02 May 2019

Minister of Employment, Labor Productivity and Skills Development, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo says the commemoration of Labour Day presents a great opportunity for political parties, trade unions and government officials to interact by sharing ideas on issues that affect workers in the country.

Giving a vote of thanks at the Labour Day Commemoration, Mr Mabeo said the initiative was brought together by the desire to promote decent work.
He said the four pillars of decent work entailed employment creation, social dialogue, social protection and right of work, which uphold the interests of government workers and their employers.

Mr Mabeo said workers were at a point where they could see the value of their interaction, adding that some of the main milestones in the union’s journey were the review of all labour laws and development of a decent work programme.

He further said that the labour laws committee was nearing conclusion of consultation on the proposals to review labour laws. Mr Mabeo said different stakeholders had made sure that both the government and stakeholders were working towards a common goal.

For his part, secretary general of African Trade Union Unity, Mr Arezki Mezhoud emphasised the need not to ignore the roles of workers in the development of the country.

He said the workers must be recognised and that May Day should come as a reminder that workers are heard by improving their economic status in any given country.

He said what is happening in other African countries required the promotion of dialogue between the government and the workers.

Mr Mezhound commended trade unions in Botswana for a selfless fight for worker’s rights and appealed to government to take heed of their concerns. ENDS