09 May 2016

The MP for Francistown West, Mr Ignatius Moswaane, has expressed concern at the increasing number of labour-related complaints that have worsened backlog of cases at industrial labour courts.

Mr Moswaane was speaking at a meeting with the Francistown branch of the Botswana Mine Workers Union (BMWU), which previously talked to him about a possible retrenchment at Tati Nickel mines.

BMWU informed the legislator of their displeasure at the Tati Nickel Mining Company’s lack of consultation on issues pertaining to  working conditions.

The union argued that the mine could save some costs by revising some employees salaries, which were as high as P70 000 a month. They alleged that such employees also enjoyed housing, car and entertainment allowances that were much higher than an average employee's monthly salary.

In a recent meeting in Matsiloje, Tati Nickel management said they were fighting hard to keep the remaining jobs. 

The management said it was looking into shifting project base from the Phoenix pit to Selkirk pit. They said studies had shown the latter to be viable with a 10-14 years lifespan compared to the six years lifespan of the Phoenix pit.

The mine was working on a strategy on how they could withstand the tough operational hurdles until 2018.

They said the strategy had been submitted to the board. Upon a report from the mine board, the Tati Nickel management would then be in a good position to tell the union if another retrenchment would come.

Mr Moswaane advised the mine management to apply appropriate channels of communication with BMWU and all stakeholders if there were issues affecting welfare of the workers.

“The government has invested billions of Pula in the mining industry and the total collapse of Botswana’s mining industry would adversely affect the country’s economy. I therefore call upon the mine to keep all stakeholders involved in mining labour issues updated,” he said. ENDS