GOVERNMENT PRESS STATEMENT NO: 24/2019 Petitions and proposed strike action called by Public Service Unions Introduction The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini has developed an Economic Recovery Strategy and Plan of Action to improve the quality of life for all Emaswati. We are aware of the challenges of the past and are committed to encouraging economic growth to provide for the future. The Kingdom of Eswatini needs to improve business confidence and encourage local and foreign investment to generate the revenues necessary to sustain our economy. We need to create employment for all rather than threaten the employment of those who are already employed. Economic Recovery In a very short space of time Government has achieved significant progress towards economic recovery. The private sector has responded well to the positive investment climate and demonstrated a huge appetite for investment in Eswatini. Proposed Strike Action Public Sector unions have served notice to take part in strike action from 23 September 2019. There is absolutely nothing that can be achieved by strike action • From 2007-2012 the total cost of civil servant salaries increased by approximately 51%; • From 2012-2016 the total cost of civil servant salaries increased by approximately 85% which included a 17% pay increase in 2016 for civil servants over and above the regular COLA and notch increases; • Economic growth during this period was insufficient to sustain these increases. Government appreciates the valuable contributions made by civil servants. However, increases of the wage bill are unsustainable until the economy generates the revenues necessary to afford it. Strike action at the expense of the education of our children and the health and safety of our people will achieve nothing more than the loss of wages for those who participate in the strike. Government will continue to implement the Economic Recovery Strategy and Implementation Plan to ensure improved service delivery and sustainable economic growth with employment opportunities, salary increases and quality of life for all Emaswati. Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) Government has been informed by the Government Negotiations Team that represents government at the negotiations table, that negotiations with Public Sector Associations have once again reached a deadlock. At the negotiations table on Friday, Government’s offer of a minimum salary increment of 3% effective 1st April, 2020 was rejected by the Public Sector Associations. Instead, they made a counter demand of 9.5% broken down as follows: 4.5% for the 2017/2018; 5% for the year 2018/2019. They further said negotiations would still be held for increments for the years 2019/2020 and 2020/2021. Government finds these demands unaffordable and unreasonable at a time when Government is facing serious financial challenges, which state of affairs has been adequately explained to the unions and the nation at large. The offer by Government will remain on the negotiations table and will only be withdrawn automatically when the proposed strike action commence. Conclusion Schools, hospitals, clinics and all Government services will be open as usual on 23 September 2019. Civil servants are advised to work without fear of intimidation or victimization. Police protection will be provided. Civil servants who take part in strike action are advised that the principle of no-work-no-pay shall apply. Parties engaging in protest action and the delivery of petitions are advised to comply with the provisions of the Public Order Act. Christian Ntshangase Minister of Public Service 22 September 2019

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