War on Want supports G4S Malawi strike

G4S workers in Malawi are striking today in an attempt to obtain a living wage from the UK security company.

Last May, anti-poverty charity War on Want was part of an international delegation which found that G4S staff in Malawi were paid on average just £13 a month, which is a quarter of the living wage.

The delegation found that the inadequate pay means that G4S’s employees are so poor that daily meals often consist only of bread. It also found employees walk 90 minutes each day to and from work, and return to homes without electricity or running water and are unable to pay their children’s school or medical fees.

War on Want trade unions officer Jackie Simpkins, a member of the delegation, said: ‘G4S workers have the right to a living wage and decent conditions. We call on the company to do the right thing and heed this call from its Malawian staff.’

We’ve also asked G4S what it’s going to do about it, and to confirm what average wage it pays in Malawi.

We want to know how a UK based company can justify cutting corners when operating in areas of poverty - and therefore acerbating the issue.

G4S has acknowledged the ‘sensitive nature’ of our enquiry, and has assured we will receive a reply from G4S in Malawi. With an absent workforce there today, G4S should have plenty of time to ponder these questions, so we’ll let you know of any reply we may receive.