In a bold move set to impact various sectors, the Manufacturing and Processing Industries Wages Council has proposed a significant hike in minimum wages, with some employees in the industry seeing up to a 60% increase. The 2024 Regulation of Wages (Manufacturing and Processing Industry) Order is expected to have a ripple effect, not only improving the livelihoods of workers but also raising broader questions about the future of labor policies in Eswatini.
The proposed wage increases cover a wide array of sectors, including brick manufacturing, recycling, laundry services, timber processing, and more, signaling a critical adjustment in the wage structures that underpin many essential industries. The proposed changes come after thorough negotiations involving employer representatives, employee unions, and independent bodies.
Significant Pay Bumps for Entry-Level and Skilled Workers
For many employees, particularly those in Category One—often comprising entry-level positions like learner craftspersons, finishers, and weavers—the pay adjustment is substantial. For instance, the minimum wage for the lowest earners in this category, previously E354.90 per week, is now set to rise to E565.13 per week, representing a dramatic shift.
Workers in higher-tier jobs, such as laboratory technicians, could also see more modest but still impactful increases. The new proposal suggests raising the weekly wage of laboratory technicians from E1,771.15 to E1,824.28, a 3% increase that signals the council’s intent to maintain pay competitiveness for skilled labor.
These changes not only offer immediate financial relief but also underscore a growing focus on wage equity across different labor categories, with special attention paid to long-overlooked job roles in industries critical to Eswatini’s economy.
Bridging the Wage Gap in Early Childhood Education
Perhaps one of the most transformative shifts is in the pre-school and daycare sector, where new proposals aim to equalize pay between urban and rural educators. Historically, teachers in urban areas earned a significantly higher minimum wage compared to their rural counterparts. Under the proposed regulations, all preschool teachers—whether in urban hubs like Mbabane and Manzini or more remote regions—will receive a standardized minimum wage of E2,606.23 per month.
Assistant teachers, previously receiving variable pay based on location, are set to see their minimum wage increase to E2,255.78 per month. This equalization represents a deliberate effort to bridge disparities between urban and rural labor markets, ensuring that educators in all areas receive equitable compensation.
Modest Increases for Domestic Workers and Security Guards
Meanwhile, domestic workers and security service employees are also in line for wage hikes, although the increases are more moderate compared to the industrial sectors. Domestic workers—including gardeners, house attendants, and cooks—will see their minimum monthly wage rise by 5%, with a potential increase to E1,453.21 for most job roles. Security guards will receive a 5.5% raise, which will adjust their minimum wage to reflect service levels and responsibilities, ranging from E84.90 per shift for newcomers to E133.60 for more experienced personnel.
These sectors have long faced scrutiny for low wages, and while the proposed increases are relatively small, they reflect incremental progress toward better compensation.
A Step Toward Wage Justice
These sweeping wage adjustments follow months of consultation and careful consideration of the socio-economic landscape. Secretary General Wander Mkhonza of the Amalgamated Trade Union of Swaziland (ATUSWA) has signaled that while the negotiations have reached a consensus, formal commentary will only be made once the proposals are officially enacted.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has invited the public to submit written representations on the proposed wages, emphasizing the democratic and consultative process underpinning the changes.
The Road Ahead: Balancing Worker Welfare and Economic Growth
As Eswatini gears up to implement these wage adjustments, questions remain about their long-term impact on the economy. Critics argue that such substantial wage hikes could put pressure on small and medium-sized businesses, potentially affecting their operational viability. On the other hand, proponents see these changes as a necessary step to ensure a fair living wage for workers who have long been underpaid.
While wage hikes are never without their challenges, this move positions Eswatini at a critical juncture in addressing wage inequality, improving worker welfare, and stimulating economic participation from all corners of society.
The next few months will be crucial as industry leaders, unions, and the government collaborate to finalize the proposals and ensure that workers across these key industries benefit from fair compensation without jeopardizing economic stability.
