Threat of strikes recedes — for now

The government has promised to respond to complaints but is determined to implement the controversial TSU

Good afternoon. The Mozambican government seems to be managing to quell dissatisfaction with the controversial new public sector pay scale, known as the TSU, and is increasingly confident it can avoid widespread strikes that have been threatened — though as this newsletter was being sent, an urgent meeting of teachers had been called in Maputo, to discuss their reaction to the TSU.

So far only doctors and nurses have announced dates for strikes, to be carried out if negotiations underway with the government do not bear fruit. Nurses have scheduled their strike for 14 November, while doctors have scheduled theirs for 5 December, postponed from 7 November.

As detailed below, the government stood firm yesterday in parliament having been summoned to explain what is going on. The executive played down the situation, saying that implementation of the new wage model is ongoing, and that complaints which have been lodged are being addressed.

Finance Minister Max Tonela admitted some irregularities had been found, and promised that they can be corrected. He also blamed those who are dissatisfied for not having properly understood the TSU, and said more work would be done to better explain the new structure.

He also announced there would be an independent audit on the implementation of the new wage structure, though he did not say when.

But while Tonela may have managed to explain and convince MPs, civil servants in the field want practical solutions, and the coming days may reveal how the final outcome will look.

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Agenda:

• Today: Maputo City Day, celebrating the capital’s 135th anniversary. Public holiday in Maputo City 

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💥 Conflict updates:

4 November 2022: Near R772, Chiure/Namuno district, Cabo Delgado
Three vehicles were ambushed by insurgents on the road between Ocua town, in Chiure, and Namuno district. The vehicles were burned and at least one civilian was injured. Islamic State claims several were killed but this has not yet been substantiated. 

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Today’s top stories:

• Government stands firm on controversial new salary scale

• ETG losses reach $7m as lock-out continues

• Mozambique to secure millions in climate finance following COP27

• Eni’s first LNG cargo beset by delays