Journalists Union of Malawi (JUMA), in a bid to encourage media employers to treat employees humanely, is introducing an award, and a welfare and legal fund.

The development follows a day-long meeting that was participated by the newly elected governing council and chapter leadership on June 9 2011 at the Hippo View Lodge in Liwonde.

A statement from the union signed by President Maganizo Mazeze announces the BEST PRACTICES AWARD (BPA) will effective next year (2012) be awarded to two media institutions (electronic and print).

“The awards will recognize institutions which offer good working conditions for journalists and live up to such. The award is to encourage employers to do more to promote the welfare of journalists. The award will be presented on 3rd May each year during the commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD),” says the statement.

JUMA will also from next January 2012 set-up a Welfare Fund to financially support its fully-paid up members in the event of a professional or labour dispute against an employer that may lead to suspension or dismissal. The intention is to alleviate the suffering a JUMA member may suffer as a direct result of the suspension or dismissal.

The statement further explains the union is working on mechanisms to create a Legal Fund to benefit members in the event of a labour or professional dispute against an employer.

“The JUMA Governing Council and the leaders of the Regional Chapters of the Union have since formed a task force which will develop Terms of Reference (TORs) for the new services being introduced.

The Union will also work with local, regional and international institutions that share similar interests in its pursuit to achieve better working conditions for journalists in the country,” it adds.

Malawi has probably the least paid media practitioners in southern Africa, with more getting less than US$136 a month for an editor.

"It is surprising that the media is in the forefront fighting for other professions' better pay and working conditions. It is time to fight for our welfare," said Zeleza Manda, former president at JUMA.

JUMA was formed in December 2007 with core objective of promoting and protecting labour rights of journalists.