As the SNAT-NEC, we therefore report as follows;
1. Since this was a courtesy (familiarisation) meeting whose invitation was extended by the Prime Minister, it did not have clearly defined substantive agenda issues other than introductions and exchange of pleasantries by the parties.
2. In his address, the Prime Minister, made a commitment to establish harmonious relations with all social partners (Unions included). He stressed his commitment on ensuring economic improvement through job creation and instilling fiscal discipline to the rest of the Government departments and officers.
3. He stated that negotiations at the Joint Negotiations Forum [JNF] should be engaged upon with all partners thereat exemplifying utmost respect for each other. This, according to him, will be achieved if honesty, transparency and accountability is embraced by both the Government Negotiating Team (GNT) and Public Sector Associations {PSAs}.
4. He also reiterated the ages-long words that have always been preached by the Government that: *the Government is in dire cash liquidity problems.* He also requested his Finance Minister (Mr. Neal) to confirm the Government's financial quagmire and that the Government is in a worse situation this year than it was in 2011.
5. Unions were then allowed to react. Issues that were put forth include the following, amongst others. That;
■ Under no circumstances will workers ever believe and accept the obsolete gospel of Government being in cash liquidity problems when our spending patterns as a country indicate that money is in abundance.
■ That unless and until Government sets correct priorities, our economic problems shall be perennial.
■ That his Government, and himself in particular, should exemplify honesty, transparency and accountability if he is to earn integrity and respect of the Swazi citizens in general and workers in particular.
■ That he should also reflect on a report that was tabled by his predecessor in 2011 which stated that the best way of improving the country's economy is through pumping money into salaries of workers so that the same money can be deposited back to the overall economy. This will be made possible by the fact that the purchasing power of the workers would have been enhanced.
■ That workers will never accept salary cuts and any salary freeze.
As the SNAT-NEC, we therefore made the following analysis;
● That the unprecedented predicament we as workers are in, shall stay with us for a little longer and that tougher times are lying ahead for the workers of this country.
Issued By: The SNAT SG
Date: 09-11-2018
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