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.
Swaziland unions merge for unity and strength19 September, 2013On 8 September, 10 unions in Swaziland successfully came together in a merger to form Amalgamated Trade Unions of Swaziland (Atuswa) building greater unity amongst workers in the manufacturing sector.
Call for the release of trade unionist Wonder Mkhonza charged with sedition in Swaziland24 April, 2013IndustriALL Global Union condemns the arrest of Comrade Wonder Mkhonza, Deputy General Secretary of the Swaziland Processing, Refining and Allied Workers Union.
Take action for eSwatini!5 August, 2021eSwatini (formerly known as Swaziland) has been rocked by strong protests since end of May. Join our call to action supporting protestors calling for democratic reforms in Africa’s last absolute monarchy.
Employer sues Eswatini union for strike damages15 September, 2020Taiwanese-owned FTM Garments is taking the Amalgamated Trade Unions of Swaziland (ATUSWA) to court over alleged loss of production for four days and damages to property following a picket two years ago. The union says the lawsuit is an attempt to weaken the union.
“We will be killed by hunger before the coronavirus gets us”6 May, 2020Over 18,000 workers in the textile and garment sector in Eswatini have not been paid since the announcement of the lockdown to control the spread of Covid-19. This means that the workers have no money to buy food, pay rent, bills and other basics.
Swazi trade unionist Wonder Mkhonza released on bail16 May, 2013Asked whether this experience will dampen his political activism, Wonder Mkhonza replies “Of course not! The threat of jail can no longer dent our spirit as we push for democracy in Swaziland”.
Labour keeps up pressure for democracy in Swaziland 11 September, 2012Despite demobilization efforts of the Swaziland government, labour together with student bodies and civil society in the country pushed on with calls for multiparty democratic elections during the Global Week of Action on Swaziland, 3 to 7 September.
Tense standoff at Swazi Maloma Colliery 27 November, 2014Striking workers at Maloma Colliery in Swaziland have retreated to a hill and refuse to return to work until their demand for a housing allowance are met.
Journalist and human rights lawyer in Swaziland receive two-year prison sentences31 July, 2014Thulani Maseko and Bheki Makhubu, have both been sentenced to two years of prison without benefit of bail. Following their arbitrary detention since March 2014, the two men were convicted on 17 July 2014 for contempt of court four months after their initial arrest. Contempt of court ordinarily carries a 30 day sentence or a fine of 2,200 Euros in Swaziland.
