No justice in matter - ATUSWA’s Mkhonza
MBABANE - Amalgamated Trade Union of Swaziland (ATUSWA) Secretary General (SG) Wonder Mkhonza said he was well aware of the matter of the textile workers.
Mkhonza said the matter was still causing challenges for the textile and apparel workers union.
He said justice has not been served on the matter as a number of the affected Tex Ray victims died without being compensated.
Mkhonza also said they were concerned that a chemical accident of that magnitude can go on for years without any punitive measures to the company.
Narrating the events after the accident, Mkhonza said ATUSWA was on the forefront until they were removed from the case, citing there was a difference between Swaziland Manufacturing and Allied Workers Union (SMAWU) and ATUSWA.
BArred
However, the SG said they were systematically barred from pursuing the matter.
He further disclosed that at the height of the challenge of the chemical spillage, a professional occupational health specialist conducted an in-depth audit of the factory and those who were affected.
He alleges that as far as he can recall, the occupational health specialist produced reports and recommendations on the damages and remedies to be followed.
Mkhonza further disclosed that there were compromises that were made with the government where the individual employees who were due for medical check-ups were to be transported.
“Unfortunately, the government never lived up to the promises made on the compromises that were there while the issue was being pursued with the courts,” said Mkhonza.
He said the compromise that was made at that time was due to the threats that were made where companies were closing shop after the accident.
However, the SG said the issue of compensation was not shelved as it was with the courts and the judgment had
never been released. He said as a union despite being removed from the case they were eagerly awaiting the judgment.