Diamonds are forever, what about the jobs?2 September, 2026Lab-grown stones from China and India are tightening their grip on an industry that has supported regional development for more than half a century. For workers in Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, the resulting slump is personal with retrenchments and closures loom. But this month, unions from six countries united to meet major producers as one force. On 26–27 August in Gaborone, fourteen trade unionists forged a joint strategy. Their message: as the diamond industry faces this transition, workers' rights and jobs must remain non-negotiable.
US tariffs trigger gendered supply chain shock on Lesotho garment industries4 March, 2026The US imposition of steep tariffs on imports from Lesotho, announced by President Donald Trump in April 2025 as part of his "reciprocal" trade policy, has triggered a severe crisis for Lesotho garment workers — devastating the mountain kingdom's textile sector, its largest private employer and a lifeline for tens of thousands of women, leaving them without income, hours or prospects.
Union fury erupts over forced Mothae Mine layoffs3 July, 2025The Independent Democratic Union of Lesotho (IDUL) is strongly objecting to the forced leave of 400 workers at Mothae Diamond Mine in Lesotho.
Lesotho: enhancing safety and inclusiveness at work27 June, 2024Unions in Lesotho are supporting a project on safe and inclusive work environments which will focus on occupational health and safety and ending gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH).
Lesotho miners remembered26 April, 2024The workers were going home from work when the bus accident happened at Tlaeeng Pass in Butha Buthe. Eight diamond mine workers from Kao Mine died while others were injured.
Lesotho union takes Adient Automotive to labour tribunal for union busting18 April, 2024The Independent Democratic Union of Lesotho (IDUL) is taking vehicle seat manufacturing Adient Automotive to the Directorate of Dispute Prevention and Resolution (DDRP) – the kingdom’s labour tribunal – for union busting and violating trade union rights to collective bargaining.
Beyond the sparkle: advancing workers' rights in the diamond sector23 February, 2024Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Lesotho Highlands in the Butha Buthe District, home to the country's diamond mines, IndustriALL Global Union’s Global Diamond Network convened on 20-21 February to strategize on promoting decent work within the diamond industry.
Global summit praises Lesotho GBVH agreements3 August, 2023Over 110 participants from Argentina, Botswana, Germany, Kenya, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Spain, and the USA, met at a high-level summit in Maseru, Lesotho, 27 July, to strategize how to end gender-based violence and harassment in the world of work in Southern Africa.
Lesotho workers strike over government failure to announce wage increases3 June, 2021IndustriALL affiliate, the independent Democratic Union of Lesotho (IDUL), is involved in dialogue with the ministry of labour and employment to end a national strike over wages which began on 10 May.
Union fights sexual harassment at Hippo Knitting garment factory, Lesotho17 May, 2021After reports that workers at Taiwanese-owned Hippo Knitting are subjected to sexual harassment and violence in the workplace, IndustriALL Global Union affiliate, the Independent Democratic Union of Lesotho (IDUL), are fighting back against the rampant violations.
