By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:Mvuselelo Fakudze,the Standard Bank Chief Executive has locked-out all striking workers from the bank premises.

The Chief Executive communicated these new developments through a letter dated 30th July 2024, directed to Jabu Shiba,the Secretary General of the Swaziland Union of Financial Institutions and Allied Workers(SUFIAW) as the strike enters its second week.

It has been disclosed that,the workers rejected 5.15% offered by the bank in demand for 6.5% Cost of Living Adjustment(COLA).

“We confirm that our final offer in respect of the annual cost of living adjustment is 5.15%.In view of the intransigence of the Union and in an effort to seek to persuade the Union to accept this offer, we hereby formally notify you of our intention to institute a lockout of SUFIAW, its members, and all employees within the bargaining unit from the Bank(who are currently engaged in the strike action)and its premises with effect from Friday, August 2, 2024, at 8:00 a.m.In terms of the lockout notice,SUFIAW,its members,and all employees within the bargaining unit(those participating in the strike action) are once again reminded that all bank assets must be returned to the bank and,furthermore,shall not be permitted to enter the following areas:Any office or backroom of any banking hall.Any other office or premises of Standard Bank at all branches. The Corporate Place, 2nd, 4th and 5th Floor.During the lockout,SUFIAW,its members and employees within the bargaining unit are expected to confine themselves to the designated picket areas,reads the letter in part.

Mvuselelo Fakudze,the Standard Bank Chief Executive declined to comment about the strike action.

Reached for comments by this Swaziland News on Tuesday evening,Jabu Shiba,the Secretary General of the Swaziland Union of Financial Institutions and Allied Workers(SUFIAW) said,they will take the bank to court,accusing the Chief Executive of refusing to negotiate.

“You could see that the Chief Executive is not willing to negotiate because of this replacement labour.We were demanding 7% and in the midst of the negotiations we ended-up placing the demand at 6.5%.The bank had offered 5.5% but now the offer by the bank has been reduced to 5.15%,this is a clear indication that the bank is not willing to negotiate”, said the SUFIAW Secretary General.

On another note,the Secretary General said,the bank went on to employ new staff and further recalled retired employees to assist as the strike continues.

“It is for these reasons,the bank is not willing to negotiate but we will bring that to the attention of the court,” she said.

Mlungisi Makhanya,the President of the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO) urged members of the political organization to support the striking Standard Bank workers.