An estimated 30 000 Mozambican workers marched through the streets of the capital Maputo on Thursday under tight security to demand better wages and working conditions.
Workers from a wide range of commercial and industrial sectors held banners and chanted slogans calling for an ”equal distribution of wealth” as they marched past government ministers and lawmakers at the venue of the main ceremony to mark international Workers’ Day.
Workers from the cement, construction, food and beverages, electricity, water, telecommunications, and security industries, among other sectors, said their current wages hardly met their basic monthly needs.
The minimum monthly wage in Mozambique is about one million meticais (about $45).
A recent independent study into the cost of living in Mozambique put the basic monthly food needs of a family at two million meticais (about $90).
”We work hard but receive misery. We demand equal treatment and equal opportunities at our workplaces,” the workers said.
Riot police armed with AK-47 assault rifles and dogs trailed the marchers up to the main ceremony site, fearing disturbances.
Last year Mozambican migrant workers from the former East Germany hurled insults at President Joaquim Chissano, forcing him to interrupt his address to the workers.
The former labourers, better known as magermanes, have been demanding money that was deducted from their salaries while they worked in Germany and was sent to Mozambique in the form of social security.
Although they were banned from participating in the celebrations this year magermanes tried to force their way through but were barred by police.
Chissano did not attend this year’s celebrations but laid a wreath at the national Heroes Square in Maputo.
He was represented at the official May Day celebrations by labour minister Mario Sevene.
In a five-minute speech, Sevene called on workers to collaborate with the government to create a business-friendly environment in Mozambique, an important pre-requisite for development.