04 May 2014

Member of Parliament for Selebi Phikwe East, Mr Nonofho Molefhi, recently called on trade unions to collaborate with government to make sure that employees are provided with a safe working environment.

He encouraged both parties to always carry out checks, researches and investigations to ensure that workplaces are always safe.

Mr Molefhi, who is also Minister of Transport and Communications, was addressing employees from government, parastatals and non-governmental organizations during the May Day celebrations organized by Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU) at the Selebi Phikwe Town Hall on May 1.

The workers day event was held under the theme “protecting workers from hazardous chemical exposure through strong regulation enforcement and union rights.” Mr Molefhi said policies and procedures should be put in place to ensure that employers provide a safe working environment for employees.

He explained that employees are bound not be productive if they work under poor conditions or questionable environments which will negatively affect their productivity and contribution to the national economy.

“Government is making progress in setting up policies and regulations to ensure safety in the workplace and protect the environment.

These include regulations in waste management, radiation control and use of chemicals,” he said.

He further urged BFTU to also make further researches and enquiries on safety in the workplace and how to better protect workers from hazardous chemical exposure. For his part, President of BFTU Mr Bohitlhetswe Lentswe said the workers day is celebrated annually to observe workers’ rights and present an opportunity for unions to reflect on their achievements and challenges.

He urged unions to ensure that employees do their work in a safe environment and lobby government to institute workplace policies, procedures and regulations that must be adhered to by both employer and employees.

BFTU Secretary General Mr Ghazani Mhotsha also gave a brief history of the May Day celebrations.

He challenged all workers to promote workers’ rights and urged unions to fight for oppressed workers like maids, herd boys and farm workers. ENDS