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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Unions struggle for democracy in Swaziland11 September, 2012Despite violent repression by the Swaziland government, unions together with student bodies and civil society pushed on with calls for multiparty democratic elections during the Global Week of Action on Swaziland, 3 to 7 September.
Patience running out on promised reforms in Swaziland 16 June, 2014As Swaziland’s labour rights came under scrutiny at the International Labour Conference in Geneva, outraged worker representatives held up printed demands for the release of a jailed labour lawyer and the registration of Swazi Labour Federations.
US withdraws Swaziland’s preferential trade status3 July, 2014The failure of the Swaziland government to uphold the rule of law and respect worker and human rights has resulted in the loss of preferential trade status with the US under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Convictions confound Swazi reform hopes 24 July, 2014The conviction in Swaziland of a journalist and a human rights lawyer with ties to the labour movement does not bode well for the country’s reinstatement to a preferential trade deal with the USA.
