GOVERNMENT has requested trade unions and factory workers to halt their ongoing illegal industrial actions to enable the planned discussions to proceed on Wednesday.

The government’s intervention comes shortly after five people were injured on Monday following mass demonstrations by factory workers both in Maseru and Maputsoe.

Thousands of workers took to the streets demanding, among others that government publish a gazette that would see them earn improved salaries for the first time since 2019.

The demonstrations are spearheaded by different trade unions including the National Clothing Textile and Allied Workers Union (NACTWU), United Textile Employees (UNITE), Lesotho Workers Association (LEWA), Lentsoe La Sechaba Trade Union (LESWA) as well as Construction, Mining and Quarry Trade Union (CMQ) and Lesotho Wholesale, Catering and Allied Workers Union (LEWCAWU).

On Monday four people were arrested after police intervened in the demonstrations, but they were later released through the assistance of organisers.

Earlier that day, a male factory worker was admitted at the Tšepong Hospital with serious injuries after he was run over by a lorry during the protests.

Following these unprecedented incidents, a government subcommittee on Monday had a meeting with the Ministry of Labour and Employment for fact finding.

“This meeting resulted in a number of recommendations to be tabled before Cabinet on Tuesday. Thereafter, the subcommittee will have another meeting with the employers’ organisations and trade unions on Wednesday to discuss cabinet decision on the matter and find a lasting solution.