Manzini – Labour activists are gearing up to tackle several pressing issues this year, including health crises, unemployment, a proposed E3 500 minimum wage, and the Cost of Living Adjustment (CoLA).
On May 1, workers gathered to celebrate International Worker’ Day, where organisations such as the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) highlighted their current challenges. The other commemoration of Workers’ Day was hosted by the Federation of Eswatini Trade Unions (FESWATU) at the Goshe Szokolay Memorial Stadium in Simunye.
During the commemoration at the Salesian Sports Ground, TUCOSWA President Bheki Mamba emphasised that the national health crisis remains a significant concern. He noted that, in the 13 years since TUCOSWA’s inception, the organisation has been committed to advocating for workers’ rights.
“We will continue to push for the government to engage in negotiations with workers to promote job creation. We will also fight for better access to medication in hospitals,” Mamba stated.
TUCOSWA expressed that rising costs—such as those for Value Added Tax (VAT), electricity, and goods—fail to reflect improved living conditions for consumers, particularly amidst high unemployment rates.
The organisation is advocating for the establishment of a minimum wage of E3 500 per month.
They also stressed the need for the education sector to be strengthened by offering courses that provide job-relevant skills and by hiring sufficient public servants, including teachers.
Furthermore, TUCOSWA remains committed to opposing the government’s practice of hiring workers on contracts or as casuals. Mamba also called for increases in elderly grants.
“Our fight aims to ensure that government policies benefit all citizens, enabling them to gain from the economy,” Mamba added.
He encouraged TUCOSWA members to initiate campaigns within their communities to help achieve these goals.
Additionally, the Swaziland Amalgamated Trade Union (SATU), representing security guards, has proposed a 15 percent CoLA for the 2025/2026 financial year. The current gazetted monthly salary for security guards is E3 033, which could rise to E3,487 with the adjustment.
The Amalgamated Trade Union of Swaziland (ATUSWA) also addressed the upcoming wage negotiations for textile workers. Despite a 24 percent increase in April 2025, ATUSWA argues that textile workers remain underpaid. The Regulation of Wages Order 2025 has set the monthly wage for textile workers at E2 260, up from E1 816.
In the construction industry, workers’ wages will vary, with the lowest-paid earning E14.00 per hour (E2 536.20 per month) and the highest-paid earning E27.83 per hour (E5 000), based on a 45-hour workweek.
Discussion about this post