phases, with a first period of three days between March 20th and 22nd, another of seven days between the 22nd and 30th. April and another 11 days between June 3rd and 14th, 2024.
After consultation with workers, the General Central of Independent and Free Trade Unions of Angola (CGSILA), the National Union of Angolan Workers – Trade Union Confederation (UNTA-CS) and Força Sindical – Central Sindical (FS-CS) concluded that the Government did not responded satisfactorily to their list of demands – increasing the minimum wage, increasing civil service salaries, updating subsidies and reducing taxes – and decided, in a general assembly, to move towards a total strike.
The trade unions began by demanding an increase in the minimum wage from the current 32 thousand kwanzas (35 euros), to 245 thousand kwanzas (268 euros), a “flexible” proposal, however, to 100 thousand kwanzas (109 euros), reduction of the Tax on the Labor Income to 15% and a representative on the board of directors of the Angolan National Social Security Institute (INSS), “demands” that are said to have been refused by the authorities in six negotiating rounds.
The trade unions also demand an adjustment to the Civil Service salary, in the order of 250 percent, and a reduction in the Labor Income Tax (IRT) by 10 percent.
The Angolan executive decided to propose a minimum wage depending on the size of the company, namely 48 thousand kwanzas (52 euros) for small companies, 70 thousand kwanzas (76 euros) for medium-sized companies and 96 thousand kwanzas (104 euros) for large companies , which was refused by the unions.
The unions guarantee that minimum services will be met and are available to continue negotiations.
The MPLA, party in power since 1975, expressed solidarity with the workers, but contests the application of a salary scale that poses problems to the solvency of the State and families, warning of the increase in unemployment.
The party that supports the Angolan executive defends a fractional salary increase over the five-year period of the current term with increases of 25% per year.
