Thousands of civil servants across the country this morning marched to different government offices to present their petition demanding improving working conditions.

The march follows a stay away which has been implemented slowly since last week, amidst disagreements between government and the civil servants trade union (CSTU).

In Lilongwe, thousands marched from Kamuzu Central Hospital roundabout to the Office of President and Cabinet (OPC), while in Mzuzu they marched through Orton Chirwa Avenue to Mzuzu City Council.

In both cases, security was tightened as armed police officers positioned themselves in all strategic places while several others closely guarded the civil servants as they marched throughout.

Civil servants Trade Union (CSTU) president Eliah Kamphinda Banda, executive member Madalitso Njolomole and Teachers Union of Malawi general Secretary Denis Kalekeni presented the petition in Lilongwe while CSTU's Vice President Edwin Theu delivered on behalf of Mzuzu workers.

"There are people in the parastatal organisations getting a lot of money while those working in the other areas of the civil service do not get that much despite these people working on the same grade," said Theu.

On the other hand, Kamphinda has vowed that the workers will still be gathering at Capital Hill's 'Freedom Park', awaiting government's response.

The civil servant are demanding improved working condition, central of which is the restructuring of salaries, moving towards harmonisation in the civil service.

Specifically, they are demanding that mainstream public servant salary must receive a minimum of K75,000 for the lowest paid, while mainstream public servant with a degree must receive a minimum of K186,000.

Finance Minister Ken Lipenga has said there is no way government is going to give in to all the demands citing that implementing a 67 percent salary hike will paralyse government as it needs K276 billion a year.