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.
“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.
Young and Unionized14 September, 2016Participants at a youth workshop in Gaberone, Botswana brought new energy and a fresh outlook to challenges facing affiliates to build strong unions.
AFL-CIO awards TUCOSWA Human Rights Award4 August, 2015The George Meany-Lane Kirkland Human Rights Award in 2015 recognizes the courage and persistence of Swaziland’s workers in demanding their rights in one of the world’s most autocratic countries.
IndustriALL at the International Labour Conference 23 June, 2015IndustriALL Global Union joined nearly 4500 delegates from 169 countries attending the 104th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland from 1 to 13 June.
eSwatini: Union celebrates court victory28 April, 2018IndustriALL Global Union affiliate, the Amalgamated Trade Union of Swaziland (ATUSWA) is overjoyed after the Industrial Court in Mbabane, Swaziland - recently renamed eSwatini - confirmed on April 26 that the Swaziland Processing, Refining and Allied Workers Union and the Swaziland Manufacturing and Allied Workers Union merged to form the union.
