Nearly 16,000 workers employed in the textile sector of Swaziland have voluntarily voted for calling a strike on Monday.
Meagre wages, unsuitable working conditions and unruly management of the factories have forced the workers to take a stance against their non-compliant employers.
Of the 17,000 workers employed in the textile firms in Matsapha and Nhlangano, more than 15,800 voted in favor of the strike which will be led by the Swaziland Manufacturing and Allied Workers Union (SMAWU).
The last time the workers got a pay adjustment was in 2005, which was 4.7 percent and way below the inflation rate. The demand made this time is for a 12 percent hike, which is still low compared to the trifling wages given by the employers.
Although Textile Exporter's spokesperson condemned the strike, on grounds that the industry was also suffering, workers are determined about waging the strike.