The Industrial Court in the
absolute monarchy of Swaziland (eSwatini) has banned a strike by public servants over pay
because it is against ‘the national interest’.
Trade unions have been
calling over the past three years for pay increases to meet rises in the cost
of living.
Unions had taken strike action in
September 2019 but this was banned temporarily. Now, the court has
made a judgment to ban it completely.
The unions involved in the
court case were the National Public Service and Allied Workers Union (NAPSAWU) and
the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT).
Swazi police had used
teargas, rubber bullets, water cannon and live ammunition during the strike. At
least 15 people were injured. The violence happened in Mbabane
after what local
media called ‘a long day of peaceful protest’. The police brutality was
condemned by international human rights observers.
Judge Abande Dlamini in his
judgment said that the national interest had been threatened by the strike. He
blamed the violence on the union members.
See also
Swaziland
union leader shot by police during strike put his hands up and pleaded: don’t
shoot
Swaziland
police shoot union leader in back as peaceful workers’ protest turns into a
‘battlefield’
Swaziland
police fire rubber bullets and teargas injuring 15 during national strike
Swaziland
police fire teargas into classroom packed with children
Swaziland police brutality under attack from
international workers’ group
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