30 Oct 2016

Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU) leadership has been described as an important partner in labour relations as well as in the development and growth of the country’s economic prosperity.  

Addressing BFTU leadership during its maiden visit to his office on Thursday, Minister of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo said government could not afford to ignore the important role played by workers through their unions and as such they should be considered partners in development.

He noted that he considered it worthy for him to invite BFTU so that they could come to know each other to facilitate a smooth working environment between them.

 Mr  Mabeo further said he intended to effectively engage BFTU on labour relations issues so that the two could efficiently address problems affecting workers.

Minister Mabeo, however, noted that for the parties to effectively discharge on their duties, they should be transparent with one another and avoid issues that could never lead them to meaningful and mutual achievement.

He further said the two should work towards closing the gap between them so that they could together champion issues affecting workers, adding that workers were an import assert of the country’s economic  growth as well as assisting with various social services in different capacities.

Meanwhile, the president of BFTU, Mr Bohitlhetswe Lentswe thanked the minister for having invited them to discuss issues surrounding labour relations in the country’s workforce.
He said that was a good start more so that workers in this country are facing different and torrid work-related problems.

Mr Lentswe further told the minister that there was an urgent need for employer-employee relations to be addressed, noting that this relationship should be properly managed so that it does not come to the level where productivity will be affected.

On other issues, Mr Lentswe said the country should as a matter of urgency work towards skill development of the workers and align some of the training with what is needed.   

Meanwhile, BFTU secretary general, Mr Gadzani Mhotsha said the country should take the issue of collective bargaining seriously, adding that government should always provide guidance when companies are retrenching unlike in the current scenario where government seem to be just taking the role of a bystander. ENDS