03 May 2016

The Minister of Infrastructure Science and Technology, Mr Nonofho Molefhi said trade unions should work hand in hand with the employer in order to reach a consensus on labour issues.

Addressing attendants during the commemoration of May Day in Selebi Phikwe on Sunday, Mr Molefhi who is also Member of Parliament for Selebi Phikwe East said dialogue between the employer and trade unions was the way forward instead of engaging in conflict which could serve as a setback.

He said the government was always prepared to engage in dialogue with trade unions to resolve labour issues rather than through litigation. 

He also mentioned that if issues ended up in court, both parties should adhere to the law and always respect the decision made by the courts. 

He said resolving labour issues should be done in a transparent manner.

Mr Molefhi noted that through dialogue trade unions and the employer could also share ideas and knowledge on labour issues.

He also urged union members to always familiarize themselves with the law and labour related matters. 

Meanwhile, the President of the Botswana Congress Party, Mr Dumelang Saleshando said a milestone has been made with regards to labour relations in Botswana.  

He said the unionization of the public sector and establishment of the bargaining council showed that progress had been made and this milestone needed to be acknowledged.

However, he said that there were gaps that needed to be filled in labour relations discipline and mentioned that proper bargaining council mechanisms needed to be in place.

He went on to state that workers should unite in order to be heard as one voice instead of pulling in opposite directions.

The president of BOFEPUSU Mr Johannes Tshukudu said as the journey to achieve better conditions of service for employees continued, trade unions needed to stand together as a unit.

He also mentioned that civil servants needed to be included or consulted in all decisions that government made regarding wages and working conditions. Ends