Polihali workers set for strike over wage deadlock

Workers at Kopano Ke Matla, the joint venture spearheading the construction of the Polihali-to-Katse tunnel under Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, will down tools on Wednesday after salary negotiations collapsed.

Lesotho Workers Association Secretary General, Hlalefang Seoaholimo, confirmed the industrial action, saying negotiations for wage increments and better working conditions had reached a deadlock. He said workers had demanded a M13 increase for those earning M29 and less per day, and a M10 raise for those earning M50 and above.

Mr Seoaholimo lamented that some employees earn as little as M17 for nine hours of work, describing the wages as exploitative, especially under current economic conditions. He said expectations that the Polihali Dam project would transform lives have been dashed, calling it one of the worst-paying sectors.

Despite the looming strike, Mr Seoaholimo said the workers remain open to negotiations, while the matter is also pending before the Directorate of Dispute Prevention and Resolution.