19 Nov 2019

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi says government is committed to building constructive employer/employee relations and transforming Botswana into high performing nation.

Delivering State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) on November 18, President Masisi said in pursuit of public service efficiency, government and public service unions have been working hard to foster good relations. 

He said some notable milestones had been achieved; they included successful conclusion of salary negotiations between government and public service unions.

President Masisi said government was working on development of a public service remuneration policy, the development of a new salary structure with an inter grade differential to facilitate pay for performance and reduce stagnation.

Furthermore, President Masisi said government took a decision on the re-employment of former public service employees who were dismissed as a direct result of having participated in the public service national strike of 2011, noting that so far 229 former employees had submitted requests for re-employment.

He said although some milestones had been achieved, there was still more that needed to be done, noting that the focus should be on the critical outstanding issues relating to the resuscitation of the Public Service Bargaining Council and the review of labour laws.

“I wish to urge relevant parties to speed up the process of concluding this important task,” he said.

President Masisi further said employee safety at the workplace continued to be a challenge, noting that government through its structures was committed to reducing work related injuries and diseases at all cost. Ends