04 Dec 2024

The Minister for State President, Mr Moeti Mohwasa, emphasis undered the government’s dedication to revitalising the Public Service Bargaining Council (PSBC) during his keynote address at the Botswana Public Employee Union (BOPEU) elective congress on Tuesday.

Mr Mohwasa highlighted the significance of the PSBC in safeguarding and advancing the interests of BOPEU members.

“The government fully recognises the importance of the PSBC as it enables trade unions to engage meaningfully on matters relating to employees’ conditions of service, remuneration packages, allowances, and other human resource policies and procedures,” he stated.

Acknowledging the recommendations for amending National Labour legislation to align with International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions since 2018, Mr Mohwasa reiterated the government’s commitment to reviewing and amending the Public Service Act, as well as developing and refining salary structures and human resource policies.

The minister also expressed the government’s intention to adhere to international best practices in establishing a robust industrial relations environment. 

He encouraged BOPEU members to collaborate with the government to construct a new Botswana that prioritises human rights, enhances livelihoods, improves service delivery, and fosters social dialogue.

“We view unions as partners and have no interest in dividing them,” he said, urging unions to implement educational programmes aimed at instilling workers’ class ideology among their members for greater solidarity in advancing class-based interests.

Addressing challenges faced by workers, Mr Mohwasa openly invited collaboration to tackle these issues, including corruption, which he identified as a significant obstacle to Botswana’s economic growth. “For Botswana’s economy to grow to a high-income state, we must confront corruption head-on,” he stated.

On the issue of productivity in public service, he noted that enhancing productivity was essential for improving livelihoods across the nation. He emphasised that if there were expectations for increased wages and salaries, there must also be a commitment to greater productivity.

In response, BOPEU President Ms Masego Mogwera assured the newly elected government that BOPEU members would serve diligently and efficiently, expressing confidence in the government’s commitment to social justice and the protection of human rights. 

However, she lamented the rising number of dismissals among BOPEU members, stating that while employers often hold blame, members must maintain integrity and professionalism despite inadequate procedures or controls in service provision.

Ms Mogwera highlighted several pending issues requiring urgent attention, including the resuscitation of the bargaining council, the unionisation of prison services, compliance with court orders, a renewed commitment to social dialogue, implementation of the PEMANDU recommendations, and the introduction of gender quotas for improved gender representation.

The BOPEU congress is being held under the theme: Promoting Decent Work Under the New Social Contract. Ends