02 May 2023

Unions have been challenged to broaden their horizons by harnessing opportunities that can change the economic landscape.

Giving a keynote address during Labour Day commemoration in Moshupa, motivational speaker Ms Shirlly Abes thus implored unions to be game-changers by venturing into businesses that can sustain employees after retirement.

Ms Abes, who is also gender and mental health activist, said being a game changer involved mindset change and coming up with new business ideas.

However, she said in doing so, employees should ensure  that they do not compromise the quality of service at their respective work domains.

Ms Abes was of the view that occupational therapy was paramount in the workplace to ensure employees were always fit to carry out their daily duties.

She said all workers had equal rights and therefore should shun infringing on other people’s rights so as to create a harmonious working relationship.

She said the work environment should be conducive to enable workers to reach optimum levels of production.

Botswana Public Employees Union chairperson for Moshupa District Mr Shadrack Tshukutswane concurred with Ms Abes that mindset change created opportunities that had the potential to improve livelihoods.

He challenged the bargaining council to take note of workers’ union activities, saying it was important for the council to attend workers’ day activities to fully understand the rights and interests of workers from various levels. Ends