The Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) has raised alarm over the ongoing violations of workers’ rights in Eswatini, urging the government to address these issues urgently.

Despite government commitments to address workers’ concerns, reports of serious violations continue to emerge, with the state allegedly playing a central role in perpetuating these injustices.

TUCOSWA’s latest report to the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Committee of Experts highlights a range of persistent violations, including the ban on public gatherings by public authorities, intimidation and victimization of union leaders, and instances of police brutality against peaceful demonstrators.

The report emphasizes that government-led mediation efforts have failed to address fundamental violations, leading to unresolved controversies surrounding workers’ rights.

Of particular concern are the alleged infringements on Convention 87 and 98, which relate to the banning of gatherings and the victimization and intimidation of union officials by government and other state actors. These violations directly undermine the guarantees provided by these conventions, casting a shadow over Eswatini’s commitment to upholding international labor standards.

The persecution of union leaders, such as SWATCAWU’s Sticks Nkambule and SNAT President Mbongwa Dlamini, serves as stark examples of union bashing in the country, further exacerbating the climate of fear and repression among workers.

TUCOSWA’s report to the ILO Committee of Experts sets the stage for discussions at the upcoming ILO Conference scheduled for June this year. During the conference, the government of Eswatini will be called upon to address these violations and be held accountable for its actions.

The persistent violations of workers’ rights underscore the urgent need for meaningful dialogue and concrete actions to address the root causes of these injustices. As workers continue to demand their rights to fair treatment and dignity in the workplace, the government faces mounting pressure to deliver on its commitments and uphold international labor standards.