GOVT, PSUS AGREE ON PAY TALKS DATE

MBABANE – Government and public sector unions (PSUs) are set to resume negotiations on Friday next week.

This comes after the PSUs visited the Ministry of Public Service on Wednesday to demand the resumption of the Joint Negotiations Forum (JNF). The JNF is where the PSUs engage with the employer (government) on issues of mutual interest, such as the pending salary review and appeals, among other issues.

The PSUs include the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU), National Public Service and Allied Workers Union (NAPSAWU) and Swaziland National Association of Government Accounting Personnel (SNAGAP). During their visit to the ministry, the PSUs’ representatives were blocked by the police from entering the ministry’s offices.

A total of four representatives from the PSUs were allowed to engage with the ministry, to set the JNF date.
SNAT President Mbongwa Dlamini said they had been writing letters to government, requesting for the JNF, as there were pressing issues that needed to be addressed. Dlamini said the JNF had been deliberately shifted. He explained that the issue of the salary review was more pressing as they had not benefitted since 2021.

“We need the table to discuss with government about the salary review. There is still no consultant and under normal circumstances, the consultant takes a whole year to conduct the exercise,” Dlamini said.

Engagement

He went on to appreciate their engagement with government, as they all agreed on the next JNF date, which is next Friday (May 03, 2024).  NAPSAWU President Bawinile Ndlovu appreciated the PSU members who came out to demand the JNF date. Ndlovu said through power and unity, they would achieve their goals. In the same vein, SNAT Secretary General (SG) Lot Vilakati said while they waited for Friday, to fight for better wages and living conditions, unity remained vital.

Vilakati shared that all workers in the country were expected to be at the Prince of Wales Stadium next Wednesday in commemoration of International Labour Day, under the only credible labour centre in the country - Trade Union Congresas of Swaziland (TUCOSWA). “AII SNAT members who will attend the commemoration are requested to bring with them proof of membership (latest payslip) and their national identity cards (IDs) for proper identification,” Vilakati said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Public Service, Mabulala Maseko, said government had not refused to sit at the JNF. Maseko said they were always ready to engage, however, there should be proper communication, where dates would be set.

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