SATU to rejoin national federation

SWAZILAND:  In its meeting held on October 22-23, the National Executive of the IMF affiliate Swaziland Amalgamated Trade Union (SATU) took a decision to re-affiliate and begin paying subscription fees to the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions.

This decision was first taken by the union's congress in 2007 and further endorsed by the IMF AFREC meeting held in Johannesburg this month.  The IMF believes that this is the correct decision which will strengthen the Federation and the national union.

SATU is an important player in the Swaziland economy and the labour moment in the country. The union currently organizes workers in four major sectors which are manufacturing, mining, retail and security industry.

Other positive developments are that the union is succeeding in its organizing campaign. While the union lost many workers as result of the impact of world economic crisis the union managed to organized more than 400 workers over the past two months. The Swaziland economy relies heavily on the American market because much of the textile and manufacturing industry are producing for the American export market. Consequently these crises have impacted heavily on the local industry, resulting in many companies closing and moving out of Swaziland.

Quick facts about Swaziland

IMF Affiliate: Swaziland Amalgamated Trade Union (SATU)

Membership:  4500

Sectors:  Metal, mining, construction, retail and security industry

Country's Economy:  The country's economy depends largely on farming and forestry, both constituting 60 per cent of the economy. Manufacturing largely depends on farming because of the sugar and textile industry.

Political:  The country is still ruled by a Monarch and the King appoints the Prime Minister. All political parties are banned in Swaziland.