18 Feb 2019

Parliament has been informed that following the Ministry of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development joint factory and labour inspection at Shana Gas in Phakalane on February 8, 2018, the employer was advised to give all employees protective clothing with immediate effect.

Minister Tshenolo Mabeo told Parliament  that the inspection established that although employees were provided with protective clothing, the provision was not adequate as some employees were not provided with all the necessary items.

He said the feedback received from the employer was that all employees had been given protective clothing with the exception of only three employees who were waiting for the supply of protective boots.

Mr Mabeo said the employees, who also worked overtime, were given time off in lieu of payment and advised that the practice was not in conformity with Section 95(5) of the Employment Act.

He said the employer was, therefore, advised to pay for overtime worked and he undertook to comply.

Furthermore, he noted that the employer confirmed that there was no risk allowance paid to employees since there was no provision for payment of risk allowance in the Employment Act.

The minister, however, said the employer and employees were advised to take the issue up as part of the collective bargaining process.

Gaborone North MP, Mr Haskins Nkaigwa had asked the minister if he was aware that employees of Shana Gas in Phakalane were working without safety equipment, and if so, what was being done to address the anomaly.

He also said the employees were working long hours without overtime pay, and not paid risk allowance despite the type of work they did. ENDS