Stop repression in Eswatini 6 April, 2023Trade unions and civil society organizations call for national dialogue on democratic reforms in Eswatini, Africa’s last absolute monarchy, amid repression by the police and state security.
Calls for justice for slain Eswatini human rights defender 3 February, 2023On 3 February, South African unions from the Congress of South African Trade Unions and civil society organizations campaigning for democratic reforms picketed at the Eswatini Embassy in Johannesburg to call for justice and for an independent investigation following the assassination of Thulani Maseko, a human rights and social justice lawyer.
Court rules that Zheng Yong Swaziland must deduct and remit union dues3 November, 2022When Zheng Yong Swaziland unilaterally decided to stop deducting union dues for 1,276 workers as part of the garment maker’s anti-union behaviour, the Amalgamated Trade Union of Swaziland (ATUSWA) immediately launched a court challenge.
Union takes Zheng Yong garments to court over dismissal of 20 workers in Eswatini4 August, 2022Garment manufacturer Zheng Yong Swaziland has dismissed 20 workers for going on a strike for minimum living wages, and the Amalgamated Trade Unions of Swaziland (ATUSWA) is challenging the dismissals.
Eswatini garment workers continue strike amid intimidation and harassment5 May, 2022Despite intimidation by security forces, textile and garment workers in Eswatini are continuing their strike for living wages. Five weeks into the strike, the workers are reiterating their request for at least E15 per hour or E2983 (US$183) per month.
Eswatini police disperse workers petitioning for living wage17 March, 2022Over 5,000 workers from 15 factories in the textile and garment sector braved the rains to present a petition on living wages to the department of labour in Nhlangano on 15 March. However, the police dispersed the workers while denying permission for other marches planned for Manzini and Matsapha to take place.
IndustriALL and ITUC call for urgent inclusive dialogue on democratic reforms in Eswatini2 February, 2022Several student leaders have been arrested while others allegedly tortured at police stations in Eswatini. Unions say over 100 people were shot dead, and hundreds injured and arbitrarily arrested in incidences where the police and the army used excessive force and live ammunition against prodemocracy campaigners.
PROFILE: Divided we beg, united we bargain, says Eswatini union14 December, 2021Some of the pillars that are key to building a strong union are workers unity and collective bargaining, says the Amalgamated Trade Union of Swaziland (ATUSWA) which is affiliated to IndustriALL Global Union. The union organizing strategy is anchored on fighting for the unity of workers, workers’ rights, and living wages. In that sense, the union is living up to its slogan: Divided we beg, united we bargain.
Union intensifies calls for urgent dialogue on multiparty democracy in Eswatini18 November, 2021IndustriALL Global Union affiliate, the Amalgamated Trade Union of Swaziland (ATUSWA), reiterated its calls for a multiparty democracy in Eswatini during its 2nd congress at Sidvokodvo on 13 November.
IndustriALL 3rd Congress calls for an end to violence in Eswatini30 September, 2021For over three decades, the government of the Kingdom of Eswatini has violated human and trade union rights. However, there are increasing calls against this impunity, and for democratic reforms to be implemented.
