05 Dec 2022

Trade unions are an important stakeholder in government’s developmental agenda and nation building, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has said.

Officiating at the 43rd National Amalgamated Local and Central Government, Parastatal Workers Union (NALCGPWU) elective conference in Tlokweng on Friday, Dr Masisi said the conference was a sign that the union upheld its constitution and respected the rule of law.

The workers unions, he said, were the largest organised structure within the civil society.

“Let me at this point make it categorically clear that it is our joint responsibility to ensure that the interests of the workers and employers are protected through the formulation of laws that are aligned with international standards,” said President Masisi.

As a member of the tripartite (government, business and Federation of Trade Unions), through Decent Work Country Programme 2020-2024, NALCGPWU is working on coming up with a social protection system for the world of work in the country.

“Let me assure you of the support of government in that regard. I am aware that the tripartite has been working on the amendment of labour laws. I wish to indicate that a National Social Protection Framework (NSPF) has been adopted as a priority under the National Development Plan 11 (NDP 11) to guide all interventions geared towards improving social protection,” said President Masisi.

He said drafting of the proposed employment and labour relations bill was ongoing and would as a matter of priority be tabled before the July 2023 Parliament session.

“I trust that the bill carries what is good for the country as it is a product of the tripartite parties with vested interests in this matter,” he said.

Furthermore, in pursuant of government’s agenda of compliance to international labour standards, Dr Masisi said Botswana recently ratified Convention No. 81 and 129 on labour inspection. 

This, he said, was a demonstration of the country’s commitment towards the protection of workers’ rights and strengthening of the labour administration.

An organisation that lived by its governing structures and rules portrayed respect for the wishes and aspirations of its constituents, he added.

“As a country built on the fundamental principles of democracy, consultation and development, we appreciate your commitment to observing governance principles that you have set for yourselves,” said President Masisi.

He said the elective meeting suggested that beyond addressing important issues concerning the union and labour movement aspirations, there would be elections for office bearers. 

On the theme: Promoting Decent Employment in the Era of Constitution and Labour Legislative Review: Enhancing Social and Security Protection, Dr Masisi said it resonated well with the aspirations of government that aimed at creating decent jobs capable of improving the lives and livelihoods of the people.

He said trade unionism had transformed through the years and therefore it was no longer about the issues of bread and butter. 

The President also expressed gratitude to efforts that trade unions had made, particularly the Manual Workers Union. 

“We are where we are as a country because of your contribution,” added Dr Masisi. Ends