14 Mar 2019

Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU) leader, Ms Masego Mogwera has expressed concerns over alarming cases of summary dismissal of union members.

Consequently, Ms Mogwera implored union members to stay clear of avoidable incidents such as theft, fraud, dishonesty and misappropriation of funds, which offences could lead to their dismissal from work.

Speaking during a BOPEU Serowe Branch meeting March 13, Ms Mogwera found that about 10 to 15 members were dismissed from work monthly with members from the ministries of health and that of basic education leading the pack.

The BOPEU president also informed members that about 48 of them were dismissed from work on a quarterly basis.

She observed that charges of theft and fraud were prevalent at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, where health workers were accused of stealing expensive, vital drugs and selling them to private doctors.

As a result of the cost and vitality of the drugs the employer dismisses the employees on the grounds of endangering the lives of patients, Ms Mogwera said.

In addition to other charges preferred against union members, Ms Mogwera found that cases of fraudulent driver’s licenses were a concern at the ministry of transport while ministry of tertiary education was plugged with cases of fraud, resulting from creation of ghost students. 

At the Ministry of Nationality Immigration and Gender Affairs cases of fraudulent work permits were a concern too.

In defending the members against their employers who, of recent, had closed many of the loopholes that existed before, BOPEU leader found that prospects of success were tapered, especially against overwhelming evidence.

On other issues, BOPEU leader  informed members of the looming elections of the structures of the union such as workplace, branches and regions.

She said the regional executive committee elections would be conducted by Independent Elections Commission to address past complaints of some candidates who cried biasness.

She also informed members that beginning April, trade unions and the employer would begin negotiating conditions of service.

At the time of salary negotiations, trade unions and indeed the employer were not yet armed with submissions to the table, Ms Mogwera clarified.

As a first step, Ms Mogwera said the trade union party, together with the employer,  would tour some districts to appreciate the conditions under which employees work in order to formulate their arguments and or submissions.

Although May Day will be hosted by Francistown region, Ms Mogwera expressed that regions were at liberty to host their commemorations at places of their choices. ENDS