The Government of the tiny southern African kingdom of
Swaziland / eSwatini has applied to the Industrial Court to
have a continuing public service unions’ strike for more pay declared illegal.
It says the strike has gone beyond being just an
industrial dispute.
Swaziland is ruled by King Mswati III as an absolute
monarch. The kingdom is regularly criticised by international groups for the
lack of workers’ rights.
In the latest move the Attorney General Sifiso Mashampu
Khumalo said in court documents that the strike was against ‘the national
interest’. He said the economy would be damaged. He claimed lives would be put
in danger.
The court action is directed at the National Public Service and Allied
Workers Union (NAPSAWU) and the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT).
It was heard on Monday evening (1 October 2019). No ruling has yet been announced.
Khumalo alleged that strikers had intimidated workers and had caused
violence at some schools.
Last week during a three-day national strike, police fired rubber bullets and
teargas at striking public service workers, injuring at least 15. The workers
were at the end of a three-day strike over cost-of-living pay rises. The
violence happened in Mbabane after what local media called
‘a long day of peaceful protest’.
Workers want a 7.85 percent cost-of-living salary
increase. The Government says it is broke and cannot pay. Negotiations
have broken down.
Before the court intervention, unions planned to ‘shut
down’ all government departments in Swaziland’s main commercial town, Manzini.
See also
Swaziland
police fire rubber bullets and teargas injuring 15 during national strike
Swaziland
police fire teargas into classroom packed with children
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