By Thokozani Mazibuko
A noticeable wave of strike actions has swept across numerous Standard Bank branches throughout the country, significantly impacting banking operations and services.
Employees from the Nhlangano Branch have joined their colleagues in the nationwide protest, demonstrating outside their workplace to demand a cost-of-living adjustment (CoLA) amid rising living costs.
Reports indicate that the strike has led to slow-moving services within the affected branches, with management stepping in to assist customers as employees remain outside advocating for their rights.
The ongoing demonstrations signal growing frustrations among bank employees who seek a 7.5% adjustment to their salaries to better align with the current economic climate.
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In addition to the Nhlangano Branch, other key branches participating in the strike include the Corporate Place branch in Mbabane and the Manzini Branch.
Employees at these locations are united in their call for fair wages that reflect the increasing costs of daily living, echoing concerns shared across various industries within the country.
“We cannot ignore the challenges we face as employees while the cost of living continues to rise,” one protestor stated.
“We are here to demand what is rightfully ours—a fair adjustment that allows us to sustain our families and meet our basic needs.”
In Siteki, Eswatini Daily News sources have disclosed that some services of the bank were unavailable as there was only one ATM operating.
It is worth mentioning that the current strike actions highlight a broader trend among workers in Eswatini, who are increasingly vocal about their demands for better working conditions and fair compensation.
Similar movements have been observed in other sectors, reflecting a nationwide call for attention to the economic pressures faced by employees.
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It should be noted that as Standard Bank employees continue their demonstrations, the public awaits the outcome of negotiations, hoping for a resolution that balances the needs of both the workforce and the banking institution.
At the moment the situation remains dynamic, and further updates are anticipated as the strike progresses.
Standard Bank Eswatini Strike Action Update;
All services will be available
Standard Bank Eswatini has acknowledged the ongoing strike action of employees led by their Union, the Swaziland Union of Financial Institutions and Allied Workers (SUFIAW).
The Bank in a statement said at this stage, it is willing and remains open to continuous negotiations regarding the current offer and respects the prerogative of staff to exercise their rights.
“The Management of the Bank wishes to state that all services at the bank will continue.
Therefore, we appeal to our customers and the public to note that there will be no disruptions to services.
We further would like to encourage our customers to make use of our digital channels and our contact centre via 25175300 for remote assistance,” said Chief Executive, Mvuselelo Fakudze in a statement.
