19 Aug 2026

Government and six public service trade unions have reached a settlement agreement over the implementation of changes to the local per diem arrangement and the Leadership Transformation Programme.

In a press release, the Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM) announced that the agreement follows an urgent application filed by the unions at the Lobatse High Court, seeking, among other things, to stop the implementation of the two programmes.

The agreement, which was made an order of the court on August 17, provides for continued consultations between government and the unions on the two matters.

Under the agreement, government will not implement the local per diem arrangement scheduled to take effect on September 1 for members of the six unions, as well as public officers in the D band and below who fall under collective bargaining.

The release further says the implementation will remain on hold pending meaningful consultations with the recognised trade unions.

The unions involved are the Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU), Botswana Doctors Union (BDU), Botswana Nurses Union (BONU), Botswana Teachers Union (BTU), Botswana Landboards, Local Authorities and Health Workers Union (BLLAHWU) and Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union (BOSETU).

Government is required to provide the unions with written reasons for the proposed changes to the local per diem arrangement and the Leadership Transformation Programme by close of business on August 19.

The unions will then submit their representations by August 26, with the parties expected to meet by August 28 to consider their respective positions. Government will thereafter make a final decision on the proposed changes to the local per diem arrangement.

Meanwhile, government remains at liberty to proceed with the Leadership Transformation Programme for members of the executive cadre who are eligible to benefit from opportunities under the programme.

According to the release, for public officers, on the D1 scale and below, the parties are required to meet by September 28 to discuss the proposed implementation before a final decision is made.

DPSM says government welcomed the settlement, saying it affirms its position that employment matters affecting public officers are best resolved through meaningful social dialogue and constructive engagement.

Government has also reaffirmed its commitment to working with public service unions as important social partners and said stakeholders will continue to be updated on developments arising from the consultations and implementation processes. ENDS