Minister seeks answers on worker exploitation

24 Apr '10

2 min read

Magobetane Mamba, Minister of Labour and Social Security, wants an explanation from textile companies exploiting Swazi workers. He said, “I was full of praise for these companies for employing 6,000 workers. But after looking at the working conditions, I had to request them to value the rights and obligations of the workers.”

The Minister showed concerns over worker's conditions post his tour to four textile companies in Nhlangano- Zyeng Yong, Juris Manufacturers, FTM Garments and HOs Enterprise.

After a disappointing tour of the four companies, the Minister urged the companies to provide reasons for not following the procedures. According to Mamba, “These companies have violated industrial labour laws of the country till an extent that, they don't provide protective cloths or masks to the workers, which is perilous and can even result into death of the workers if they happen to inhale poisonous substances.”

Mamba continued, “Now, since the provident fund was to turn into a pension fund, I have announced that every employer must make the necessary contributions for workers, so that they do not leave empty handed when leaving the workplace permanently. Government would also follow up on the localization policy that is to be practiced by the textile industry.

Maseyisini Member of Parliament, Mduduzi Dlamini also, condemned the employers of textile industries in the Asian region, for abusing workers at the workplace by exposing them to danger and offering extremely low wages. The MP also said that, the industry does not compensate family members of workers who die on duty. And therefore is expecting that the minister might take adequate measures to resolve these issues.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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