08 May 2022

The chief union negotiator in the salary and conditions of service talks for the next three years, between public unions and the government, Mr Tobokani Rari has expressed appreciation for the government’s non-antagonistic approach to the talks. 

He was briefing the media at the end of successful negotiations in Palapye on Saturday.

“We have observed the behaviour of government over the past two negotiations and would like to appreciate that there has been a lot of improvement. There is a lot of honesty, transparency and candid engagement on the issues,” Mr Rari said.

The chief negotiator on the employer side, Ms Baleseng Hikwama attested to the peaceful negotiations, adding both parties had the best interest of the employee at heart.

She however, said they had a difficult task in that they had to balance the interest of the employee with the performance of the economy, which was currently not doing well.

“We would really want to thank the union party for the support, rapport and the harmonious relationship we have had in this process,” she said.

The parties agreed among others, to an across-the-board salary adjustment of 5 per cent for the financial year 2022/2023 effective April 1; Anacross-the-board salary adjustment of 5 per cent for the financial year 2023/2024 effective April 1, 2023; and an across-the-board salary adjustment of 5 per cent for financial year 2024/2025, effective April 1, 2024. The last adjustment would be subject to performance of the economy and would jointly be reviewed by the parties.  

The negotiations commenced May 3 and concluded on the 7th.

The unions at the negotiating table were Botswana Sectors of Educators and Teachers Union (BOSETU), Botswana Nurses Association (BONU), Botswana Landboard and Local Authorities Workers Union (BLLAWU), Botswana Public Employees’ Nunio (BOPEU) and Botswana Teachers Union BTU. Ends