The government of Malawi yesterday announced plans to raise public workers’ salaries by an average of 60 percent, ending a two-week strike that shut down much of the country . . . airports and other transportation as well as schools and government offices were closed during the strike . . . public sector workers complained that the 49 percent devaluation of the currency last may eroded their purchasing power . . . the strike demonstrates growing pressures on President Joyce Banda, who came to power last year after the unexpected death of the former president . . . although the devaluation has spurred economic growth, the country continues to experience high cost of living and fuel shortages . . . the salary increases will significantly strain the government budget . . . continued high prices will undercut the popularity of Banda, challenging her efforts at election next year.