GOVERNMENT PRESS STATEMENT
NO. 12/2014
REGISTRATION OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYER FEDERATIONS
Following Cabinet Meeting of today 8th October 2014, Cabinet has resolved and I have been directed to issue this statement;
Following recommendations or observations made by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) which has advised the Government of eSwatini of the need to amend certain clauses in the industrial relations Act of 2000 (as amended), making particular reference to the absence of legislation that allows for the registration of Federations in the Kingdom of Swaziland, the Ministry of Labour and Social security has taken note to this advice and wishes to state as follows;
- The Ministry takes full responsibility for the oversight in the legislation that was promulgated without making provision for the registration of federations in the country. This is an oversight that also eluded the tripartite forum comprising of Workers Union Representatives as well as Employer Representatives who were all involved in the drafting of our Industrial Relations Act.
- An Amendment Bill, drafted in consultation with the Workers Representatives and Employers has been prepared for tabling in parliament to correct this oversight. In the interim, all Federations are non-existent in terms of the Industrial Relations Act and should stop operating immediately until the amendment of the Industrial Relations Act has been passed by parliament.
- The amendment shall outline the qualification/criteria for eligibility to be registered as a federation. In winding up their operations, all Federations are called upon to forthwith submit reports of their operations to date including their prepared audited financial statements to the Commissioner of Labour.
- Through this statement all membership in statutory boards of the various federations has also been terminated forthwith and their representation in other statutory organs will also come to an end.
His Majesty’s Government wishes to affirm its commitment to providing a conducive labour environment in the country by adhering to all the conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
We appeal to all stakeholders to assist Government expedite this important exercise by offering their full cooperation.
SENATOR WINNIE K. MAGAGULA
MINISTER FOR LABOUR & SOCIAL SECURITY