06 Jun 2022

Unionists should appreciate and embrace the fact that workers’ struggles for improved conditions of work cannot be divorced from politics.

This was said by Member of Parliament for Bobonong Constituency, Mr Taolo Lucas when addressing Botswana Land Boards Local Authorities and Health Workers Union (BLLAHWU) Saturday at Bobonong Sub Land Board conference room.

“If you talk workers’ struggles you can’t play ignorant to how the country is run both politically and economically since this has direct effects on you as a worker,” said Mr Lucas.

The Bobonong legislator also called on those who are disinterested and steering clear of partaking in the running of affairs of the country to reconsider their stances.

He said such workers were misplaced to find themselves first at their employ and secondly at the unions.

“The political and economic landscape of a country affects a worker and that is a given. As such you should develop interest in how your country is governed,” said Mr Lucas.

Mr Lucas further challenged unionists to assess if the country enjoyed participatory democracy. He said in doing so, they should evaluate if Batswana were partaking in voting or even contributing ideas towards the betterment of the government and or country.

Also, the legislator appealed to unionists to assess if the country runs an inclusive economy.

“If you realise that economy is enjoyed by a few while the rest suffer, you then should ponder if the country’s economy is run properly,” the MP said.

For his part, BLLAHWU president, Mr Thatayaone Kesebonye observed that many workers retired into poverty due to paltry salaries.

While paying homage to the veterans of the union, Mr Kesebonye said that even former officers at higher salary grades found themselves struggling economically post retirement.

“What more about those pegged at A and B scales if those retiring at D scale struggle post retirement?” the BLLAHWU leader quizzed rather rhetorically.

“The main mandate of our union is to ensure that we don’t deviate from the conventional mandate being to advocate for improved conditions of work that our members face amid challenges as the high cost of living inter alia,” said Mr Kesebonye.

He challenged the members to ensure their presence at the offices was felt, not just because they are there, but because they are uncompromising in representation of their issues to the employer and supervisors.

“Employers regard BLLAHWU highly because we live true to our ideals of militancy and radicalism” he said adding that some unions were toothless dogs.

BLLAHWU was celebrating 50 years of existence under the theme, “50 years of militancy and radicalism for workers welfare.’

At the event, the union veterans were recognised and also awarded gifts. The union also rewarded young militants.  ENDS