Textile workers unhappy over salary rise

21 May '10

1 min read

Although, the Swaziland government has agreed for a seven percent salary hike for the textile workers, but the Swaziland Manufacturing and Allied Workers Union (SMAWU) has reached an impasse with the industry owners over a number of matters that, are yet to be negotiated.

Many of the textile and garment industry workers will receive a regulated salary of E965 per month, as per a gazette issued by the government few days back. Earlier, these workers were earning E897.16 a month. However, SMAWU is not happy with the new wages, because they were expecting a 12 percent increment against the employer's offer of only 3 percent.

It will continue negotiations with the employers, in spite of the impasse, informed Sipho Manana, Secretary General SMAWU. Wage increment, annual leaves, bonus, transport/housing allowances, canteen subsidy, medical aid, night shift allowances, long service awards, pension schemes, education leaves, maternity/paternity leaves, terminal benefits and loans are the issues that are yet to be negotiated.

SMAWU is seeking E150 as housing/transport allowance for its members, said Manana. But the employers are refraining from paying this amount to the workers, he added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk - India

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