MBABANE:Wander Mkhonza,the Secretary General of the Amalgamated Trade Union of Swaziland(ATUSWA) has applauded Labour Minister Phila Buthelezi for issuing a strong warning to Wages Councils in addressing the issue of low salaries in the country.
Eswatini has about 70% of the population living below the poverty,among the over 700 000 struggling citizens are workers who are paid as little as one thousand,one hundred Rands(R1,100) that was Gazzeted as per the approval of the various Wages Councils.
Speaking to this Swaziland News this week,the trade unionist said the Minister made it clear that Wages Councils must not rely on collective bargaining in solving the issue of low salaries.
“We were happy with the statement of the Minister when commissioning the Chairpersons of the Wages Councils,he strongly warned them not to rely on collective bargaining when addressing the issue of low salaries,”said the unionist.
Labour Minister Phila Buthelezi commissioned Chairpersons of the various Wages Councils last week,these bodies are responsible for discussing and approving wages in the various industries.
Employees of the textile,hospitality,private security and construction industries among others,are struggling with low salaries.
Minister Philw Buthelezi poses with Senior Government officials and Chairpersons of Wages Councils during their commissioning last week(pic:Gov).