02 May 2018

Workers across the country converged in various places to receive labour messages marking the International Labour Day commemoration.

In Kanye, workers gathered at Masekou open space where the former teacher at Motsatsing Primary School in Kanye, Mr Elias Rantleru emphasised the need for workers to come together and share their concerns.

Mr Rantleru raised a concern about workers who preferred to go to the cattle post or stay at their homes instead of celebrating the day with other colleagues.

He said workers had the right to voice out their grievances about their daily duties.

He however indicated that some workers when promoted to higher posts started to keep quiet and never say anything about their rights as workers.

Mr Rantleru thus urged public servants to join trade unions to help negotiate with the employer on their behalf.

Another speaker, Mr Moagi Digwa who is also a teacher, read a message from Botswana Federation of Public Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU) chairperson, Mr Johannes Tshukudu.

Mr Tshukudi requested President Mokgweetsi Masisi to increase salaries for public servants due to the high cost of living.

Mr Digwa said the message mentioned that working environment was unsafe as office buildings and government houses were dilapidated.

He said trade unions should be given a chance to negotiate freely and fairly with the employer.

Various speakers, including some councillors in Kanye, complained about what they called low salaries paid to public officers. ENDS