Swaziland textile workers demand salary increase of 15%

Workers in Swaziland’s textile and clothing industry are demanding that their wages be raised by 15% or that they pay a monthly salary of 1,500 to 12,000 lirigini per month. They are negotiating with the Wage Commission on this matter.

The Swaziland Federation of Manufacturing and Trade Unions (SMAWU) is negotiating with the Wage Commission on behalf of workers. Sihlongonyane, secretary general of the Federation of Manufacturing and Trade Unions, said.

The consultation may end soon, however, Sihlongonyane said, and it seems unlikely that the breakthrough will be achieved through negotiation.

Sihlongonyane pledged that the union will not give up any opportunities for reversal and strive to achieve the workers’ requirements. Workers in the national textile and clothing industry have great responsibilities, but they have not been paid enough.

At present, Swaziland's textile workers receive up to 1,100 Rilanghini's monthly wages, but they hope to increase their wages to at least 1,500 Rilangiini, with a maximum limit of 2000 Rilanghini. However, if the negotiations succeed, this situation can be achieved.