SFTU leads labor strike in Eswatini, highlighting worker discontent and advocating for reforms.

In the time frame referenced, the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions (SFTU) organized a major general strike to underscore increasing labor militancy in Eswatini. The strike was spurred by growing dissatisfaction among workers regarding low wages, poor working conditions, and the lack of recognition for the rights of the labor force in the country. Approximately 15,000 to 20,000 workers participated in the strike, which disrupted various sectors, including transportation and public services. Factories, shops, and schools were closed as workers demanded improvements in economic and social conditions. The roots of this labor unrest lay in the structural economic policies implemented by the government, which were perceived to favor foreign investors and multinational corporations at the expense of local laborers. Unemployment and poverty rates were high, further fueling the discontent among the working class. The SFTU’s call for the strike was also a response to the government's reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue with labor organizations and address their concerns. The impact of the strike was significant. It garnered international attention and highlighted the plight of Eswatini’s workers on a global stage. The strike also pressured the government to consider some reforms and to engage more actively with trade unions. Despite facing resistance, the SFTU succeeded in drawing attention to workers' rights and the need for equitable economic policies. The event remains a pivotal moment in the history of labor movements in Eswatini, reflecting the continuing struggle between labor forces and government policies. It marked a turning point in how labor issues were addressed in the country and set the stage for future negotiations and reforms aimed at improving the conditions of workers. #LaborRights #WorkersUnite #Eswatini #MoofLife