Public Sector Unions (PSUs) under Siteki are calling for a go-slow as they demand a salary review for all workers.
This is one of the resolutions taken yesterday by PSU members during a consultative meeting convened by four unions: the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), National Public Services and Allied Workers Union (NAPSAWU), Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU), and the Swaziland National Association of Government Accounting Personnel (SNAGAP). The meeting took place at the SNAT Centre in Manzini and at the Siteki Town Council.
The Siteki Town Council served as an alternative venue after the unions were informed at the eleventh hour that the original venue, School for the Deaf Primary, was no longer available.
SWADNU President Nokuthula Dlamini narrated the events leading to the PSUs’ resolution to return to their membership for a new mandate on the way forward. She stated that the process was being delayed by some departments that have refused to appear before the consultant, as per the laid-out procedure.
The consultant reportedly requested a four-month extension to allow these departments, including the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF), to present their cases and to complete the report concerning the implementation of the salary review.
Dlamini said the unions believed that government was capable of implementing the long-overdue salary review. Her sentiments were echoed by SNAT Secretary General Lot Vilakati, who further stated their opposition to a cost-of-living adjustment (CoLA), which has been hinted at by government.
Vilakati stressed that what the workers wanted was a salary review, not CoLA. He explained that the review would help close the huge gap between the salaries of supervisors and ordinary employees.
During the member submissions, many workers called for a sit-in or go-slow strike. Simangele Mtetwa, a teacher, expressed concern that there was no guarantee the salary review report would yield the desired outcome if the four-month extension was granted. She suggested it was a delaying tactic and called for a mass protest march to the Ministry of Public Service to demand the salary review.
Other members echoed Mtetwa’s concerns and supported a sit-in, noting that street protests might not be permitted. Therefore, they proposed downing tools at their respective workplaces.
Meanwhile, Vilakati reported that the unions were yet to meet and compile a conclusive report based on member submissions from various regions. He said a final resolution would be communicated to all members in due course.
Eswatini Observer Press Reader
